Cupping
Chinese Medicine Cupping
The therapy of cupping has been used in China for thousands of years. At first it was applied using cattle horns or cross sections of bamboo. To create negative pressure inside the horn or bamboo these ancient ‘cups’ where boiled in water or fire was ignited to expel the air and suck the cups onto the skin. These cups were used mostly to draw out pus and blood in the treatment of boils. Cupping was originally used as an auxiliary method in traditional Chinese surgery. Later it was found to be useful in treating other diseases and developed into a special therapeutic method.
The earliest record of cupping is in the Bo Shu (an ancient book written on silk), which was discovered in a tomb of the Han Dynasty. Several other ancient texts mention Chinese medicine cupping. Several centuries later another famous medical classic, Su Sen Liang Fang, recorded an effective cure for chronic cough and the successful treatment of poisonous snake bites using cupping therapy.
Through several thousand years of accumulated clinical experience, the clinical applications of cupping have become increasingly wide. Now Chinese medicine cupping is used to treat arthritic symptoms, asthma, the common cold, chronic cough, indigestion problems and some skin conditions.
There is a saying in China: “Acupuncture and cupping, more than half of the ills cured.” Zhao Xue Ming, a doctor practicing more than 200 years ago, compiled a book entitled Ben Cong Gang Mu She Yi, in which he describes in detail the history and origin of different kinds of cupping and cup shapes, functions and applications.
In mainland China the development of cupping therapy has been rapid. In the 1950’s the clinical efficacy of cupping was confirmed by the co-research of China and acupuncturists from the former Soviet Union, and was established as an official therapeutic practice in hospitals all over China.
Today, as more people (including Gwyneth) seek alternative therapies to deal with their health problems, the use of traditional Chinese medicine, including cupping is increasing. Much of the cupping equipment and methods used today are exactly the same as they were in ancient times. Some electronic or mechanized pumps have been invented, and suction cups introduced, but to a great extent the majority of people practicing cupping today still use horn, bamboo or glass cups. One reason that cupping techniques remain the same as in ancient times is due to the fact that, with the exception of a handful of acupuncture practitioners, cupping is generally practiced in rural area where no or very little modern medicine is available.
Cupping affects the flow of Qi and blood. It helps draw out and eliminate pathogenic factors such as wind, cold, damp and heat. Cupping also moves Qi and Blood and opens the pores of the skin, thus precipitating the removal of pathogens through the skin itself.
My first experience of cupping was when I had a bad cold and my acupuncturist applied cups to my back. First my back was rubbed with fragrant oil and, as I lay face down, the cups were applied. I could feel their edges digging into my flesh and then a gentle warmth and release as my skin was pulled up and away from my body. Once the cups were firmly in place and sucking up my skin, the practitioner moved them up and down my back. (This is called walking cups.) I was left to rest with the cups on my back. Once I got up from the table I felt much improved, the heaviness in my chest was gone and I had bright purple suction cup marks along my back, not unlike Gwyneth Paltrow in the photo of her – post cupping. The purple marks didn’t hurt or bother me at all. They disappeared after a couple days along with my cold. Cupping provided relief from my cough and effective treatment of my cold.
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Moxibustion, One of the Pillars of Treatment in Chinese Medicine at Chiva-Som International Health Resorts
Holistic remedies help thousands of people worldwide to overcome problems ranging from more serious diseases to the common cold. Holistic Therapist Nitchara Yimsuk answers some frequently asked questions, and tips us off about a versatile treatment called moxibustion.
What does holistic mean?
In holistic treatments we look at the whole person – physical, emotional and spiritual – rather than just treating the symptoms of the problem. We consider a person’s mind and body, diet and exercise, lifestyle and relationships, work and leisure, achievements and problems. Imbalances in any of these areas can contribute to illness.
Where do holistic treatments come from?
Holistic medicine is also known as alternative, integrative or complementary medicine, as it complements conventional practices. It may include, but is not limited to, the following disciplines: spiritual, religious, newly developed approaches to healing or pre-modern medical traditions. Chinese medicine, for instance, follows the holistic principle.
How do they work?
There are many approaches, from energy healing to the use of natural and plant products. The Taoist principles, on which Chinese medicine is based, stress the oneness of everything, the inseparability of solid matter and energy, the fact that there is a common source of all phenomena and experience.
What are some of Chiva-Som’s most popular holistic treatments?
The Detox Retreat is popular. It includes the Cleansing Diet, Colonic Hydrotherapy, Chi Nei Tsang and Acupressure Reflexology. Also high on the list are Flower Essence, Homeopathy and Moxibustion.
What is Moxibustion?
It’s a treatment from Traditional Chinese Medicine in which the herb Moxa Punk is burned on or above the skin at acupuncture points. Sometimes we use other herbs.
How does it work?
The heat warms the blood and the qi (the life force), which improves the flow within the energy channels of the body. Sometimes Moxibustion is recommended as a stand-alone treatment, at others it has a synergistic effect with acupuncture.
Why is it so effective?
The Moxa leaf is bitter and acrid and its nature is pure Yang. Depending on the amount used it produces a gentle warmth or a strong heat and expels cold and dampness.
What is Moxibustion recommended for?
It’s varied. It may be used in the treatment of acute diseases, cold syndromes, diseases of the channel and exterior syndromes, or chronic syndromes and diseases of the viscera (the internal organs). It’s frequently applied in treating arthralgia due to wind-cold-dampness. Also Yang collapse syndrome; Chronic Dysentery, Asthma, Phlegm Retention and Flaccidity Syndrome. It’s also good for some external syndromes, such as carbuncles and the common cold. Additionally, it can work in general health maintenance and disease prevention.
We hear it’s also useful in pregnancies?
Yes, Moxibustion has been used for centuries in China to turn breech babies. The theory behind this practice is that the heat travels up the bladder meridian, which is linked to the uterus. Additionally, it’s useful in treating some Gynaecological Diseases – such as Dysmenorrhea, Prolapse of the uterus, and Leucorrhoea – and Infantile Diseases, including Enuresis and Diarrhoea. Moxibustion is very versatile.
What are the latest holistic treatments that Chiva-Som is offering?
Vacuum-Cupping Massage and the Emotional Freedom technique are both new, and also Maya Massage, which is part of the Detox Retreat offered in the Spa.
How can people find out more about these remedies?
They can consult the website (www.chivasom.com), where there’s a list of holistic treatments and a brief description of each, or they can visit us here at Chiva-Som. All guests are welcome, and we are willing to make initial consultations for every individual who comes.
Our team of Naturopath Doctors and Practitioners work in a very secluded and peaceful environment.
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Training in Traditional Chinese Medicine
To earn your masters in acupuncture and Oriental medicine (MSTOM), training in traditional Chinese medicine entails anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, acupuncture and Oriental medicine (fundamentals, diagnosis, and treatment); acupuncture point locations, applications and theory; acupuncture and needling techniques; auricular acupuncture (ear acupuncture), Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Chinese herbology, Eastern nutrition, Tuina, moxibustion, cupping, and more.
If you’re interested in becoming a professional doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine (DAOM) practitioner, comprehensive training in traditional Chinese medicine is critical. While courses vary with respect to prerequisites, general doctorate programs require a great deal of commitment; usually over 1,200 training hours. In addition to philosophies, principles and training in traditional Chinese medicine (and advanced studies of the masters program), coursework includes family medicine, medical Chinese language, and application of Chinese classics, among others.
Some training in traditional Chinese medicine colleges includes associate and bachelor degree programs as well. These courses are often geared toward Eastern holistic health, nutrition, and herbal medicine.
If you’re strapped for time but want to acquire some training in traditional Chinese medicine, you can apply to one of the many Asian bodywork or Tuina certification programs. In addition to learning about anatomy and physiology, students enrolled in these programs gain training in traditional Chinese medicine theories and philosophies, instrumental Tuina hand and structural techniques, Shiatsu, acupressure, Qi Gong, as well as basic CPR and first aid.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other TCM programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore training in traditional Chinese medicine near you.
Training in Traditional Chinese Medicine
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