CUPPING

Gwyneth Paltrow displayed her faith in the therapeutic power of cupping when she appeared at a film premiere with a line of circular blotches on her back. Chinese swimmers at the Beijing Olympic Games sported the same telltale marks.

How does cupping work?

Cupping treats illness and pain by using suction to improve the flow of Qi in the meridians. It also helps to move blood and lymphatic fluid where there is stagnation within the body.

How is cupping applied?

'Cups' are glass vessels that come in different sizes and look rather like miniature goldfish bowls. The traditional method is to heat each one in turn, then quickly place it on an acupuncture point or an area of the body that is causing pain. Because the heat creates a vacuum, your skin and the underlying tissue are sucked inside and blood rushes to the area. Hence the circular blotches.

What can cupping treat?

Cupping is a simple and effective technique that can be used alone or in combination with other acupuncture techniques. Amongst other benefits it can

• dispel cold and damp from your body, leaving you feeling thoroughly refreshed and energised
• relieve pain and swelling in joints and muscles
• help you recover from sprains, strains and injuries (e.g. whiplash)
• alleviate gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and diarrhoea.
• treat colds, coughs, asthma
• improve skin conditions such as eczema