Cupping

“Cupping (ventuze): dry cupping on an adult back, by trained hands. Fire cupping at home we do not do anymore. Aconite and bryony rubs: poison.”

“Cupping (拔罐, báguàn). Cups of glass, bamboo or plastic held on the skin by suction, from a flame (fire cups) or a pump, left still or slid over oiled skin. The tradition uses it for aches, stiff backs and shoulders, and at the start of a cold. It leaves round purple-red marks for days. Harms: burns (most cupping burns happen at home, with overheated fire cups), blisters, skin infection, scars, and blood loss with wet cupping, where small cuts are made under the cup.”

“The marks. Cupping and gua sha marks on children have been mistaken for abuse, and doctors may be obliged to report such marks. Never on children, not with blood thinners, and tell your doctor about them.”

“The elderly. The books describe the temperament of old age as cold and dry, with a cold and moist stomach. They advise warm and moist foods, eating more often, and avoiding cupping and bloodletting. Food-level advice only, and the elderly on medicines ask the apotheek before anything from the shelf.”