The glass cup is different from the pottery jar, as it comes in a variety of sizes. The glass cup is unique in that it is transparent, and skin reactions can be easily observed and controlled. On the downside, it is delicate, which can be easily broken.
Glass Cupping Therapy is a traditional healing practice that uses glass cups to create suction on the skin, aiming to promote blood circulation, reduce pain, and enhance the body's natural healing process. The therapy involves placing cups on specific areas of the body, typically on the back, shoulders, or legs, where they are suctioned onto the skin.
Here's how it works:
Preparation: First, the therapist might use heat or a pump to create a vacuum inside the glass cups. The heat can be applied by briefly lighting a cotton ball soaked in alcohol and placing it inside the cup, removing the oxygen to create the suction. Alternatively, a mechanical pump can be used to remove air from the cups.
Application: The glass cups are then placed on the skin, where the suction gently pulls the skin and underlying tissues into the cup. This creates a vacuum effect, stimulating blood flow and promoting the body's self-healing response.
Duration: The cups typically remain in place for about 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the treatment goals. Sometimes, the therapist may gently move the cups across the skin for a massage-like effect, known as "moving cupping."
Effects: The therapy is thought to help relieve muscle tension, reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, and improve blood flow. It may also aid in detoxification by drawing impurities to the surface of the skin, which can then be removed by the body.
Post-Treatment: After the cups are removed, there might be circular marks or bruising on the skin, which is a normal response and typically fades in a few days.
Glass cupping therapy is often used in conjunction with other forms of traditional healing, such as acupuncture or herbal treatments, and is common in traditional Chinese medicine and other holistic practices.