Wellness Presentation on Fire Cupping
Relevance: The use of cupping personally has been as a pre-treatment for massage. When cups are applied prior to massage, the effects seem to last longer than just one type of treatment. The cups hit deeper and relax the upper tissue so that deeper healing can happen in a shorter amount of time and with less effect on the therapist’s body mechanics. Fire cupping for wellness is a great way to relax into a deep therapy, connect with the element of fire, and in conjunction with other therapies like acupuncture, massage, and aromatherapy, achieve a state of homeostasis.
Cupping is a healing modality that supports wellness and can be dated back as far as 3000BC with the Egyptians. The Greeks, Romans, & Chinese have all had anthropological remains of cupping in their history. Cups were made out of horn, pottery or bamboo, and utilized steam and or oral sucking to produce the blood stasis needed to form the localized healing. They would utilize cupping for snake bites, boils and general malaise to rid the body of these toxins. The Chinese used the acupuncture points with cups like they did with needles or use both at the same time.
Personally, I suffer from pinched nerves and migraines. I have literally tried everything. A friend introduced me to fire and cupping and I have had great results. I also use it on friends and family. I usually start by applying a fire wand to the skin to heat up the muscle and surface tissue. I feel where the cups need to go, or if someone tells me there are issues, that is where the cups are placed. I do follow a basic design and alter as needed. My son, who is 13, does karate and asks for cups when his muscles hurt from strain or growing pains. Cups can be placed anywhere that is fairly flat. I do try to stick to acupressure points as it gives a greater therapeutic experience. Once the cups are placed sound or vibration can be applied, or the cups can be moved along the muscle groups to encompass more of a deep tissue effect. If a person is particularly negative or is going thru some stress, I will also utilize my Spiritual background and burn sage on the cup, usually on the base cup. The sage is the best way I know to clear the space and send prayers to creator. Since glass is a conductor it is vitally important to express only good intent as with any healing touch therapy.
I practice with a very specific set up, and because I work with an open flame I have a 3-part safety. I use a welder’s blanket under my table, I have a duvetyn within arm’s reach & a wet towel. I always put a cotton towel under my person. I always work on natural fibers. If a drop of flame gets on the towel it does not hurt anything. But if a drop of flame gets on polyester, it may melt to the person and cause burns. I also make sure I steer clear of spider veins. If someone is on Coumadin, Lovonox, or any blood thinners I do not leave the cups on as long as I normally would. If the cups are left on too long and they are on blood thinners, the bruising or even bleeding would not be good for the person. There are many different types of modern cups, plastic, silicone or glass. I primarily only use glass. I use wands made by my mentor that are fondue forks bent and wrapped with cotton & gauze. I only use 70% alcohol, anything else either doesn’t burn or burns too hot.
I have worked on people with fibro, War Vets, muscle pain, emotional pain, severe acne, TMJ, poison ivy, spider bites, foreign bodies embedded in the dermis, recent surgery, motorcycle accident victims, and people who are just curious about fire and want the experience. The general feedback has been very positive and people come back for more. It is acceptable to have cups done once a week.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupping_therapy & http://www.itmonline.org/arts/cupping.htm
I have been practicing for over 2 years