Chinese cupping at the Olympics

The current Olympics in China are bringing many Chinese customs and traditions to the mind of Americans. And Chinese medicine is just the same.

Here is a picture of one of the Chinese swimmers who just had a cupping session for back pain. Cupping is an ancient therapy which reduces pain and promotes healing by increasing the circulation. In the procedure is quite simple and effective. A vacuum is created in a cup through the use of a small flame. The cup is “stuck” to the patients body, creating small round bruises. The cups stay on for about 5-10 minutes.

It is a great therapy, I do it all the time.