Cupping or baguan is an ancient Chinese medical practice akin to massage whereby a vacuum is created inside glass or bamboo cups via rapid insertion and removal of a lit alcohol soaked cotton ball; the cups are then placed upon the skin to create a suction effect, stimulating Qi and blood flow and easing muscle tension. If oil is applied beforehand, the cups can be moved around the body in a gliding motion to enhance the flow of energy.

Cupping is commonly used in Asia for colds and flus and is especially popular for children as a natural flu remedy.

For those who have an aversion to needles, cupping is an excellent introduction to the world of traditional Chinese medicine and acupoint stimulation.

Guasha

GuaSha or ‘scraping away disease’ is similar to cupping except that instead of the vacuum effect from glass and bamboo cups, a thin polished oxbone is scraped along the body to move Qi and blood, clear toxins and relieve muscle tension. In some cases, a porcelain spoon can be used in lieu of an oxbone.

Traditionally, GuaSha is used to dispel fevers and alleviate acute infectious diseases; in fact, recent research from a group at Harvard University reported that GuaSha induces the body’s own anti oxidant and cytoprotective abilities.

Given the natural and non drug nature that is GuaSha therapy, this treatment makes it ideal for individuals who’re unable to take herbal medications due to compromised digestive functions. A case study in 2011 reported that GuaSha therapy administered to a chronic Hepatitis B patient reduced chronic inflammation and conferred the potential for liver healing given the increase in hepatoprotective agents.