Cupping is the modern term for an ancient medical treatment popular in Asian and Arab cultures. In the spectrum of holistic or alternative medicine, cupping is in the same region as acupuncture and blodletting, and acupreasure. Many times, these different techniques are used in combination for maximum benefit. 

 

The cups themselves resemble an upside down fish bowl. A heat source is used to eliminate oxygen therefore creating a suction. The practitioner swiftly places the glass cups on the patients point of pain.  

 

Cupping creates a series of blood-infused raised sections on a patient's skin. It is believed that this creates a negative energy flow which can counter act the current state of stagnation. Cupping creates significant bruising directly under the cups themselves. Lubricants are used to allow the cups to be moved across the patient's body

 

Cupping is most often used to alleviate symptoms of systemic diseases and conditions such as asthma, arthritis, bronchitis and abdominal pains. Some patients also seek treatment for neuromuscular or muscularskeletal ailments, since the cupping process draws up skin and some subcutaneous muscle layers. Cupping is often used to enhance a previous acupuncture treatment or in conjunction with a bloodletting procedure. 

 

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  Moxibustion in general has more or less the same efficacy as acupuncture. It has been used to treat asthma, diarrhea, peptic ulcer, rheumatism of muscles and joints, hyper-tension, menstrual disorders, and menopause. It has also been shown to increase the production of white blood cells. Research has shown that the white cell count rises immediately after application of moxibustion and remains elevated for days afterwards. The production of red blood cells and hemoglobin increases after moxibustion as well. Experiments show improvement in blood and lymph circulation after treatment. Due to those biochemical changes moxibustion is effective for internal chronic ailments.

 Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique which involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. It is often paired in treatment with acupuncture. The purpose of moxibustion is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of energy, and maintain general health. Moxibustion has been used for thousands of years throughout Asia and is used by practitioners around the world today.