One of the reasons why cupping therapy is often coupled with acupuncture is that both treatments follow the body's natural meridian lines, which are believed to be the pathways through which the body's "life energy," or "qi," flows. Since it is traditionally used on the back, this therapy follows the back's five meridian lines, which is meant to both align and relax the qi and open up all the channels through which energy flows. "Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available." "It is thought to affect tissues up to four inches deep from the external skin. Toxins can be released, blockages can be cleared, and veins and arteries can be refreshed within these four inches of affected materials. Even hands, wrists, legs, and ankles can be 'cupped,' thus applying the healing to specific organs that correlate with these points." This therapy has also been effectively used to treat lung and respiratory conditions, including asthma symptoms and the common cold. In fact, respiratory ailments are among the earliest recorded conditions for which cupping therapy was deemed beneficial. - naturalnews.com
THE MECHANISMS OF CUPPING
There are several theories on the mechanisms of cupping. Skin is well vascularized – meaning it has a rich blood supply, and the applied suction has been found to increase circulation through dilating capillaries causing them to rupture – which causes the tell-tale circular bruises – and to promote lymphatic circulation. Cupping also exerts a positive effect on regulating the immune system and controlling inflammatory processes.