Over the summer I did something seriously stupid. After a moms’ night out, I passed out with the AC blowing directly into my face and by morning I had the worst kink in my neck that I’ve ever felt. I’m not exaggerating. By the time I woke up I couldn’t turn my neck in any direction and even lifting my head off of the pillow was a painful tastk. I immediately went for a massage in the hopes that it’d help me turn my neck. It didn’t… Then a colleague suggested fire cupping (báguàn 拔罐). I was in so much pain that I was willing to try anything at that point, so I found a fire cupping place on Dianping and off I went.
They say that fire cupping doesn’t hurt at all. It’s not true… While it’s not pain that you can’t tolerate, there’s definitely a level of discomfort as the cups are literally suctioned onto your back. But, fortunately, it doesn’t last too long, and a few deep breathing exercises will get you through it. And the best part? You can immediately feel a difference. I was able to turn my neck relatively painlessly right away after my fire-cupping session.
So what is fire cupping? It’s an ancient therapeutic practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has gained popularity in modern times for its potential health benefits. This centuries-old technique involves placing glass or silicone cups on the skin and creating a vacuum by briefly introducing heat or flame, creating suction. It’s believed to promote the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood throughout the body. The practitioner creates suction within the cups by introducing a flame into each cup and quickly placing it on the skin, or by using a mechanical pump. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum, gently pulling the skin upward into the cup.
The suction created by fire cupping is thought to stimulate blood circulation, release tension in muscles and connective tissues, and encourage the flow of vital energy. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that stagnation or blockages of qi can lead to various health issues, and cupping aims to address these imbalances.
Fire cupping is often used to alleviate muscle stiffness, spasms, and general pain. The suction helps improve blood flow to the affected area, promoting faster healing.
In TCM it’s believed to help remove toxins from the body by increasing blood circulation and encouraging the lymphatic system to eliminate waste. Cupping on the back is thought to assist with respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis by promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation.
By enhancing blood flow, fire cupping may contribute to better overall circulation, benefiting heart health and reducing the risk of vascular issues. The calming effect of cupping, combined with improved energy flow, can contribute to reduced stress and anxiety levels.
After the session, you’re left with circular marks on the skin, which usually fade within a few days. It’s believed that the darker the circles, the more toxins you have in your body.
Curious and want to try it out for yourself? Search 拔罐 on your Dianping app and you’ll find hundreds of places in Beijing that offer it from prices as low as RMB 15 per session to around RMB 200.
Images: Pexels, BingAI, Uni You
