Cupping for Respiratory Problems or Muscle Tension

What do Gwyneth Paltrow and Britney Spears have in common, besides good looks, talent and a thriving career in entertainment?

They use cupping.

They are part of a large group of celebrities and socialites who are popping up with large circles on their backs.

Their much-publicized use of cupping has sparked a general interest as to just how popular this Traditional Chinese Medicine modality has become.

A recent 2007 article in the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine journal speaks about the location upon which the red circles were spotted on both Paltrow and Spears, which happens to be the area in cupping for commonly treated respiratory problems or muscle tension.

According to traditional Chinese medical theory, cupping is a form of “unclogging” your Qi. It stimulates blood flow, and eliminates the stagnation of the body’s Qi (energy), by relieving dampness (mucus).

But practitioners also believe cupping can be effective for a wide range of problems including, asthma, bronchitis, lower back pain, and excessive mucus from cold or flu.

The process is very simple, and painless. Glass cups are anchored to body by either a flame or pump, which creates suction like a vacuum through heat or pumping. Only a few millimeters of skin is drawn up into the cup, so it does not pull. However, it does produce a “sucking motion” to pull the blood up close to the skin, improve circulation and suck out toxins.

The cups are then left on for 15 minutes, and can be repeated for as many times as the person needs, after the marks are gone, to relieve the pressure or pain of excessive mucus or poor circulation.

The reason for its popularity? It is actually faster and healthier to reduce mucus through cupping, than to take allergy or cold tablets, say the stars.