Cupping can be used to help relieve headache, back pain, asthma, dizziness

Bamboo massage is a technique that incorporates bamboo stalks of varying lengths and diameters to provide deep-tissue work.

Cupping is a process in which suction is used to relieve local congestion. Cupping methods create a negative pressure, or suction, on the skin that pulls up tissue and actively draws blood and other fluids close to the surface. This pulling action on the body engages the parasympathetic nervous system and induces a deep relaxation. Done correctly, cupping can be an effective complementary technique when used in conjunction with massage therapy.

Healers have performed this technique since ancient times by using heat inside glass or bamboo cups. The heated cups are usually applied to the back of the body on acupuncture points, or where pain is felt. They are left in position for five to 15 minutes, depending on the strength of the suction. The suction created draws blood and other fluids closer to the surface of the skin allowing the body to rid itself of toxins more easily.

The suction can be light, medium or strong depending on whom it is used and which tools are utilized. For example, light cupping or suction is appropriate for children and the elderly, while strong cupping is contraindicated for them. There is also massage cupping, sometimes referred to as moving cupping, after applying small amount of oil to the skin to facilitate the cupping movement, the cups are glided over the surface of the skin.

Cupping can be used for many pathologies, most of which are considered to be caused by stagnation or congestion of energy, blood or mucus as categorized by TCM. For example, cupping can be used to help relieve headache, back pain, respiratory disorders, such as colds, flu and asthma, dizziness, coughing, asthma, indigestion, sleeplessness and stomach ache. In these cases, a professional TCM practitioner is required.