The Chinese system — tapping your energy

The Chinese system — tapping your energy

The Chinese system relies on the theory of energy, which states that the human body is made up of a meridian that passes energy to the whole body. Cupping focuses on releasing stagnant blood, energy called ‘qi’ and body fluids such as lymph, thus promoting healing. Many patients who have tried it experience almost instant pain relief and decongestion in bad colds and flu.

“Cupping is one of the ancient ‘barefoot doctor’ techniques used in China, Eastern Europe and Africa and in many other traditional cultures. It treats many health conditions by suction of the skin surface and the resulting stimulation of the area concerned. By creating a vacuum with small jars attached to congested areas of the body, the practitioner is able to restore the flow of blood and ‘qi’ (energy),” informs Oumayma Nadar, Managing Director at Dubai’s House of Chi.

Dr Nieyong Mei of Dr Kamkar Medical & Physiotherapy Centre has been practising cupping since 1990 in Dubai. “Cupping is especially effective in case of lower back, neck and shoulder pain. We offer two types: fixed and moving. In fixed cupping, the therapist heats glass cups on a flame. The cup is then quickly applied to the skin. This creates a vacuum suction so that the skin covered is drawn up a little into the cup. The cups are then left on the body whilst the area beneath is treated,” says Dr Mei.

This is what caused Paltrow’s scars, but Dr Mei assures the marks will only last a couple of days. “In moving cupping, oil is applied and the cups are massaged around the affected area. We also practise a form of hijamah, as it is done in Chinese medicine — this method also involves bloodletting, but in smaller amount.”

Nadar believes cupping is extremely useful in treating menstrual discomfort, lower back pain, joint pain, cold, flu, respiratory problems and digestive disorders. At House of Chi, Cupping Therapy is offered with Tuina Treatment as a combination for 50 minutes at Dh220. They advise patients to undergo at least two sessions per month.

Dr Zheng Nan of King China Acupuncture Centre believes the number of sessions can only be prescribed after examining a patient and depending on the severity of the symptoms. “Again it is not a totally painless procedure. Depending on the patient’s condition, it may be painful for some,” she cautions. “Though unlike hijamah, in Chinese cupping no cuts are made and there is no scarring.”

While Paltrow must be thanked for turning the spotlight on this ancient therapy, followers and practitioners continue to swear by it, as they have done for over 3,000 years now.