Cupping
Cupping is a technique that has applications in both traditional healing traditions and western physiotherapy. Cups are placed on the body and suction is applied in order to draw the superficial layers of tissue into the cup, stretching the tissue of the entire region with it. Because of the broad fascial stretching and ability to sustain it for many minutes, there is much in common with myofascial release. From the western physiological perspective, cupping is used to decompress tissues allowing fascia to melt and stretch as well as bringing blood flow into the area. From the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, bringing blood flow into the area also means bringing Qi into the area because blood and Qi are flip sides of the same coin. Cupping brings conscious vital energy into the area, affecting not just the physical body but also the energetic body. When applied to areas of the back that are related to specific emotions, cupping can be used for emotional regulation.