Ba Guan – Qi Gong Suction Cups

I’ve just undergone something called Ba Guan – or in simpler terms cupping!

I’ve been experiencing back pain for a few weeks now and I went to my local TCM Chiropracter to get it checked out…. The massage techiniques that I usually undergo are painful during the process, but my body feels so fantastic afterwards… Today, she suggested something new to me, to help me get rid of “dampness, toxins” that is causing my pain…

Hupps had it done before with her and said that although painful at first, it was fine afterwards and that I should be able to take it… So with the chiro and Hupps’ words in my mind – I went ahead with the procedure!

I had three suction cups… The first placed on the spine…. Super duper pain!!! I know my pain threshold is not high – but tears came streaming down my face…. The pain is different to that of cutting yourself etc… As she sucked the skin to the desired height in the suction cup – the intensity and tightness was like as though my spine would snap!!! Thinking back about it, I suppose I was scared and I was so stiff!!! The other two suctions on either side of the spine didn’t really hurt….

This stimulation is said to increase my circulation and in response, the skin discolors and bruises occur. The result is that I have 3 round bruises on my back…. The left and middle bruises are EXTREMELY dark purple (apparently due to stagnant blood), the right one is so much lighter in comparison. Cupping is said to help pull this stagnant blood out of the area, making room for fresh, oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to replenish the tissues and accelerate the healing process. Cupping is said to remove toxins and excess heat from the body – releasing them through the skin’s pores. This method has the function of warming and promoting the free flow of qi and blood in the meridians, dispelling cold dampness, diminishing swellings and pains.

How do I feel?
The right and left bruises, although look REAL bad, do not hurt AT ALL… not even when I press on them… The one on my spine however, is REALLY tender… Like a proper bruise! My back is more loose when I stretch – but when that spinal bruise is touched – Super duper pain!! Certain postures absolutely kill and I’m walking like I’m pregnant! So currently, Im not leaning on my back… Oh help me on my long 12 hr plus flight tomorrow!!!