Ba Guan: Fire Cupping

Ba guan is the application of glass orbs to the skin with suction. During ba guan you can feel the tension being tugged out of your tissues. It feels really good and is well-liked by all sorts of people and helps with many different types of conditions. This technique is excellent for lengthening muscle fibers, softening knots, breaking up scar tissue and blockages, opening the channels, and improving the flow of chi, blood, and lymph in the local area. I specialize in moving cupping which does not leave obvious circular marks, just a temporary blush on the surface of the skin. Usually, I apply a liniment first for glide and then run the cups along the acupuncture channels. Sometimes I will pause the cup for a minute, especially over dense knots, focused pain, or areas of tight constriction. Moving cupping is excellent for treating large, flat areas like the shoulders, back, and the iliotibial bands on the side of the thighs. I often include ba guan in my acupuncture sessions or combine it with other traditional therapies like tui na (Chinese medical massage), zhi ya (acupressure), chi nei tsang (abdominal massage), gua sha (massage with jade and horn tools), or topical herbal formulas for pain.