C is for Cupping

C is for Cupping

What is cupping?
Cupping is a technique invented in ancient China as a holistic healing technique for circulatory ailments such as arthritis and low blood pressure. Cupping involves bringing an abnormally high amount of blood flow to one area, causing the area to swell under the pressure. Cupping technique is also known as suction.

In BDSM, cupping is often used in play to cause a submissive’s skin to become far more sensitive to touch and stimulus. Often cupping is used on pleasurable areas such as the nipples or genitalia, but can also be used on the stomach/back/legs for a more overall effect.

Technique
Before applying the cups, ensure the area is wet, either using lube or oil (keeps the wetness longer than plain water or saliva and also allows for easier application and movement of the cups). Then apply the suction cups. The suction of the skin (thus swelling the skin by causing the blood flow to increase to the area) can be created by a number of different cupping methods:

1. Plastic cups: The easiest and cheapest way to get introduced into cupping. Plastic cups are placed on the skin and the suction is applied using a vacuum pump. Suction is achieved when skin gets either bright red or turns purple-ish. Be careful to not over-suction an area.

2. Fire Cups: **Use extreme caution and get training before attempting!** Instead of suctioning with a vacuum pump, fire cups use fire to heat the air inside the cup before applying it to the skin. This can be accomplished in two ways: either wet a cotton ball with alcohol, hold inside the cup for a few seconds to allow the alcohol to adhere to the cup, remove the cotton ball, then place the cup over a flame (lighter or match) to heat the air in the cup, and apply to the skin. What is important is that the air inside the cup is hot—not that the cup itself is hot! Be VERY careful that the cup is not so hot that it will burn the skin. When the cup cools against the skin, the skin will suction into the cup.


Safety Hints:

• Make sure the area is hair free! Hair can be pulled by the suction and cause intense pain when it is “tweezed” from the skin.
• Slight bruising may occur at the site of the cup. Before applying the cup, ensure the area is wet and take note of possible marks after the play to decide where to place the cups.
• NEVER cup an area with an open sore or wound
• Only leave the cups on for a few minutes. If the skin becomes cold or painful, remove immediately.

Other Threads about cupping on the Forums:
http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/forums/sh...hlight=cupping
http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/forums/sh...hlight=cupping


Sites for Further Information:
http://www.medicaltoys.com/lib-cupping.htm --General Cupping Info
http://www.medicaltoys.com/FireCupping.htm --Fire Cupping Info (with pictures)
http://www.medicaltoys.com/VacuumCupping.htm --Vacuum Cupping Info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_play --Wikipedia article on Fire Play with a section on Fire Cupping
http://www.albanypowerexchange.com/B.../fire_play.htm --Great general info on Cupping and Fire Play
http://www.soulshaven.f2s.com/toys_fireplay.php3 --3rd Party website with collected fire cupping info

great info, d!
ive seen a few photos where the model in the picture had cupping marks over her back, the marks were hot, but looked very painful, skin raised marks red skin! *shudders*

I do know a bit about cupping as I have worked for a Chinese doctor of traditional medicine (acupuncture, herbs, cupping ect). I have had it done and also watched her do it. I have only had it done in a medical treatment not in play.

I do suggest that if you have never done it before and you are interested that you find a Chinese medicine practitioner and have then do it to you. I know that the Dr. used vasiline on the mouth of the cups so they slid off more easily and were easier to place. Sometimes the Dr will also prick the area to be cupped for extra stimulation to promote a stronger effect. Theres is a surprising amount of suction created by the cups but the marks that are left are not painful, more like a hickey in terms of it looks bad but its not really any big deal. The cupping itself can be very pleasant and relaxing to the person receiving.

I would also suggest that you get the cups from an acupuncture supply place as they are likely to be cheaper than any sold on a bdsm site.

http://www.compassionatedragon.com/cupping.html

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/cupping.php

I included a few links about cupping from the Chinese medicine point of view as the information about the practice there may be helpful when learning about the practice.