Cupping
Five Elements Emperor Cupping
Five Elements Emperor Cupping is one of the most valuable and best-preserved traditions within Traditional Classical Chinese Medicine. Its origins go back more than 3,000 years.
In ancient China, cupping was first discovered and used to extract venom from insect or animal bites. Small pricks or incisions were made, and vacuum cups were applied to draw out the toxic blood.
Over time, practitioners realized that cupping had far more healing benefits.
The standard or Emperor Cupping used today evolved from traditional blood cupping (yuzu – wet cupping) and is now applied for many therapeutic purposes to help restore balance within the body.
Cupping stimulates circulation in the treated area, promoting healing, relieving discomfort, and supporting the body’s natural recovery.
Nice to now
During the Han Dynasty, the Emperor first learned about cupping therapy through Traditional Chinese Medicine, after hearing of its remarkable results in treating lung conditions and muscular problems (muscle Bi-syndrome).
Because he himself suffered from a lung disorder, he received cupping treatments — and the therapy proved so effective that his imperial physicians adopted it as a standard method for treating colds, flu-related lung issues, and muscular complaints.
He named the method Wu Xing Emperor Cupping, because different cupping techniques were combined to support both the meridian pathways and the internal organs according to the Five Elements (Wu Xing) theory.
Wu Xing Emperor Cupping works primarily on the T.M.M. — the Tendino-Muscular Meridians, helping to restore balance, movement, and energetic flow throughout the body.
Various methods
In Emperor Cupping, several different cupping techniques are used, each with its own purpose:
Terracotta Cupping
Applied on the abdomen to improve blood circulation and stimulate the internal organs.
Copper Cupping
Used together with moxa to warm, nourish, and strengthen the organs — especially effective for colds and flu-related symptoms.
Bamboo Cupping
Combined with Chinese herbs for the treatment of muscle pain, sports injuries, and inflammatory conditions.
Magnet Cupping
Used to relieve muscular tension and support the healing of stubborn muscle complaints.
Acupuncture Cupping
A combination of cupping and acupuncture for treating inflammations, pain points, and trigger points.
Ice Cupping
Applied to cool inflammation or soothe overheated or irritated skin.
Yuzu (Wet) Cupping — Deep Cleansing & Powerful Detoxification
Yuzu Cupping / Wet Cupping
Yuzu Cupping, also known as Wet Cupping, is a traditional healing technique within Classical Chinese Medicine. It involves making very fine, superficial scratches or pricks on the skin to release stagnation, “stagnant blood,” or accumulated heat from the body.
This method has been used for thousands of years as a powerful way to cleanse the body and restore natural energy flow.
Why Yuzu Cupping?
According to TCM, physical or energetic stagnation can lead to symptoms such as pain, fatigue, inflammation, or a heavy feeling in the body.
Yuzu Cupping works by:
releasing toxins and waste
improving blood circulation
opening blocked meridians
calming inflamed or overloaded areas
supporting the immune system
This allows the body to breathe, relax, and recover more easily.
How does Yuzu (Wet) Cupping work?
The treatment consists of three steps:
- Preparing the area
The skin is cleansed and warmed using a regular cup to activate circulation. - Yuzu technique
Very fine, superficial scratches are made to gently open the skin. This procedure is low-pain and done with great care. - Vacuum cupping
A cupping vessel is placed to draw out stagnation, accumulated heat, or waste in small amounts.
This often provides immediate relief.
What is Yuzu Cupping helpful for?
Yuzu Cupping may support:
(chronic) muscle and joint pain
inflammation and heat patterns
headaches and migraines
heavy, tired, or cold limbs
poor circulation
built-up tension or pressure
fatigue, low immunity, or a “full” sensation in the body
Many people experience increased lightness, energy, and relaxation right away.
A safe and careful method
The technique is performed with full hygiene and respect for Classical Chinese Medicine.
Yuzu Cupping is not suitable for everyone; suitability and safety are always assessed beforehand.