Cupping therapy has become more popular in recent years, but while many think it started in China, it actually began in Africa.
Cupping therapy involves placing cups on a person’s body, and creating a suction on the person’s skin, which causes blood to rise to the skin’s surface. The suction helps improve blood circulation, which can lead to relaxation of muscles, relieving colds, and much more.
In Africa, horns were traditionally used to create the suction.
Nowadays, this health practice has become a lot more popular in America. But in previous years the practice was seen as intimidating. But what’s more frightening is that many don’t know the origin of cupping.
Cupping dates back to 1550 BCE, where the practice was documented in ancient Egyptian writings. Even Greek physician Hippocrates recorded the use of cupping in Africa in his own documentation. As time goes by, Africa continues to receive less credit for cupping, but there are ways we can continue to carry on this tradition.
Alternative medicine may not be for everyone, but it can be vital for some. Educating ourselves on health practices that are ingrained in Black culture, such as cupping, help us have more weapons in our repertoire when fighting sickness in the Black community.