Cupping, as it is called in English, is one of the oldest forms of therapy, and is very effective in the treatment of a variety of com­plaints. It is known in France as "ventouse," in Germany as "Schroepfen," and in America as "vacuum" or "pneumatic" treat­ment, and in these countries it is far more widely used by the medical profession as well as by the laity, more especially by the peasants on the Continent. As a matter of fact, I have in my possession an almost up-to-the-minute German medical publication on the subject, which goes to indicate that because a therapeutic method is considered "old fashioned" it should not, on that account be illogically discarded.

The Egyptians in ancient times used dry cupping in the treat­ment of disease, i.e., about five thousand years ago. Even in unexplored regions of darkest Africa it was discovered that the natives there used coconut shells to serve as "cups," which they applied to various parts of the body for curative purposes, whilst the Arabs in far off days applied the hollow horns of animals to the affected areas, and other races were found to use a hollow bamboo rod one end of which was placed on the skin with firm pressure, and the other end in the mouth. The air was then sucked up and a vacuum produced. After all, the oldest form of "cupping" is to be found in the mouth in that the lips are pressed on to the infected part and the poison, e.g., snake poison, sucked out. It is also thought that the saliva has curative properties, hence, for example, the dog licks his wounds.

About four hundred years before Christ there lived that great, enlightened physician Hippocrates who was evidently not slow to recognise the therapeutic possibilities of cupping. There were many other doctors of note in far off days who used the method, but in more recent times there was a French doctor by the name of Victor J. Junod who discovered, quite independently, the cur­ative principle of cupping by observing the effect of atmospheric pressure upon the human organism as he climbed a high mountain. This discovery he employed in his practice, and the results he obtained from the treatment were so outstanding that they brought him early recognition by the French Medical Societies, whilst the medical schools of Italy, Germany and Austria warmly received him. There was also an English doctor by the name of Hadfield, who years ago, recognized the potentialities of this treatment in circulatory disturbances and diseases resulting there from.

We surely all know that an unhampered flow of the blood, which is itself chemically balanced and not surcharged with toxic matter, is the restorer and maintainer of health. Osteopathic treatment is of immense value in removing obstructions to this vital circulation of the blood and lymph, but unfortunately, for various reasons, not everyone can avail himself of the services of a qualified osteopath—indeed there may not be one in the area in which potential patients reside.

It is for all these that this article is written, for cupping treat­ment can easily be carried out by any member of the family in the home and prove a great boon. It can also be used as a most valuable adjunct by those who are attending an osteopath. Among the numerous complaints and diseases that can benefit from cupping are any painful congested area, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, pleurisy, boils, swellings, rheumatism, arthritis, and lumbago.

The modus operandi or technique is not difficult to follow. First of all obtain from any good chemist say a dozen of ordinary cupping glasses. They can be had in various sizes but a two inch size is recommended for the treatment of the back, chest and abdomen and smaller for the neck region. In order to create the necessary vacuum use a methylated spirit lamp. Hold the cupping glass with the opening downwards and place the lighted lamp slightly inside it for a few seconds, then very quickly apply the cup to the part to be treated. Cupping glasses can also be had with a rubber bulb on the top. This does away with the necessity of having the lamp, as the vacuum is made by first squeezing the bulb, then applying the cup to the skin surface with firmness and slowly letting go of the pressure on the bulb. The air in the cup will thus be sucked up into the bulb. To remove the cup just squeeze on the bulb again and lift. The best and most modern cupping glasses are now supplied with a suction apparatus in the form of a pump attached (see sketch). These have a great advantage over the other types in that the vacuum pull can be regulated, and they are made in all shapes and sizes so that they can be accom­modated to the varying and unequal surfaces of the body.

For the general treatment of the spine, back, chest and abdo­men or any soft structure proceed as follows:

1. Spine and back. The first cupping glass is to be placed over the spinous process as near to the neck as possible, the patient lying face downwards. The next is to be applied just below the first, and so on, right down the whole length of the spine. Then the cups are to be removed from above downwards and placed one on each side of the spine. This dual application will bring the cups to about halfway down the back. These must be left on for five to ten minutes, as indeed must the first lot. Remove them and proceed down in the same way until the lower half of the back is treated. They are to remain on this area for a further five to ten minutes.

2 Chest. Place as many cupping glasses on the chest as the area will hold. Let them remain there for five to ten minutes.

3. Abdomen. Place one cup on the solar plexus, just below the breast bone, then down on each side of the abdomen, placing one over the bladder region and one just above if there is room. Leave on for five to ten minutes.

Rheumatic pains in the arms or legs can very well be treated by cupping, and if regularly done results are most satisfactory.

After all the cups have been removed, take one and then in its vacuum state drag it firmly along the muscles of the back, chest, abdomen, etc., in all directions with sufficient pressure so that the vacuum will not be broken. This treatment gives the tissues a superb massage. It breaks down adhesions and thus removes hindrances to the circulation; witness the erythema or reddening of the skin, which the patient experiences as a most pleasant warm glow.

In order to ensure a good vacuum pull, care must be taken to see that the glass evenly contacts the tissue. This can best be done by applying, say olive oil to the skin. It also facilitates the "dragging" massage.„

Slight bruising might take place in the treated areas, but this is of little consequence. Just suspend treatment for a day or so; otherwise treatment can be given every other day.

Finally, remember that as a prerequisite for sound, healthy functioning of body and mind, and for the restoration of health where this is lost, there must be a blood stream that is unhampered in its flow, and that the blood itself must be properly chemically constituted, but whilst the circulation can be improved by osteo-pathic and cupping treatment including cupping massage, etc., the right quality of the blood can be attained only by feeding upon whole, unprocessed foods, which have been grown upon soil that has been naturally manured, not an easy matter in these days of artificial fertilizers.

Other things being equal we are made or unmade at the table.

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