What is Ventosa Massage?

Ventosa or hot cup therapy is one of the many alternative medicines from China that improve blood flow and the overall health of a person. The procedure is done by creating a localised suction on the skin of a person, thereby alleviating body pains and uplifting the condition of the organs.

History of Ventosa

The earliest recorded practice of cupping can be found in the Ebers Papyrus within Egypt. It shows the use of cupping by the Egyptians to cure ailments. Hippocrates has been known to correct internal diseases and disorder by using the cupping method. There have been a large number of variations in the cupping therapy, including Bentosa, which has spread throughout Asian and European countries.

Dry and wet cupping

There are two different approaches to Bentosa therapy under these categories: dry and wet cupping. Dry cupping simply involves creating suction with the cup over skin that is not broken due to past wounds or scards. Wet cupping on the other hand involves cutting the area where the suction will take place in order to draw blood.

The procedure

Ventosa falls under the dry cup method, where there is no need for the use of a device or tool to create suction. Instead, this method utilises a lit cotton ball covered in fifty per cent alcohol. The flaming cotton ball is inserted into the cup for a moment and placed onto the surface of the skin to create suction. The hot air rapidly cools within the cup, creating a vacuum at the centre. The vacuum pulls up the skin until no air is able to enter the cup. Usually, the recipient will feel the heat coming from the cup for only a few seconds. This is then replaced by a refreshingly cool sensation.

Medical benefits

The heat and the suction applied through Ventosa therapy is able to unblock the Meridian within the body. Meridians are channels where an individual’s Chi travels around in. A single blockage in the flow of Chi results in bodily disorders eventually felt by the person. Ailments connected may include asthma, rheumatism, back pain, and insomnia. Clearing the blockage is designed to cure and prevent these disorders. Ventosa therapy is ideal for anyone who wishes to experience traditional Asian medicine in its purest form.