Cupping is an ancient Chinese practice involving the placement of glass, plastic, or bamboo cups on the skin with a vacuum. This draws the skin and underlying tissues into the cup, purportedly releasing toxins, helping with circulation, and stimulating the lymphatic system. Fire cupping involves heated cups, which are considered more effective, albeit dangerous. Modern versions include a series of plastic cups and a hand vacuum, which connects to the top the cup and creates the suction artificially.
After a few minutes of being in place, the suction of the cups creates something called blood stasis, allowing energy to flow and the meridians (the interconnected channels through which the body's vital energy, "qi", circulates) to be unblocked. Cupping is widely used in China as a treatment for respiratory diseases and musculoskeletal pain. The cups are sometimes slid around on the skin, with the help of oils, to help "clean" the surrounding area.
Once placed, cups are kept on the skin for 5 to 15 minutes. Reddening of the skin, bruising, and a sunburn-like sensation are to be expected. Blisters are less common but can happen. Marks usually disappear within a few days.
There is no scientific basis for cupping and most doctors consider it quackery.
Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy consists of a series of infusions that may be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or orally. These infusions contain EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid), a substance that can purportedly bind to heavy metals and toxins and remove them from the body. The solution is administered by a physician in-office and under strict observation. Up to 30 treatments may be needed to see results. At a cost of $150 or more a session, it adds up.
The scientific community considers chelation therapy "effective enough." In fact, chelation therapy is used in conventional medicine as a treatment for acute heavy metal poisoning. That's where traditional science draws the line, however. Alternative practitioners of chelation therapy go much further, using chelation to treat coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, and autism. Proponents of chelation consider it a viable alternative to bypass surgery.
In a groundbreaking move, the FDA has recently granted approval to The American College of Advancement in Medicine to test chelation therapy in patients with peripheral vascular disease.