Cupping Therapy vs. Bruising

Understanding Practice, Physiology, and Misconceptions

In today’s wellness landscape, cupping therapy has re-emerged as a widely used modality for relieving pain, improving circulation, and supporting holistic healing. Despite its growing popularity, many people unfamiliar with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often confuse the distinct circular marks left by cupping with bruises from injury. Though they appear similar, the mechanisms, meanings, and physiological effects are fundamentally different. This article provides a thorough understanding of cupping therapy, its roots in TCM, its interpretation through the lens of Western science, and how it compares to traumatic bruising, to clarify misconceptions and deepen appreciation for this ancient practice.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is a technique that involves placing specially designed cups (glass, silicone, bamboo, or plastic) onto the skin to create suction. The suction pulls the skin and superficial tissue upward, promoting blood flow, stimulating lymphatic drainage, and mobilizing stagnation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cupping is used to:

– Move stagnant qi and blood

– Expel pathogenic factors (wind, cold, damp)

– Open the meridians and facilitate energy flow

– Relieve pain, tightness, and toxicity

– Strengthen organ function by targeting specific meridian points

The Western Physiological View: How Cupping Works

Western medicine traditionally lacked a framework for cupping, but increasing interest has revealed several plausible mechanisms:

Increased Local Blood Flow – Suction draws blood to the surface, improving microcirculation (Lowe, 2017).

2. Fascial Decompression – Cupping lifts and separates skin, fascia, and underlying muscles, similar to myofascial release.

3. Neurovascular and Pain Modulation – Stimulation triggers responses through the Gate Control Theory of Pain (Teut et al., 2018).

4. Controlled Inflammatory Response – Mild trauma initiates a low-grade inflammatory response (Furhad et al., 2023)

5. Lymphatic Drainage – The pressure differential helps clear toxins and reduce swelling.

6. Parasympathetic Nervous System Activation – Can reduce stress and activate rest-and-digest mode (Harvard Health Publishing, 2016).

Types of Cupping

– Dry Cupping: Standard suction without bloodletting

– Wet Cupping (Hijama): Involves superficial pricking after suction

– Fire Cupping: Traditional method using heat to create vacuum inside the cup

– Gliding (Massage) Cupping: Cups are moved across oiled skin for deep tissue stimulation

Understanding Bruising from Injury

A bruise (contusion) results from accidental trauma to soft tissue, leading to rupture of capillaries and pooling of blood under the skin. This causes pain, swelling, discoloration, and inflammation. Unlike the controlled effect of cupping, bruising often involves deeper tissue damage.

Comparison: Cupping Marks vs. Bruises

Cupping Marks vs. Bruises:

– Cause: Suction-induced capillary rupture vs. blunt trauma

– Intentional: Yes vs. No

– Purpose: Healing vs. Accidental

– Appearance: Uniform circles vs. irregular, color-changing marks

– Pain: Minimal vs. often painful

– Duration: 3–10 days vs. 1–3 weeks

Final Thoughts: Healing vs. Harm

Cupping is not a bruise in the conventional sense. It’s a controlled, purposeful therapy used to stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. While cupping marks may resemble bruises visually, their nature, origin, and physiological impact are completely different. Understanding these differences demystifies this ancient therapy and makes it more approachable for those seeking holistic healing.

⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison: Cupping Marks vs. Bruises

Aspect	Cupping Marks	Bruises (Injury)
Cause	Suction-induced capillary rupture	Blunt trauma to tissues
Intentional?	Yes – therapeutic	No – accidental
Purpose	Detox, release stagnation, promote healing	None – consequence of trauma
Appearance	Uniform, circular, reddish-purple	Irregular, color changes over time
Pain Level	Minimal to none	Tender or painful, often with swelling
Color Pattern	Dark → fade gradually	Red → purple → green → yellow
Duration	3–10 days	1–3 weeks, depending on severity
Associated Symptoms	Relief, improved mobility, relaxation	Inflammation, soreness, potential joint restriction

References:

Furhad, S., Sina, R. E., & Bokhari, A. A. (2023, October 30). Cupping therapy. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538253/

Harvard Health Publishing. (2016). What exactly is cupping? Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-exactly-is-cupping-2016093010402

Johannes, L. (2012, November 12). Centuries-Old art of cupping may bring some pain relief. WSJ. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324073504578114970824081566

Lowe, D. T. (2017). Cupping therapy: An analysis of the effects of suction on skin and the possible influence on human health. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 29, 162–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.09.008

Teut, M., Ullmann, A., Ortiz, M., Rotter, G., Binting, S., Cree, M., Lotz, F., Roll, S., & Brinkhaus, B. (2018). Pulsatile dry cupping in chronic low back pain – a randomized three-armed controlled clinical trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2187-8

Modern Takeaways on Life, Success, and Choice

1. Decisions Shape Your Future

Every day we face choices, big and small. Avoiding decisions or “sitting on the fence” might feel safe, but it’s actually a form of failure. If you don’t choose, life chooses for you and that often leads to regret. Whether in business, relationships, or personal goals, progress only happens when you commit to a direction.

Example: In business, waiting too long to act on an opportunity out of fear or indecision can mean losing ground to competitors.

2. Balance Visible and Invisible Success

It’s easy to measure success by visible achievements such as money, titles, and recognition. But these are only part of the story. Invisible success is equally important: having integrity, living by values, and maintaining peace of mind. Without these, material gains feel hollow.

Example: An executive with wealth but no work-life balance, health, or ethical grounding isn’t truly successful. Real success blends external achievement with inner fulfillment.

3. Avoid the Trap of Self-Bias

Our own judgment often leans toward what feels convenient or self-serving. But right and wrong aren’t just about personal opinion, they’re tied to principles that exist beyond us. Checking decisions against values like honesty, fairness, and responsibility keeps us from rationalizing bad choices.

Example: Cutting corners for short-term profit might seem beneficial now, but long-term damage to reputation and trust will outweigh the gain.

4. Be Accountable

You can fool others with appearances, but not yourself. Guilt, stress, and dissatisfaction linger when actions don’t align with your values. Owning your choices, whether good or bad is what builds integrity.

Example: A manager might hide mistakes from their team, but the weight of dishonesty erodes confidence and effectiveness over time. Admitting the mistake early fosters trust and growth.

5. Master Yourself First

The biggest battle is internal. Self-doubt, ego, fear, and procrastination are often greater obstacles than outside competition. True success means overcoming your own limitations, staying disciplined, and not letting emotions or outside influences cloud your judgment.

Example: An athlete may win against others, but if they lack discipline in training or integrity off the field, their success is incomplete.

6. The Real Loss

Losing connection to your true self, by conforming blindly, chasing only money, or being swayed by others, is the greatest failure. Material setbacks can be rebuilt, but losing authenticity and self-respect is harder to recover.

Example: A professional who compromises values to fit into a toxic workplace might later find success elsewhere, but regaining trust in themselves can be a long process.

7. Victory vs. Success

Defeating others is external victory. But lasting fulfillment comes from internal success in discipline, self-awareness, and growth. The ultimate win is not over others but over your own weaknesses.

Example: In leadership, the best outcome isn’t outshining your colleagues but growing the whole team and developing yourself along the way.

Modern Common Sense in One Line:
Success isn’t just about what you achieve outside, but about the choices you make daily to stay true to your values, overcome yourself, and live a balanced, meaningful life.

Born With Nothing, Die With Nothing”

The concept of “born with nothing, die with nothing” is a profound philosophical idea found in many Eastern traditions, including Buddhism and Taoism. It reflects the principles of impermanence, detachment, and the cyclical nature of existence. We enter this world with no possessions, and when we leave, we take nothing with us. This underscores the transient nature of material wealth and highlights the deeper value of experiences, relationships, and inner growth.

Happiness is not about collecting material things or beautiful memories. It is about having a deep feeling of contentment and knowing that life is a blessing. – Jeigh Ilano

This idea extends beyond human life to all living beings, aligning with the concept of “no beginning, no end.” Like the yin-yang (☯) and infinity (∞) symbols, it represents the continuous flow of transformation, where emptiness gives rise to form, and form dissolves back into emptiness.

Human life can be seen as consciousness temporarily residing in form, experiencing the ever-shifting balance of existence before returning to the formless. In Taoism, this mirrors the Dao (道), the ever-flowing source from which all things arise and to which they ultimately return. Just as yin transforms into yang and vice versa, life and death are not endpoints but expressions of an eternal process. This perspective encourages non-attachment, balance, and harmony with the natural flow of life, recognizing that all physical possessions are ultimately borrowed, and everything returns to the Dao.

Related Concepts:

Biblical Perspective: A similar idea appears in the Book of Job, where Job states, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” This is often interpreted as an acceptance of life’s impermanence, acknowledging that all we have is ultimately a gift and can be withdrawn at any time.

The Heart Sutra: A central text in Mahayana Buddhism, the Heart Sutra articulates the nature of emptiness, stating that all phenomena bear the mark of emptiness—their true nature is beyond birth and death, being and non-being.

Śūnyatā (Emptiness): In Mahayana Buddhism, śūnyatā refers to the understanding that all things are devoid of intrinsic existence. This insight is fundamental to recognizing the transient nature of life and the absence of a permanent self.

Samsara: This term describes the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, emphasizing the impermanence and suffering inherent in worldly existence.

Why This Concept Matters in Everyday Life

Understanding and embracing this concept can have a profound impact on how we approach daily life. It reminds us to focus on what truly matters. Our experiences, relationships, and inner development are most important, rather than being overly attached to material possessions or fleeting successes. By recognizing the impermanent nature of all things, we can cultivate greater resilience and gratitude in the face of challenges, reduce unnecessary stress, and live with greater appreciation and mindfulness.

This perspective encourages us to be present in each moment, to value the people around us, and to engage in life with a sense of peace and acceptance. It also promotes generosity and compassion, as we recognize that nothing truly belongs to us, and what we give to others is ultimately part of the greater flow of all existence.

By implementing this understanding into our lives, we can develop a deeper sense of harmony, balance, and contentment, freeing ourselves from the burdens of attachment and fear while embracing the natural rhythms of life.

I teach and offer lectures about holistic health, physical fitness, stress management, human behavior, meditation, phytotherapy (herbs), music for healing, self-massage (acupressure), Daoyin (yoga), qigong, tai chi, and baguazhang.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I look forward to further sharing more of my message by partnering with hospitals, wellness centers, VA centers, schools on all levels, businesses, and individuals who see the value in building a stronger nation through building a healthier population.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

“Heaven and Earth, Turned Upside Down”

“Heaven and Earth, Turned Upside Down” is a phrase that means a complete and radical upheaval or change, signifying a situation where the established order is completely disrupted and everything is thrown into chaos as if the natural order of the universe has been reversed; essentially, a dramatic and significant change where the normal way of things is completely overturned.

The concept of “Heaven and Earth, turned upside down” appears in various Chinese philosophical and esoteric traditions, including Daoism (I Ching), and martial arts. It often symbolizes a reversal of natural order, transformation, or a shift in perception.

Possible Interpretations:

Reversal of Cosmic Order
- Normally, Heaven (Yang) is above, and Earth (Yin) is below. Flipping this order suggests a paradox, disorder, or a fundamental transformation of reality.
- It can imply chaos, breaking norms, or a cosmic shift that forces new perspectives.
Daoist Alchemy & Inner Transformation
- In Daoist internal alchemy (Neidan), reversing Heaven and Earth can symbolize inner transformation, where the ordinary world is transcended.
- It is sometimes associated with the Microcosmic Orbit practice, where energy (Qi) circulates against its usual flow to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
I Ching Influence
- Certain hexagrams in the I Ching hint at the reversal of Heaven and Earth, representing a dramatic change, like Hexagram 12 (Pí, Stagnation) vs. Hexagram 11 (Tài, Peace).
- When the natural order is disrupted, it can indicate a need for adaptation, renewal, or a deeper understanding of balance.
Martial Arts & Strategy
- Some martial philosophies reference this idea in unexpected tactics, adaptability, and overturning conventional wisdom in combat.
- It relates to Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” principles, where flipping the expected order creates strategic advantage.
Spiritual Awakening & Perception Shift
- A mystical interpretation suggests seeing beyond illusion (Maya) or breaking free from conventional thought.
- It resonates with Zen and Chan Buddhism’s use of paradox to awaken deeper understanding.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119

Ancient Paths, Modern Peace: The Many Names of Enlightenment

In today’s evolving conversation around holistic health, enlightenment is resurfacing-not just as an esoteric ideal, but as a practical and deep personal milestone within the journey toward total well-being. While often associated with mystics and monks, the essence of enlightenment has long been embedded across spiritual and philosophical traditions. It speaks to a universal longing: to understand oneself and one’s place in the world, to live with clarity, and to experience inner peace.

Holistic health recognizes that true wellness includes not only the body but also the mind and spirit. When we explore enlightenment through this lens, it becomes less about dogma and more about the integration of awareness, connection, and personal transformation.

The Ancient Roots of Enlightenment: A Chronological Perspective

Across time and culture, humanity has reached for a transcendent state of wisdom and peace. Below is a historical look at how various traditions have been understood and named this experience:

1. Hinduism (c. 1500-1200 BCE)

Moksha refers to liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and the realization of one’s oneness with the Absolute (Brahman). It emphasizes self-discipline, devotion, and philosophical inquiry-principles that resonate with today’s holistic approaches to mindfulness and self-mastery.

2. Judaism (c. 1200-1000 BCE)

Devekut means “cleaving to God.” It reflects an intense spiritual attachment and connection to the Divine, often nurtured through prayer, meditation on sacred texts, and acts of compassion. This mirrors modern interests in sacred ritual and spiritual intimacy within daily life.

3. Taoism (c. 600-400 BCE)

Wu Wei, or “effortless action,” describes harmony with the Tao, or the natural order of the universe. It aligns beautifully with holistic living that promotes flow, simplicity, and balance through nature-based rhythms and minimalism.

4. Buddhism (c. 500 BCE)

Nirvana is the extinguishing of suffering, ignorance, and attachment. It is the ultimate liberation, discovered through the practice of mindfulness, ethical living, and meditative insight. Bodhi, or awakening, describes the experiential realization that leads to this state.

5. Christianity (c. 30 CE)

Illumination refers to the inner light that arises from divine communion. Practices like contemplative prayer, solitude, and service are paths to this inner radiance-echoing today’s focus on stillness, presence, and soul care.

6. Islam (Sufism) (7th century CE)

Fana means the annihilation of the ego in the presence of God. In Sufi mysticism, it represents a deep surrender to divine love and truth-concepts that are increasingly embraced in emotional healing and ego work in holistic circles.

7. Sikhism (15th century CE)

Mukti signifies liberation from illusion and ego, and union with the Divine. It emphasizes selfless service, devotion, and equality principles foundational to both spiritual growth and community wellness.

8. New Age & Contemporary Spirituality (20th century CE onward)

Awakening / Self-Realization are the modern synthesis of East and West view of enlightenment as awakening to one’s true nature. It often includes energy healing, intuitive development, and psychological integration-key aspects of the modern wellness movement.

Enlightenment and Holistic Wellness Today

In the context of holistic health, enlightenment is not about escaping the world. It’s about engaging more deeply with it-intentionally, mindfully, and compassionately. Whether it’s through yoga, mindful breathing, journaling, plant-based living, or spiritual inquiry, modern seekers are finding meaning in small, integrative practices that support mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual peace.

Importantly, enlightenment today is rarely seen as a final destination. Instead, it is a living process-a series of ongoing realizations and subtle shifts in consciousness. As individuals become more aware of their thoughts, behaviors, and purpose, they naturally align with states once reserved for sages and saints.

Why This Matters

In a time marked by information overload, stress, and disconnection, the timeless quest for enlightenment reminds us to return to our core. Holistic health is not just about the absence of disease-it is about the presence of meaning, clarity, compassion, and connection. Enlightenment, in all its cultural forms, is a call back to wholeness.

Whether you name it nirvana, moksha, awakening, or simply inner peace, the pursuit of higher awareness remains one of humanity’s most enduring and necessary journeys.

Please contact me if you, your business, organization, or group, might be interested in hosting me to speak on a wide spectrum of topics relative to better health, fitness, and well-being.

I also have hundreds of FREE education video classes, lectures, and seminars available on my YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/c/MindandBodyExercises

Many of my publications can be found on Amazon at:

http://www.Amazon.com/author/jimmoltzan

My holistic health blog is available at:

https://mindandbodyexercises.wordpress.com/

http://www.MindAndBodyExercises.com

Mind and Body Exercises on Google: https://posts.gle/aD47Qo

Jim Moltzan

407-234-0119