cupping and zhen xi are two other traditional chinese medicine treatments that we receive...there are different kinds of cupping...a 'cup' is a round clear rather thick glass bulb of varying sizes with a neck and opening on one side of it...in this particular form, my doctor, shen, uses about 8 cups on my shoulder/arm/hand...he uses a long lighter to create a flame within the center of the cup causing a vacuum to form then he immediately places the cup on my skin...it sticks tightly!...no oil is used...i'm lying on my bed on my side...the cups stay on, stationary, for 5 minutes...shen then comes back and pops them off one at a time...he told me the primary purpose is to increase circulation in the affected areas and it has also been shown to improve immune function ...this treatment is rendered five or six times per week...

zhen xi is an herbal soak...a large plastic pail is lined with clear plastic and filled with hot water...the liquid herbs are added and dispersed...i'm seated...the pail is placed next to me on another chair...my affected arm/hand is soaked while the area of my arm above the mixture is covered with a towel...the nurse uses a regular cup to pour the mixture over my covered arm for 10 minutes...the exact same procedure follows with the affected foot/leg...these herbs stimulate circulation and neurological healing...this therapy is done every day including weekends...

i'll post more!...best, richxxx