Box containing three graded cupping glasses, a syringe and glasses for Dry Cupping Vacuum Therapy, from the surgery of a British practitioner c.1996 (see note), Japanese, 1980-1990.

Dry cupping involves placing heated cups or vessels like those shown here on the body. It is believed to draw out impurities and bring blood to the surface of the skin. Dry cupping vacuum therapy is a technique often practiced within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This set was acquired through the surgery of a British TCM practitioner. It contains three graded cupping glasses, a syringe and glasses. They were connected to a small pump to create the necessary vacuum. TCM believes dry cupping rebalances the life force (qi) and the balance of yin and yang and restores health.