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Photographer: Michael Sean Nix
Taken: November 25, 2009
Caption: Cupping Glass
Additional Description: Cupping glasses such as this one were used to blister a patient's skin, drawing blood away from the site of an illness or infection to the skin where it could be released. After heating the cup, the doctor applied it to the patient, where the suction of the hot air inside the cup drew blood to the surface, producing a red and swollen area on the body. The suction was broken, and often the blister was opened with a lancet or scarificator, allowing the blood to escape. Symptoms and diseases thought to be cured or lessened by cupping included inflamed joints, coughs, breathlessness, headaches, sore throat, cramps, lunacy and convulsions.
Submitted: November 27, 2009, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Database Locator Identification Number: p87318
File Size: 1.729 Megabytes

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