
3 3 c m
40cm
actual image size: 32cm x 25cm
Description
Cupping aimed to draw poisonous substances from the body and was popular from Roman times until the late 19th century. The glas cup was heated and presed on the skin. As the oxygen in the cup was used up a partial vacuum was created powerfully sucking the cup to the body. Dry cupping was performed on unbroken skin creating blisters which were then drained. Wet cupping covered a wound or deliberate incision, and drew out blood, pus and other fluids.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10284550
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library