09/10/2025
Ancient Egyptian cupping was a therapeutic practice, first documented in the 1550 BCE Ebers Papyrus, where cups were applied to the skin to create a vacuum and draw fluid to the surface, treating various ailments like fevers, pain, and menstrual problems. Though the exact methods are debated, evidence suggests the use of animal horns, which were later replaced by materials like bamboo and glass, and were sometimes accompanied by small cuts to drain fluids in a practice known as wet cupping.
Historical Evidence
Ebers Papyrus: The oldest documented evidence of cupping comes from this ancient Egyptian medical text, written around 1550 BCE.
Temple Engravings: Further evidence was found engraved on the walls of the Kom Ombo temple, built during the Ptolemaic dynasty (180–47 BC).
Methods and Instruments
Suction and Heat: The practice involved applying cups to the skin and creating a vacuum either through heat or suction.
Animal Horns: Initially, hollowed-out animal horns were used to suck out body fluids or venom from snake bites.
Modern Materials: Over time, horns were replaced by other materials, including bamboo, ceramic, and glass.
Wet Cupping: In some instances, small cuts were made after the cups were applied to the skin, allowing for the removal of blood and "toxic" fluids.
Ailments Treated
Ancient Egyptians used cupping to treat a range of conditions, including:
Fever, Pain, Vertigo, Menstrual problems, Headaches, Menstrual pain, and Infertility
