Cupping is a ancient therapy in which a cup/jar/pot/glass is attached to the skin surface to cause local congestion through the negative pressure created by heat. In ancient China, cupping was called " horn method. " Animal horn was used to dispel pus. During time and clinical practice, the materials for making cups and the methods have been improved. The range of indications has been expanded, since this method is simple and the therapeutic effect is good. Cupping was and is used for common treatment at home by many people in different cultures and is also used as an supplementary method of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture and Moxibustion.
Commonly used are :
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Bamboo, normally 3-7 cm in diameter and 8-10 cm in length. The bamboo cup is light, inexpensive and easy to use.
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Glass, since the glass cup is transparent, skin and possible extractions or skin color can be checked.
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Vacuum pumps and ‘balloon’ cups, today in clinical practice fire is rarely used, vacuum pumps and balloon cups are more easy, precise, hygienic and most of all more safe to use.
The cupping method has the function of promoting the flow of qi and blood in the meridians, dispelling cold dampness, diminishing swellings and pains. In clinics, the cupping method is mainly used to treat Bi syndrome caused by wind dampness, such as pain of the back, neck, shoulders, and legs, gastrointestinal disorders such as stomachache, vomiting, and diarrhea, and the lung ailment such as cough and asthma.
Acient Method|
Fire throwing method. Light and hold, for a moment, an dipped in alcohol cotton ball into the cup, then rapidly place the mouth of the cup firmly against the skin on the desired location. Generally, the cup is sucked in place for about ten minutes. The skin becomes congested with violet colored blood stasis formation. On withdrawing the cup, hold the cup with the right hand, and press the skin around the edge of the cup with the left hand to let air in. |
Note, this method is not safe to use without clinical practice or at home. Working with fire method is subject to burns and bloodletting only for health practitioners.
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The patient should select a comfortable position. Cups in different sizes are used according to the cupping location. |
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· It is not advisable to apply cupping to the patient with skin ulcer, edema, or on an area overlying large blood vessels, to the patient with high fever and convulsion ; or to the abdominal and sacral regions of the pregnant women. |
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· It is not suitable to apply cupping to the patient subject to spontaneous bleeding or endless bleeding after trauma. |
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After cupping, there is a blood stasis or bruise at the local area. Generally, it will disappear several days later. Small blisters occurring on the skin will absorb naturally several days later.