Cupping therapy can unblock the body’s jingluo (meridians), balance qi and xue (blood), regulate the endocrine system, and promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, thereby improving digestive function and accelerating metabolism. It can reduce both superficial and deep internal fat, providing a green weight loss solution while also promoting health.
Below, we will introduce several methods of cupping.
The retention cupping method is the most commonly used technique, also known as the sitting cupping method, which involves placing the cup on the skin and leaving it for a period of time.
The retention time is typically between 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the patient’s condition, the disease, and the season.
Two forms of retention cupping
1. Single cup method, which uses one cup alone, suitable for small areas of pathology.
2. Multiple cup method, which uses several cups simultaneously, also known as the排罐法 (排罐 method).
The cups are generally placed along the paths of muscle bundles, nerves, or meridians.
If the body is strong, the cups can be placed closely together; if the body is weak, the cups should be spaced further apart. This method is suitable for broader areas of pathology.
The flash cupping method involves holding the cup in one hand and using tweezers to hold a cotton ball soaked in alcohol, igniting it and quickly removing it, then swiftly placing the cup on the patient’s affected area, followed by immediate removal. This process is repeated several times until the skin becomes red and shows bruising.
This method is suitable for areas where the muscles are relatively relaxed.
The sliding cupping method is also known as the推罐法 (pushing cupping method) or 拉罐法 (pulling cupping method).
Choose cups with a larger opening, thicker walls, and a smooth, undamaged surface. Then, apply a thin layer of lubricant, such as liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, or other plant oils, to the area where cupping will be performed.
After using the flash fire method or投火法 (throwing fire method) to create suction on the skin, hold the bottom of the cup and slightly tilt it to slide back and forth.The direction can be forward, backward, left, right, and can also include rotation.
Repeat several times until the skin becomes red and shows bruising. This method is suitable for large, flat areas of the body with thick, firm muscles, such as the back and waist.
Colors of Cupping Marks
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1. Dark black cupping marks: generally indicate insufficient blood supply, poor circulation, and the presence of blood stasis.
2. Dark purple cupping marks: generally indicate insufficient blood supply, poor circulation, and blood stasis.
3. Purple cupping marks with patches: generally indicate cold congealing and blood stasis.
4. Cupping marks with scattered purple spots of varying shades: indicate qi stagnation and blood stasis.
5. Bright red cupping marks: generally indicate yin deficiency, deficiency of both qi and blood, or excess fire due to yin deficiency.
6. Red and dark cupping marks: indicate high blood lipids and the presence of heat evil.
7. Gray-white cupping marks that feel cold to the touch: often indicate deficiency cold or damp evil.
8. Cupping marks with skin texture or slight itching: indicate wind evil or dampness.
9. Moisture on the inner wall of the cup: indicates dampness in that area.
10. Blisters on the cupping marks: indicate heavy internal dampness; if the blisters contain blood, it is a reaction to damp-heat toxin.
Precautions for Cupping
▲ Do not take a shower or drink cold beverages within two hours after cupping; if showering after two hours, use warm water.
▲▲ During cupping, do not use air conditioning or fans to avoid air convection.
▲▲ Do not perform cupping on an overly full or hungry stomach; wait at least one hour after meals before cupping.
Not preferred