Learn Cupping Therapy with Gao Fangying
Recently, I was fortunate to be introduced by a friend to some eager students to teach a cupping course. The saying “teaching benefits both the teacher and the student” is indeed true. While teaching, I also reviewed the relevant knowledge of cupping, and the basic skills practiced daily in clinical settings. After revisiting the theoretical aspects, I gained many new insights. I am especially grateful to my friend for the opportunity and feel lucky to meet such eager students. Today, I will mainly introduce the operational process of cupping therapy.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy, also known as sliding cupping, is a method within traditional Chinese cupping therapy. It extends the static suction of cupping into a dynamic sliding friction force, combining the negative pressure suction of a single cup with the friction force during sliding cupping, creating a resultant force that acts on the skin surface of the human body. By mastering the speed, frequency, and density (area) of sliding cupping, one can control the magnitude, direction, and point of application of the resultant force, potentially achieving selective and enhanced suction stimulation, adjusting the functions of the internal organs and meridians, and playing a role in disease prevention and treatment.
The Principle of Cupping Therapy
Before cupping, a layer of petroleum jelly or lard is applied to the skin or the rim of the cup as a medium. Then, using the flash fire method or the dripping alcohol method, the cup is applied to the selected area of the skin. The practitioner holds the cup with the right hand and uses the left hand to pull and tighten the skin, moving it up, down, or sideways. The cup is pushed back and forth over the area until the skin becomes red, congested, or even bruised, at which point the cup is removed.
Cupping Therapy Steps
1. Initiate sliding cupping. After the fire cup is applied to the skin, the practitioner uses one hand (left) to press down on the proximal skin near the cup, while the other hand (right) holds the cup and pushes it forcefully towards the distal end, repeating this movement several times.
2. Master the suction strength of cupping. Light suction: After cupping, the skin inside the cup is raised about 3 millimeters due to negative pressure, or using medium or small-sized cups; Heavy suction: The skin inside the cup is raised about 4 millimeters, or using large-sized cups.
3. Control the frequency of sliding cupping. Slow sliding: approximately one back-and-forth movement of the cup per second; Fast sliding: approximately two back-and-forth movements of the cup per second.
4. Combine suction strength and frequency. Depending on clinical needs, choose light suction with slow sliding, light suction with fast sliding, heavy suction with slow sliding, or heavy suction with fast sliding.
5. Master the duration of sliding cupping. Each group of acupoints is generally cupped for about 10 to 60 seconds as needed.
6. Closely observe the cup marks. Slide cupping until the local skin shows light red, red, deep red, or slight purple.
7. Treatment principles and methods. Strong stimulation: Generally involves heavy suction, fast sliding, longer duration, and skin color showing deep red or slight purple, suitable for cases of excess; or cupping on the back, waist, and limbs.
Light stimulation: Involves light suction, slow sliding, shorter duration, and skin color showing light red or red, suitable for cases of deficiency; or cupping on the chest and abdomen.
8. Treatment schedule. For acute conditions, after the first cupping, depending on the condition and the absorption of the local cup marks, if necessary, cupping can be repeated every 12 to 24 hours, or at different acupoints; for chronic conditions or rehabilitation cases, cupping is generally performed once every 3 days, with a treatment course of 3 to 5 days, followed by a two-week break before continuing cupping therapy.
Sliding Cupping Techniques for Different Areas1. Facial Cupping
For facial cupping, use small-sized cups and specially made fire cups. Operate carefully, ensuring that the cups are not too hot. It is advisable to prepare several cups for rotation during the cupping process.
2. Shoulder, Neck, and Back Cupping
Generally, perform lateral and vertical cupping, using light suction with fast sliding or heavy suction with slow sliding.
Precautions for Sliding Cupping:
1. This therapy is applied to larger areas with abundant muscle. Before sliding cupping, apply petroleum jelly or similar lubricants to the cup rim or skin to facilitate movement and reduce pain; this also helps avoid skin damage.
2. When sliding the cup, the movements should be slow and the force even, requiring a certain angle of inclination of the cup. The back half should exert force while the front half is slightly lifted, creating greater resistance during movement in all directions.
3. It is advisable to use larger diameter cups for sliding cupping, with the cup rim being round, thick, and smooth, preferably using vacuum cups.
Contraindications for Sliding Cupping:
Leukemia, areas with skin allergies or ulcers, major blood vessel pulsation areas, facial areas, and the genital region, pregnant women, individuals with menstrual disorders, and children under 6 years old.
