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Cupping Methods
The retention cupping method is the most commonly used technique in cupping therapy, also known as the sitting cupping method, which involves placing a cup on the skin and leaving it for a period of time. The retention time ranges from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the patient’s condition, the disease, and the season. Generally, in summer and on thinner skin areas, the retention time should not be too long.
There are two forms of retention cupping:
One is the single cup method, which uses a single cup and is suitable for small areas of pathology.
The other is the multiple cup method, also known as the排罐法 (排罐法, 排罐法), which uses multiple cups simultaneously. The cups are generally placed along the muscle bundles, nerves, or meridian pathways. If the body is strong, the cups can be placed closer together; if the body is weak, the cups should be spaced further apart. This method is suitable for broader areas of pathology.
Flash Cupping Method
The flash cupping method involves holding a cup in one hand and using tweezers to hold an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or a cotton ball tied to a wire, igniting it, and then quickly removing it to place the cup on the patient’s affected area. The cup is then immediately removed, and this process is repeated several times until the skin becomes red and bruised. This method is suitable for areas where the muscles are relatively relaxed. Please follow the cupping circle, where various TCM skills are shared.
Sliding Cupping Method
The sliding cupping method, also known as the推罐法 (tuī guàn fǎ) or 拉罐法 (lā guàn fǎ), involves selecting a cup with a larger opening, thicker walls, and a smooth, undamaged surface. A thin layer of lubricant, such as liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, or other plant oils, is applied to the area to be cupped. After using the flash fire method or the投火法 (tóu huǒ fǎ) to create suction on the skin, the cup is held at the bottom and tilted slightly to slide back and forth. The directions can be forward, backward, left, right, and can also include rotation. This is repeated several times until the skin becomes red and bruised. It is suitable for large, flat areas of the body with thick, firm muscles, such as the back and waist.
Effects of Cupping:
Cupping therapy has therapeutic effects of invigorating qi and blood, dispelling cold pathogens, and alleviating pain and swelling. It is suitable for conditions such as shoulder periarthritis, cervical spondylosis, rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, low back pain, trigeminal neuralgia, and sciatica.
Colors of Cupping Marks:
1. Dark purple-black cupping marks: Generally indicate insufficient blood supply and poor circulation with blood stasis.
2. Purple cupping marks with patches: Generally indicate cold congealing and blood stasis.
3. Scattered purple spots of varying shades: Indicate qi stagnation and blood stasis.
4. Bright red cupping marks: Generally indicate yin deficiency, both qi and blood deficiency, or excess fire due to yin deficiency.
5. Red and dark cupping marks: Indicate high blood lipids and the presence of heat pathogens.
6. Gray-white cupping marks that feel cool to the touch: Often indicate deficiency cold or damp pathogens.
7. Cupping marks with skin texture or slight itching: Indicate wind pathogens or damp conditions.
8. Moisture on the inner wall of the cup: Indicates dampness in that area.
9. Blisters on cupping marks: Indicate heavy internal dampness; if the blisters contain blood, it is a reaction to damp-heat toxicity.
Precautions for Cupping:
1. After guasha and cupping, do not take a cold shower or drink cold beverages for two hours; if taking a shower after two hours, use warm water.
2. During guasha and cupping, do not use air conditioning or fans to avoid air convection.
3. Do not perform cupping on an overly full or hungry stomach; wait at least one hour after eating before cupping.
