The technique of pricking and cupping therapy involves using a skin needle to prick the affected area, followed by applying a cup locally to prevent and treat diseases.
1.
Basic Methods of Pricking and Cupping Technique
Pricking and cupping method: This is often used for deeper lesions that are more localized. A three-edged needle is quickly pricked dozens of times, followed by cupping. The cup is left in place for about 15-20 minutes. After removing the cup, use a disinfected cotton ball to wipe away blood stains, and the blood clots inside the cup should also be cleaned and disinfected for future use.
It should be noted that strict disinfection of both the needle and the acupuncture area is necessary during pricking and cupping to prevent infection.
2.
Classification of Pricking and Cupping Techniques
1. Local pricking and cupping: Pricking is done at the lesion site, moving from the periphery to the center, followed by cupping at the pricked area.
2. Acupuncture point pricking and cupping: Pricking is performed at selected acupuncture points followed by cupping.
3. Comprehensive pricking and cupping: Depending on the condition, a reasonable combination of the above methods can be used for treatment.
3.
Mechanism of Pricking and Cupping Therapy
Using a skin needle to prick the skin adjusts the functions of the internal organs and meridians, facilitating the flow of qi and blood, promoting the body’s recovery to achieve the purpose of preventing and treating diseases.
4.
Indications for Pricking and Cupping Therapy
Acute conditions, febrile diseases, excess conditions, stasis conditions, and pain conditions.5.
Selection of Acupuncture Points for Pricking and Cupping
The selection of bloodletting sites should follow the principles of: selecting points along the meridians, local points, and experience-based points.
6.
Tools for Pricking and Cupping
7.
Preparation of Items Before Operation
1. Preparation of needles: three-edged needles, skin needles, blood collection needles, or disposable injection needles;
2. Disinfectant: iodine or 75% alcohol;
3. Disposable sterile gloves, sterile cotton swabs or sterile cotton balls, disposable sterile gauze; masks, and eye protection if conditions allow.
4. Disinfected glass fire cups or disinfected gas cups (quantity to be assessed and prepared accordingly);
5. Medical waste disposal bins: prepared according to medical waste classification management requirements; sharp containers, yellow medical waste bags.
8.
Preparation of Body Position Before Operation
(1) Supine position: Suitable for acupuncture points on the head, face, forehead, chest, abdomen, and the anterior sides of the upper and lower limbs.
(2) Prone position: Suitable for acupuncture points on the head, neck, shoulders, back, waist, and the posterior sides of the upper and lower limbs.
(3) Lateral position: Suitable for acupuncture points on the sides of the head, face, shoulders, chest, and outer sides of the lower limbs, excluding areas in contact with the bed.
(4) Sitting position: Suitable for acupuncture points on the back of the head, neck, shoulders, and waist.
(5) Reclining sitting position: Suitable for acupuncture points on the front of the head, face, chest, and front of the legs.
9.
Disinfection Preparation Before Operation
Preoperative skin preparation
After determining the treatment area, use a hot towel to wash the area to be cupped, then dry it with disinfected gauze before cupping; if performing needling or pricking and cupping, the area must be disinfected with alcohol or iodine, and wait for the skin to dry before cupping; if there is hair in the area to be cupped, it must be shaved, cleaned, and dried before cupping.
The practitioner must strictly follow the six-step handwashing method before and after the operation, emphasizing the importance of hospital infection control.
10.
Basic Operating Methods
1. Stimulation speed: The speed should be uniform to prevent uneven pricking. The needle tip should be inserted and lifted vertically, repeating this operation. The needle should not be inserted at an angle or dragged back, as this will increase the patient’s pain.
2. The method of removing the cup should be gentle; one hand should hold the skin at the edge of the cup, pressing slightly to allow air to enter, and the cup will come off. Do not pull hard or twist.
When using multiple cups, the arrangement should not be too close to avoid pulling the skin and causing pain.
3. After removing the cup, use sterile gauze to wipe away blood, then disinfect the treated area.
4. The treatment tools and medical waste should be sorted for disposal.
5. Cupping time: Large cups with strong suction can be left for 5-10 minutes; medium cups with moderate suction should be left for 10-15 minutes; small cups with less suction should be left for 15-20 minutes.
11.
Contraindications:
Local skin injuries and ulcers, bleeding disorders, high blood sugar, and fasting.12.
Precautions
1. Check the needles; if the needle tip has barbs or is damaged, it should be replaced immediately.
2. Both the needles and the skin (including acupuncture points) must be disinfected.
3.① Select appropriate cups based on the area to be cupped.
② Cupping should be performed on areas with sufficient muscle; it is difficult to cup on areas with thin muscle, prominent bones, loose skin, or excessive hair, as the cups may fall off.
③ The body position should be appropriate; do not change positions during cupping to avoid the cups falling off.
④ Cupping is not suitable for areas with skin allergies, ulcers, edema, or large blood vessels. Pregnant women should use caution on the abdomen.
4. The course of this therapy generally depends on the severity of the condition and the patient’s constitution, usually performed once every other day, with 1-3 sessions considered a course of treatment.。
Source: Internet
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