Today we will demonstrate cupping (火罐).
Tip: The model’s back has a lump similar to a “wealth bag” (富贵包), which Teacher Yao diagnosed as a protrusion of the Da Zhui (大椎) vertebra, causing the skin to bulge. The lump of the wealth bag is soft muscle, which is why some people have difficulty treating it.
1. Cupping requires 95-degree alcohol, or 98-degree alcohol available at some pharmacies.
Ensure proper disinfection measures are in place.
2. After using tweezers to hold the cotton swab, soak it in alcohol and squeeze slightly; otherwise, the flame may expose and burn the patient’s back.
3. The glass cupping jar’s mouth must be smoothed. Rough edges can cause significant pain!
4. The extension of cupping – moving cupping (走罐) requires applying massage oil on the back as a medium. Moving cupping is more likely to produce sha (痧) and has stronger penetration.
When igniting, surrounding personnel should keep a safe distance to avoid sparks.
5. When moving the cupping jar upwards, tilt it slightly to prevent air leakage.
Hold the jar’s mouth while controlling its movement.
6. The shoulder and neck area is special; hold the jar without tilting it upwards.
Do not leave the cupping jar in one place for too long, as the muscle may bulge, making movement difficult.
If the shoulder and neck area is difficult to manage, acupuncture can be used; cupping is easier on thicker muscles, and the patient will feel more comfortable.
The video explanation is as follows:
Note: After cupping, do not take a shower immediately. For adults with heavy dampness, cupping should be done a maximum of 4-5 times a month.
