The following is a procedural description of use of suction-gun cups, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine practice. It was provided by the manufacturers of our cupping sets.
1.
Select
the points according to patient's condition:
(i)
Ashipoints
are the most obvious starting point.
(ii)
Referencing
the model, select the points which lie on the
front-back central lines of the human body (Two
Ren-Du channels - one point on the two Ren-Du
Meridians. Another Meridian is a symmetric arrangement,
shown only on one side of the body in the model.)
(iii)
Selecting
points - turn the points into two components,
according to the treatment points (use a
different component point by rotating daily).
2.
Select an appropriate cup for the treatment site selected,
respective to the pathological condition and the body posture
adopted: postures including sitting and lying down (lying
supine, prone and recumbent).
3.
Lift
the piston located on the cup to let the air in.
4.
Connect
the pressure gun opening to the piston on the top of the
cup, and then vertically and rapidly pull the lever of
the gun several times until the tissue inside the cup
protrudes (as much as the patient can tolerate).
5.
At
areas where cupping cannot be applied by the patient
himself / herself, (such as the back and the lumbar region)
the connector should be employed. Connect first the large
end of the connector lever to the large end of the reserve
connector, then connect the large end of the connector lever
to the piston of the cup (small end of the pressure gun
opening), finally applying the cup to the area to be treated.
Pull the lever of the gun several times to suck skin into
the cup.
6.
Turn
the gun left and right, withdraw it from the cup, then press
down the piston gently, sealing the cup so as to prevent
it from leaking.
7.
Main Cupping Methods:
(i)
Retention of cups: After the cup is applied on the
skin, the cup should be kept in place for:
10 minutes
(children),
3 minutes (youth),
5 minutes (women),
7 minutes (to induce stagnant state of the local skin)
before removal.
Use longer treatment times on severe
pain, focal depths (flat skin where the muscle is
thick), and in winter. Use shorter treatment times
on focal surfaces (skin where the muscle is thin),
paralytic disease, and in summer. This is the most
common method applicable for ordinary diseases.
(ii)
Sliding
cupping has two effects, i.e. cupping and Guasha (scraping).
Before cupping, apply lubricant to the skin, apply
the cup to the skin, pulling the cup back and forth
along the course of a meridian or along a selected
line until a bruise is formed - then remove the cup.
This method is usually applied on a wide, flat area
where the muscle is thick. When sliding cupping is
applied, pay attention to the negative pressure of
the cupping, which may adjust differently to your
respective patients (as well as their differing individual
endurance).
(iii)
Flash
cupping: Apply the cup to the skin, immediately remove
the cup from the skin, then apply the cup again; repeat
the procedure until the treated area turns red. This
method is often useful on uneven areas, where the
suction cup tends to fall off, or on the face where
ecchymosis (marks from the cupping) is not desirable.
8.
When
the treatment is over, lift the piston to remove the cup
from the skin.
9
Treatment time: Children - 5 days, Adult 1 day with an interval
of 3 days.
10.
After
the cup is used, wipe it with disinfectant (e.g., alcohol-soaked
cotton); the cups should not be soaked in disinfectant or
boiled.
11.
During
application, if the cup fails to remain on the skin,
make sure the black rubber plug is sealed to the cup, check
the connection between the gun and cup to make sure it is
not too tight, check the pressure gun to make sure it is
vertical to the cup, and check the pressure exerted by the
lever of the gun.
Select
an appropriate-sized cup for the selected treatment
area. In general, cupping is applied to flat
skin where the muscle is thick and free from
body hair. If it is necessary to conduct cupping
on uneven skin, a dough ring may be placed under
the cup to prevent leakage. Damp skin may be
more easily cupped.
•
When
the patient is first treated, select a small
cup and use gentle application (shorter periods).
•
While
cupping, the patient should remain still.
•
Cupping Prohibited for:
1.
Those with hemophilia,
leukemia, malignant anemia, thrombocytopenia,
etc.
2.
Severe
skin allergies, ulceration and edema.
3.
Areas
close to large vessels, palpitation, lymph
nodes. (e.g. submaxillary, cervical, supraclavicular,
and auxillary, inguinal lymph nodes).
•
4.
Local
skin tumors, traumatic injury, bone fractures,
varicose veins, scar tissue, lymphoid,
tuberculosis, shallow vessels.
5.
Genitalia.
7.
Gravida,
menstrual period, active tuberculosis,
amentia, restlessness, myospasm, nervous
disorder.
8.
Hypertension,
moderate and serious cardiac heart failure,
respiratory failure.
9.
Under
three years old.
10.
Alcoholism, overeating, fatigue, after
strenuous exercise, gradual emaciation
and weakness, cachexia, dermatolysis.
•
When treating difficult and complicated ailments,
always consult with a physician.
•
Patients may initially experience light redness
of skin after treatment: these symptoms will
gradually disappear.
•
After
cupping, small blisters or spots may appear,
which is a normal reaction to the treatment.
If the blisters are very small, they may be
left alone. If there are big blisters, they
should be pricked from the bottom with a sterilized
needle (to drain the fluid), then dressed with
gauze to avoid infection.
•
If, while under strong suction, the patient
experiences any reaction such as stress, hunger,
paleness, nausea, vomiting, profuse perspiration,
confusion, chills, or urinary and fecal incontinence
- this is known as Cupping Fainting. Cease cupping
at once and let the patient lie down. If these
symptoms are not alleviated, consult a physician.
•
After
cupping, the patient may experience a normal
sensation such as: fever, tightening, gas, or
warmth. If the patient experiences: tightening,
pain, or illness, either stop cupping, change
the position of cupping, or use the small cupping
appliance.
Diagnosis:
The location and relationship of the disease
to the internal organs will be diagnosed
according to the changes of skin surrounding
the cupping site.
Treatment:
Cupping therapy
involves applying over ten methods such
as sustained cupping, quick cupping, rotating
cupping and movable cupping, and more. (See Types of Cupping.) These
methods are used to treat dozens of acute
or chronic diseases by stimulating the acupuncture
points of the Hua Tuo Jiaji and Back-Shu.
Staying Healthy:
Cupping regulates the chi and the blood
of the whole body; enhances the defenses
of the body; and protects against diseases.
1.
Increasing Vitality
Points: LaoGong (P8), YongQuan (K1), SanYinJiao
(Sp6), ZuSanLi (S36)
"LaoGong," located in the palm, is
a Ying-spring point of the pericardium meridian.
As one of the 9 points for resuscitation, it
increases vitality. Application of cupping at
this point helps the individual to maintain
a healthy, vigorous state. Office workers
lacking physical activity may often feel tired,
stressed, and fatigued, this is an ideal point
to deal with modern life's fast-paced, intense
competition.
2.
Removing Turbid Qi
Points:
YongQuan (K1), ZuSanLi (S36).
YongQuan (K 1)
is the first point on the kidney meridian, located
at the bottom of human body. Pathogenic toxins
tend to accumulate in the lower part of the
body. After a period of time, these toxins block
the circulation of Qi in the meridians, leading
to a variety of diseases. Cupping conducted
frequently at YongQuan (K1) can remove toxins,
smooth Qi circulation in the kidney meridian,
promote flow of kidney Qi, strengthen the teeth,
darken the hair and slow down the aging process.
If YongQuan (K 1) is treated by letting blood
in combination with cupping, the results are
much improved. According to Chinese medicine,
the growth and development of the human body
are directly related to the status of kidney
Qi. When kidney Qi is sufficient, the growth
and development of the human body functions as normal:
the bones are strong, the hair is lustrous and
the five senses function well. If kidney Qi is
deficient, the growth and development of a person
is retarded, energy is lacking, the bones and
teeth are weakened, the hair is withered, the
senses deteriorate. As a result, the Chinese
ancients attached great importance to the kidneys,
which are known as the congenital root of health
and our source of growth and development.
3.
Activating the Channels and Collaterals:
(1) The Cupping method for the two Ren-Du
channels combines abdomen and back points
(yin and yang points). Ren channels are
a mass of yin channels, while Du-Channels
are a mass of yang channels. Cupping on
the Ren-Du channels can open the yin and
yang channels of the body, balance Yin-Yang,
heal illness and protect health for Five-Zhang
and Six-Fu of the human body.
(2)
BeiShu and HuatuoJiaJi points
BeiShu
and HuaTuoJiaJi points penetrate the cervical
back and the limb; the whole channels-qi of
the Five-Zhang and Six-Fu pass the meridians.
Modern medicine identifies BeiShu and HuaTuoJiaJi
points, the myeloradiculitis and arteriovenous
dump of the human body, and uses slide cupping
at these two points. It can open the Five-Zhang
and Six-Fuqi channels, regulate qi-blood meridians,
and increase the disease-resistance of the
body. These two points are now used to treat
cervical and lumbar disease.
4.
Reinforcing the Primary Qi
Points: GuanYuan (Ren4) QiHai (Ren6), MingMen (Du4)
ShenShu (B23)
The GuanYuan and QiHai points may be covered with
one cup, as both points reinforce the body (this is
the important point of health for middle aged and
old people). QiHai is considered by the ancients as
the sea of the primary Qi. GuanYuan, also known as
DanTian, is an intersecting point of the 3-Yin meridians
of the leg (liver, spleen, kidney). MingMen, known as
the vital gate, is the site where the primary Qi emerges
and enters. As we age, kidney Qi tends be deficient
as Yang Qi is depleted. Therefore, cupping frequently
applied at these points will tone the primary Qi,
strengthen the kidneys, prevent the loss of essence
and prolong life.
5.
Regulating Essence and Blood
Points: SanYinJiao (Sp6) QiHai (Ren6), ShenShu (B23),
XinShu (B15)
SanYinJiao is the point between three Yin meridians:
namely, the liver, spleen and kidney. Chinese traditional
medicine states that the liver stores blood, the spleen
controls circulation inside vessels, and the kidneys
store essence. Essence and blood are of the same
origin. Kidneys are known as the root of congenital
health, and the spleen the root of acquired health.
The kidneys need nourishment of Qi while blood flows
through the spleen, which is reversely activated by
the kidneys. Thus, if cupping is applied at the SanYinJiao
point, the Qi and blood of the liver, spleen and kidney
meridians will be regulated and nourished, promoting
health and prolonging life
6.
Prevention of Gastrointestinal Disease
Points: ZuSanLi (S36), PiShu (B20), ZhongWan (Renl2),
WeiShu (B21)
ZuSanLi,
the most essential point for health, has a bipolar
regulating effect on gastrointestinal functions, applicable
for all kinds of disorders of the stomach and abdomen.
PiShu is the point where the Qi of the spleen flows
through the back. ZhongWan is the point where the
Qi of the stomach flows through the abdomen. Therefore,
cupping applied frequently at these points has helps
prevent gastrointestinal tract ailments.
7.
Prevention of Cardiac Vascular Diseases
Points:
NeiGuan (P6), XinShu(B15), GanShu(B18), ShenShu(B23)
NeiGuan, an important point of the pericardium meridian,
helps relax the chest and relieve mental stress. Pericardium
is the external membrane of the heart, protecting the heart
from pathogenic attack. XinShu is the point where the Qi
of the heart flows through the back of the body. Cupping
conducted frequently at these two points helps prevent various
cardiac vascular diseases
8.
Prevention of Respiratory Diseases
Points: TianTu (Ren22), FeiShu (B13), FengMen(B12)
Respiratory
diseases are often induced by the attack of exogenous
wind and cold. TianTu located at the suprasternal
fossa is the site at which Qi flows. FeiShu is the
point at which the Qi of the lungs flows through the
back. FengMen is the doorway through which the exogenous
pathogenic wind and cold enters and exits. Thus, cupping
frequently applied at these points regulates function
of the lungs, relieves cough, smooths the Qi circulation
within the respiratory tract, and benefits those who
suffer from respiratory disease, such as common cold
and bronchitis.
