1. Bamboo Cupping Jar:
Select a sturdy and undamaged bamboo with a diameter of 3-5 centimeters. Make a bamboo tube about 6-10 centimeters long, leaving a node at one end as the bottom and shaping the other end as the mouth of the jar. Use a knife to remove the green skin and inner membrane, creating a cylindrical shape similar to a waist drum. Use sandpaper to smooth the surface and make the mouth of the jar smooth and even.
The advantages of bamboo cupping jars are that they are easy to obtain, economical to make, lightweight, and not easily broken. The disadvantages are that they are prone to cracking, air leakage, and have low adsorption capacity. In folk applications, as long as it has a complete cavity and forms a corresponding closed compartment, it can be used. The selection of materials can vary, and there is no standardized size. However, different sizes and shapes of jars should be chosen for different treatment areas.
2. Ceramic Cupping Jar:
These jars are made from fired clay. They come in various sizes, with smooth and even mouths. They have a large and round body, with a smaller mouth and bottom, resembling a waist drum. The advantage of ceramic cupping jars is that they have a strong adsorption capacity. The disadvantage is that they are prone to breakage and damage, and are not convenient for carrying.
3. Glass Cupping Jar:
Glass cupping jars are made from glass, based on the design of ceramic jars. They have a spherical shape with a smooth mouth. They come in three different sizes: large, medium, and small. Alternatively, wide-mouthed glass jars can be used as substitutes. The advantages of glass cupping jars are that they are transparent, allowing for observation of the degree of congestion and bruising on the skin at the treated area, making it easy to monitor and adjust as needed. The disadvantage is that they are prone to breakage and damage, and are not easy to carry.
