The method of cupping, also known as the sitting cupping method, refers to the cupping method where the cup is left in place for a period of time after suction at the designated area. This method is the most commonly used cupping method in clinical practice. The sitting cupping method is mainly used for diseases dominated by cold pathogens, visceral diseases, chronic diseases, localized and fixed areas, and deeper conditions. It is often used for conditions such as external pathogens affecting meridians, stagnation of qi and blood, external wind-cold syndrome, skin rheumatism, numbness, indigestion, neurasthenia, and hypertension, all of which can be effectively treated with cupping.
For the treatment of excess syndromes, the purging method is used. This involves using a single cup with a large diameter and strong suction force, or using multiple cups arranged closely together with strong suction force. The cup is lifted during inhalation and removed during exhalation.
For the treatment of deficiency syndromes, the tonifying method is used. This involves using a single cup with a small diameter and weak suction force, or using multiple cups arranged sparsely with weak suction force. The cup is lifted during exhalation and removed during inhalation.
The sitting cupping method can be used in conjunction with the sliding cupping method, where sliding cupping is performed first, followed by the sitting cupping.
