The following is an example of cupping therapy and its operational methods.
1) Carefully examine the patient and determine the clinical diagnosis. The cupping method should be decided based on the patient's condition (avoid using if there are contraindications).
2) Before the procedure, the patient should rest for half an hour to eliminate fatigue and tension. The procedure should not be performed within half an hour after a meal or when the patient is hungry. Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided within half an hour before the procedure to prevent dizziness caused by cupping. Explain the cupping process to the patient to alleviate their fears and build their confidence in the treatment.
3) Check if the drugs and equipment to be used are complete and in good condition. Clean them one by one and arrange them in order. Check if the cupping site and the patient's position are appropriate. Check if the rim of the cup is smooth and free of any cracks or chips.
4) The practitioner should disinfect their fingers before the procedure.
5) Expose the area where cupping is to be performed (choose a well-developed and flat muscle area). For those who will be walking with the cups, apply a thin layer of vaseline ointment to the cupping site.
6) Use a vascular forceps to clamp a cotton ball soaked in 95% alcohol, and ignite it.
7) Hold the cup with the left hand, with the rim facing downwards. Hold the ignited cotton ball with the right hand and quickly insert it into the cup, making one circle. Immediately remove the cotton ball and place the cup on the selected area.
8) Leave the cup in place for 10-15 minutes, until the skin inside the cup becomes raised and reddish-purple.
9) When removing the cup, lightly press the cup with the left hand and tilt it to the left. Use the index and middle fingers of the right hand to press lightly on the muscles on the opposite side of the tilted rim, creating a slight gap for air to enter and the suction to dissipate. The cup will naturally detach.
10) After cupping, in addition to leaving the cups in place, other cupping techniques such as flash cupping or walking with the cups can also be performed.
