1. Fire Cupping Method
The principle of fire cupping is to use the consumption of oxygen during combustion and the heat of the flame to expand the gas inside the cup and create a negative pressure in the cup, causing it to adhere to the skin. The strength of the suction force depends on factors such as the cupping equipment, the combustion inside the cup, and the technique used. The following are commonly used methods:
Flashing Fire Method: Clamp a 95% alcohol cotton ball (not too much, just enough to moisten) with hemostatic forceps, ignite it, and wrap it around the middle section of the cupping jar for 1-2 turns. Or briefly pause, then quickly remove and place the cup on the treatment area. This method is relatively safe and not affected by body position. It is the most commonly used method in clinical practice for leaving the cup in place, moving the cup, and pricking and pulling the cupping points.
Throwing Fire Method: Roll up a thin piece of paper or cut it into thin strips, ignite it, and when it burns to about one-third, throw it into the cup, and quickly place the cup on the treatment area. This method has better thermal and suction effects than the flashing fire method, but it requires skilled technique to avoid burning the skin. This method can be used for leaving the cup in place. For beginners of the throwing fire method, you can place a layer of wet paper at the cupping area to prevent burns to the skin, but this may affect the therapeutic effect.
2. Water Cupping Method
Generally, 5-10 intact bamboo cups are placed in a pot, boiled in water, and then the cups are clamped out with forceps facing downwards. The liquid inside the cups is poured out, and the cupping jars are immediately tightly covered with a hot towel and placed on the designated treatment area.
If the prepared medicine (usually Chinese herbal medicine for dispelling wind, promoting blood circulation, and opening the meridians) is put into a cloth bag, the bag is tightly sealed, and then the bamboo cups are placed in the medicinal liquid and boiled for 15 minutes, this becomes a medicinal cupping method. When using it, the cups are applied to the treatment area following the water cupping method. This method is commonly used for conditions such as rheumatism and pain.
3. Vacuum Method
First, attach a pre-prepared vacuum cup to the area where cupping is needed, and use a vacuum pump to remove the air inside the cup, creating the desired negative pressure, which allows the cup to adhere. This method is suitable for cupping in any part of the body. However, because it lacks the thermal and suction effects of fire and water cupping, it does not belong to the traditional Chinese medicine cupping method and its efficacy is not prominent. It is not recommended for clinical use.
4. Alcohol Dropping Method
Drip 1-3 drops of 95% alcohol onto the middle section of the glass cup, rotate the cup once to evenly distribute the alcohol on the inner wall, ignite it, turn the cup upside down, and quickly tap the cup onto the selected area. Pay attention not to drop too much alcohol or let the cup's rim touch the alcohol to avoid burning the skin during cupping.
5. Cotton Pad Method
Take a cotton pad with a diameter of about 2 cm, of moderate thickness, soak it in a small amount of 95% alcohol, stick it to the middle section of the inner wall of a glass cup, ignite the cotton pad with a match, and then place the cup on the treatment area. Be careful not to use too much alcohol to avoid burning the skin.
6. Fire Frame Method
This method uses objects that are not easily flammable or conductive to heat, such as bottle caps or small liquor cups. Put a few drops of 95% alcohol or an alcohol cotton ball inside, place it on the designated area, ignite it, and quickly place the cup on the area.
