Also known as cupping, it refers to the application of a lubricant such as Vaseline or oil on the skin or rim of the cup before cupping. The cup is then placed on the selected area of the skin using either the flash fire or alcohol dripping method. The practitioner holds the cup with their right hand and supports and stretches the skin with their left hand. They then move the cup back and forth in an upward, downward, or lateral motion on the area that needs to be cupped, until the skin becomes reddened, congested, or even bruised. This method is suitable for treating conditions such as muscle soreness, numbness, rheumatic pain, etc., in areas with a larger surface area and thicker muscles, such as the back, waist, hips, and thighs. The commonly used methods in clinical practice are as follows:
1. Light suction and quick pushing to dispel external pathogens: Light suction involves using a small-sized fire cup to suck the skin into the cup about 3-4 millimeters higher than the external surface of the cup. The skin should have a slight redness. After that, a lubricant is applied, and the cup is moved at a speed of about 30 centimeters per second. This method has a gentle suction force and a mild stimulation, mainly affecting the functions of the skin. Therefore, it is most effective when applied to the treated area or when the whole body sweats after cupping. The skin is the distribution of meridians in the skin, and it plays a role in defending the body and resisting external pathogens. This method can stimulate the skin appropriately and promote the circulation of protective qi, dispelling external pathogens. It is effective in treating external pathogens (mainly on the skin of the foot Taiyang) and numbness or paralysis of the skin (combined with local treatment).
2. Heavy suction and quick pushing to regulate the meridians and qi and blood: Heavy suction involves sucking the skin into the cup about 8 millimeters higher than the external surface of the cup. The skin should be purplish-red. Then, castor oil is applied to the skin, and the cup is moved at a speed of about 30 centimeters per second. Large or medium-sized fire cups are generally used on the abdomen and back, while small-sized fire cups are used on the limbs. This method has a strong suction force and a powerful stimulation. Its main effect is to influence the meridians and qi and blood through the skin and acupoints, thereby adjusting the functions of the organs. It is suitable for treating certain diseases caused by meridian and organ imbalance. The back acupoints or the skin along the meridians on the abdomen are usually selected.
3. Heavy suction and slow pushing to dispel cold and invigorate tendons and muscles: After heavy suction (as mentioned above), castor oil is applied to the skin, and the cup is moved at a speed of 2-3 centimeters per second, making the skin turn purplish-red. Large or medium-sized fire cups are used on the back and abdomen, while small-sized fire cups are used on the limbs. This method has the strongest stimulation and can draw out the coldness and stagnation that are trapped in the organs and meridians through the skin and acupoints. It also has a massaging effect on the local tendons and muscles, promoting the nourishment of qi and blood to the muscles. The cupping is mainly performed on the Du meridian, back acupoints, and skin on the foot Taiyang. It stimulates the warming effect of yang qi and dispels coldness.
