Cupping, also known as pushing cups, is a technique in which a lubricant such as Vaseline or oil is applied to the skin or rim of the cup before cupping. The cup is then placed on the selected area of the skin using a flash fire or alcohol droplets. The practitioner holds the cup with the right hand and supports and stretches the skin with the left hand, pushing and pulling the cup in an upward, downward, or lateral motion until the skin becomes red, congested, or even bruised. This method is suitable for treating pain, numbness, and rheumatic conditions in areas with large surface areas and thick 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, used to dispel exterior pathogens:
Light suction involves using a small cup to draw the skin into the cup about 3-4 millimeters higher than the outside of the cup. The skin should become slightly red and then lubricant is applied. The cup is pushed at a speed of about 30 centimeters per second. This method has a gentle suction force and minimal stimulation, mainly affecting the function of the skin. Therefore, the best therapeutic effect is achieved when sweating occurs in the treated area or throughout the body. The skin is the distribution of the meridian system in the skin, and it plays a role in protecting the body and resisting external pathogens. This technique can stimulate the skin appropriately to promote the circulation of Wei Qi and dispel exterior pathogens. It is effective in treating external pathogenic factors (mainly focused on the skin of the Taiyang meridian) and numbness and paralysis of the skin (combined with local treatment).
2. Heavy suction and quick pushing, used to regulate Qi and blood circulation in the meridians:
Heavy suction involves drawing the skin into the cup about 8 millimeters higher than the outside of the cup, and the skin should become purple-red. Castor oil is then applied to the treated skin, and the cup is pushed at a speed of about 30 centimeters per second. Large or medium cups are generally used for the abdomen and back, and small cups are used for the limbs. This method has a strong suction force and a greater degree of stimulation. Its main effect is to affect the circulation of Qi and blood in the meridians through the skin and acupoints, thereby adjusting the function of the organs. It is suitable for treating certain disorders caused by meridian and organ imbalances. The main focus is on the acupoints on the back or the meridian skin of the abdomen.
3. Heavy suction and slow pushing, used to dispel cold and nourish muscles and tendons:
After heavy suction (as mentioned above), the skin is coated with castor oil, and the cup is pushed at a speed of 2-3 centimeters per second to make the skin appear purple-red. Large or medium cups are used for the back and abdomen, and small cups are used for the limbs. This technique provides the greatest stimulation and can draw out the stagnant cold from the organs and meridians through the skin and acupoints. It also has a massaging effect on the local muscles, promoting the nourishment of Qi and blood to the muscles. The main focus of cupping in this method is the Du meridian, back acupoints, and the skin of the Taiyang meridian. It stimulates the warming effect of Yang Qi and dispels coldness.
