Cupping Therapy Cupping is a therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin surface to
cause local congestion through the negative pressure created by introducing
heat in the form of an ignited material. In the ancient times in china,
cupping method was called "horn method" The animal horn was used to dispel
pus. Along with continental development in clinical practice, the materials
for making jars and the methods have been greatly improved.
The range of indications has been expanded, since this method is simple and the
therapeutic effect is good.
This therapy was attracted with great attention
and applied in a large scale by broad masses, and also used as an auxiliary
method of acupuncture and moxibustion.
• TYPES OF JARS
1. Glass cup
Since the glass cup is transparent, the local congestion at the site for
moxibustion can be seen so as to control the treatment.
2. Bamboo jar
Cut down a section of bamboo 3-7 cm in diameter and 8-10 cm in length,
forming a cylinder shaped as a drum. One end is used as the bottom, and the
other as the opening. The rim of the jar should be made smoothly. The bamboo
jar is light, economical, easy to make and available in many places.
• INDICATIONS
The cupping method has the function of warming and promoting the free flow
of qi and blood in the meridians, dispelling cold dampness, diminishing
swelling and pains. In clinics, the cupping method is mainly used to treat
bi syndrome caused by wind dampness, such as pain of the low back,
shoulders, and leg, gastrointestinal disorders such as stomachache,
vomiting, and diarrhea, and the lung disease such as cough and asthma.
The cupping method combined with bloodletting is suitable to treat acute
sprains accompanied by blood stasis.
• PRECAUTIONS
1. The patient should select a comfortable position. Cups in different sizes
are used according to the cupping location. Generally, the areas where the
muscle is abundant and elastic, free from hairs and bone ridges are
selected.
2. The burning flame should be stronger enough to create a vacuum. Hold the
cup with the rim close to the local area and cup it to the skin rapidly and
deftly, otherwise, there will be no therapeutic effects.
3. It is not advisable to apply cupping to the patient with skin ulcer,
edema, or on an area overlying large blood vessels, to the patient with high
fever and convulsion; or to the abdominal and sacral regions of the pregnant
women.
4. It is not suitable to apply cupping to the patient susceptible to
spontaneous bleeding or endless bleeding after trauma.
5. After cupping, there is a blood stasis or bruise at the local area.
Generally, it will disappear several days later. Small blisters occurring on
the skin will absorb naturally several days later. If the blisters are
severe, draw out the liquid by a sterile syringe, apply gentian violet and
cover them with gauze to prevent infection. In case cupping is combined with
bloodletting, remove the blood from the punctured hold with a dry cotton
ball.
