Suction Cupping Clinical Applications1. Select the points according to patient's condition: (1)

Ashipoints are the most obvious starting point.

(2)

Referencing the model, select the points which lie on the front-back central lines of the human body (Two Ren-Du channels - one point on the two Ren-Du Meridians. Another Meridian is a symmetric arrangement, shown only on one side of the body in the model.)

(3)

Selecting points - turn the points into two components, as according to the treatment points (use a different component point by rotating daily).

2. Select an appropriate cup for the treatment site selected, respective to the pathological condition of the body posture adopted: postures including sitting and lying down (lying supine, prone and recumbent).   3. Lift the piston located on the cup to let the air in.   4.Connect the pressure gun opening to the piston on the top of the cup, and then vertically and rapidly pull the lever of the gun several times until the muscle inside the cup protrudes (as much as the patient can tolerate).   5. At areas where cupping is cannot be applied by the patient himself / herself, (such as the back and the lumbar region) the connector should be employed. Connect first the large end of the connector lever to the large end of the reserve connector, then connect the large end of the connector lever to the piston of the cup (small end of the pressure gun opening), finally applying the cup to the area to be treated. Pull the lever of the gun several times to suck skin into the cup.     6. Turn the gun left and right, withdraw it from the cup, then press down the piston gently, sealing the cup so as to prevent it from leaking.     7. Cupping Methods:  (1) Retention of cups: After the cup is applied on the skin, the cup should be kept in place for: 10

minutes (children), 3 minutes (youth), 5 minutes (woman), 7 minutes (to induce stagnant state of the local skin) before removal. Use longer treatment times on severe pain, focal depths (flat skin where the muscle is thick), and in winter. Use shorter treatment times on focal surfaces (skin where the muscle is thin), paralytic disease, and in summer. This is the most common method applicable for ordinary diseases.

(2) Sliding cupping has two effects, i.e. cupping and Guasha (scraping). Before cupping, apply lubricant to the skin, apply the cup to the skin, pulling the cup back and forth along the course of a meridian or along a selected line until a bruise is formed - then remove the cup. This method is usually applied on a wide, flat area where the muscle is thick. When sliding cupping is applied, pay attention to the negative pressure of the cupping, which may adjust differently to your respective patients (as well as their differing individual endurance).

(3) Flash cupping: Apply the cup to the skin, immediately remove the cup off the skin, then apply the cup again; repeat the procedure until the treated area turns red. This method is often useful on uneven areas, where the sucked cup tends to fall off, or on the face where ecchymosis is not desirable.

    8. When the treatment is over, lift the piston to remove the cup from the skin.     9 Treatment time: Children - 5 days, Adult 1 day with an interval of 3 days.     10. After the cup is used, wipe it with disinfectant (e.g. alcohol-soaked cotton); the cups should not be soaked in disinfectant or boiled.     11. During application, if the cup fails to be sucked to the skin, make sure the black rubber plug is sealed to the cup, check the connection between the gun and cup to make sure it is not too tight, check the pressure gun to make sure it is vertical to the cup, and check the pressure exerted by the lever of the gun. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Precautions for Applying Cupping Appliance

• Select an appropriate-sized cup for the selected treatment area. In general, cupping is applied to flat skin where the muscle is thick and free from body hair. If it is necessary to conduct cupping on uneven skin, a dough ring may be placed under the cup to prevent leakage. Damp skin may be more easily cupped.

• When the patient is first treated, select a small cup and use gentle stimulation.

• While cupping, the patient should remain in a still position. • Prohibited cupping on / those with:

 

1. Hemophilia, leukemia, malignant anemia, thrombocytopenia, etc. 

2. Severe skin allergies, ulceration and edema. 3. Area close to big vessels, palpitation, lymph nodes.

(e.g. submaxillary, cervical, supraclavicular, and auxillary, inguinal lymph nodes).

• 4. Local skin tumors, traumatic injury, bone fractures, varicose veins, scar tissue, lymphoid, tuberculosis, shallow vessels.  

5. Genitalia. 7. Gravida, menstrual period, active tuberculosis, amentia, restlessness, myospasm, nervous

disorder. 8. Hypertension, moderate and serious cardiac, heart failure, respiratory failure. 9. Under three years old. 10. Alcoholism, overeating, fatigue, after strenuous exercise, gradual emaciation and weakness,

cachexia, dermatolysis. • When treating difficult and complicated ailments, request treatment by a physician.• Patients may initially experience light redness of skin after treatment: these symptoms will gradually

disappear. • After cupping, small blisters or spots may appear, which is a normal reaction tothe treatment. If the

blisters are very small, they may be left alone. If there are big blisters, they should be pricked from the bottom with a sterilized needle (to drain the fluid), then dressed with gauze to avoid infection.

• If, while under strong suction, the patient experiences any reaction such as stress, hunger, paleness, nausea, vomiting, profuse perspiration, confusion, chills, or urinary and fecal incontinence - this is known as Cupping Fainting. Cease cupping at once and let the patient lie down. If these symptoms are not alleviated, consult a physician.

• After cupping, the patient may experience a normal sensation such as: fever, tightening, gas, or warmth. If the patient experiences: tightening, pain, or illness, either stop cupping, change the position of cupping, or use the small cupping appliance.

• Cupping should be done in a warm room.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Suction Cupping Application Chart

1. Increasing VitalityPoints: LaoGong (P8), YongQuan (K1), SanYinJiao (Sp6), ZuSanLi (S36)"LaoGong," located in the palm, is a Ying-spring point of the pericardium meridian. As one of the 9 points for resuscitation, it increases vitality. Application of cupping at this point helps the individual to maintain a healthy, vigorous state. For office workers lacking physical activity may often feel tired, stressed, and fatigued, this is an ideal point to deal with modern life's fast-paced, intense competition.  

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2. Removing Turbid QiPoints: YongQuan (K1), ZuSanLi (S36) YongQuan (K 1) is the first point on the kidney meridian, located at the bottom of human body. Pathogenic toxins tend to accumulate in the lower part of the body. After a period of time, these toxins block the circulation of Qi in the meridians, leading to a variety of diseases. Cupping conducted frequently at YongQuan (Kl) can remove toxins, smooth Qi circulation in the kidney meridian, promote flow of kidney Qi, strengthen the teeth, darken the hair and slow down the aging process. If YongQuan (K 1) is treated by letting blood in combination with cupping, the results are much improved. According to Chinese medicine, the growth and development of the human body are directly related to the status of kidney Qi. When kidney Qi is sufficient, the growth and development of human body functions as normal: the bones are strong, the hair is lustrous and the five sense function well. If kidney Qi is deficient, the growth and development of a person is retarded, energy is lacking, the bones and teeth are weakened, the hair is withered, the senses deteriorate. As a result, the Chinese ancients attached great importance to the kidneys, which are known as the congenital root of health and our source of growth and development.

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3. Activating the Channels and Collaterals:(1) The Cupping method for the two Ren-Du

channels combines abdomen and back points (yin and yang points). Ren channels are a mass of yin channels, while Du-Channels are a mass of yang channels. Cupping on the Ren-Du channels can

open the yin and yang channels of the body, balance Yin-Yang, heal illness and protect health

for Five-Zhang and Six-Fu of the human body.

(2) BeiShu and HuatuoJiaJi pointsBeiShu and HuaTuoJiaJi points penetrate the cervical back and the limb; the whole channels-qi of the Five-Zhang and Six-Fu pass the meridians. Modern medicine identifies BeiShu and HuaTuoJiaJi points, the myeloradiculitis and arteriovenous dump of the human body, and uses slide cupping at these two points. It can open the Five-Zhang and Six-Fuqi channels, regulate qi-blood meridians, and increase the disease-resistance of the body. These two points are now used to treat cervical and lumbar disease.

 

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4. Reinforcing the Primary Qi Points: GuanYuan (Ren4) QiHai (Ren6), MingMen (Du4) ShenShu (B23)The GuanYuan and QiHai points may be covered with one cup, as both points reinforce the body (this it the important point of health for middle aged and old people). QiHai is considered by the ancients as the sea of the primary Qi. GuanYuan, also known as DanTian, is an intersecting point of the 3-Yin meridians of leg (liver, spleen, kidney). MingMen, known as the vital gate, is the site where the primary Qi emerges and enters. As we age, kidney Qi tends be deficient as Yang Qi is depleted. Therefore, cupping frequently applied at these points will tone the primary Qi, strengthen the kidneys, prevent the loss of essence and prolong life.

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5. Regulating Essence and Blood Points: SanYinJiao (Sp6) QiHai (Ren6), ShenShu (B23), XinShu (B15) SanYinJiao is the point between three Yin meridians: namely, the liver, spleen and kidney. Chinese traditional medicine states that the liver stores blood, the spleen controls circulation inside vessels, and the kidneys stores essence. Essence and blood are of the same origin. Kidneys are known as the root of congenital health, and the spleen the root of acquired health. The kidneys need nourishment of Qi while blood flows through the spleen, which is reversely activated by the kidneys. Thus, if cupping is applied at the SanYinJiao point, the Qi and blood of the liver, spleen and kidney meridians will be regulated and nourished, promoting health and prolonging life

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6. Prevention of Gastrointestinal DiseasePoints: ZuSanLi (S36), PiShu (B20), ZhongWan (Renl2), WeiShu (B21)ZuSanLi, the most essential point for health, has a bipolar regulating effect on gastrointestinal functions, applicable for all kinds of disorders of the stomach and abdomen. PiShu is the point where the Qi of the spleen flows through the back. ZhongWan is the point where the Qi of the stomach flows through the abdomen. Therefore, cupping applied frequently at these points has helps prevent gastrointestinal tract ailments.

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8. Prevention of Respiratory DiseasesPoints: TianTu (Ren22), FeiShu (B13), FengMen(B12)Respiratory diseases are often induced by the attack of exogenous wind and cold. TianTu located at the suprasternal fossa is the site at which Qi flows. FeiShu is the point at which the Qi of the lungs flows through the back. FengMen is the doorway through which the exogenous pathogenic wind and cold enters and exits. Thus, cupping frequently applied at these points regulates function of the lungs, relieves cough, smooths the Qi circulation within the respiratory tract, and benefits those who suffer from respiratory disease, such as common cold and bronchitis.