cupping methods

Cupping method

Cupping is a therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin surface to cause local congestion through the negative pressure created by heat produced by ignited material in the jar. There are a great variety of jars, but the commonly used ones are bamboo jars, glass jars and pottery jars. The latter two are more powerful in suction.

Manipulations

 fire-flashing method

 fire-flashing method

ancient cupping method

A cotton ball with 95% alcohol held by forceps is ignited, put into the cup, moved inside the cup for one circle and then taken out. When the burning cotton ball is taken out, the cup is immediately covered on the selected region. This method is called fire-flashing method. Or an ignited alcohol cotton ball or a piece of burning paper is thrown into the cup, the cup is immediately covered on the selected region. Usually the cup is sucked in place for about 10 minutes. For the withdrawal of the cup, the skin around the rim of the cup is pressed with the index finger to let air in, and then the cup is removed slowly. (ancient cupping method)

cupping with bloodletting method

            In addition, cupping may be used together with acupuncture. Method: during the retention of the needle, a cup is sucked over the needling area. The needle is withdrawn when the cup is removed. Or a three-edged needle is used to prick for bloodletting and then a cup is sucked over the pricked area for strengthening the curative effect.

Indications

This method is often used to treat wind-dampness syndrome, obstructive syndrome, numbness of the limbs, acute sprain, common cold, cough, stomachache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and some external diseases.

Cautions

1.   It should not be used in patients with high fever and convulsion, edema as well as areas with large blood vessels, allergic skin or skin ulcer and the abdominal and lumbosacral region of the gravida.

2.   Cares should be taken to avoid burning or scorching the skin; retentionof the cup should not be too long lest impairment of the skin be caused.

3.   If the local congestion is severe after the removal of cup, it is forbidden to perform cupping on the region again.

needling method for chinese acupuncture

Needling methods:

            The needle usually should be held with the right hand known as the puncturing hand. The left hand known as the pressing hand, pushes firmly against the area close to the acupoint or presses the needle body from both sides to assist the right hand. The needle should be inserted co-ordinately with the help of both hands.

            The first method is nailing insertion. Press beside the acupoint with the nail of the thumb or the index finger of the left hand, hold the needle with the right hand and keep the needle tip closely against the nail, and then insert the needle into the acupoint. This method is suitable for puncturing with short needles.

            The second method is holding insertion. Hold the needle tip with sterilized dry cotton balls held by the thumb and the index finger of the left hand, keep the needle tip on the skin surface of the acupoint. Then insert the needle into the skin with both hands. This method suitable for puncturing with long needles.

            The third method is relaxing insertion. Stretch the skin with the acupoint is located with the thumb and the index finger of the left hand, hold the needle with the right hand and then insert it into the area between the two fingers. This method is suitable for puncturing the acupoint located on the regions with loose skin.

            The fourth method is lifting and pinching insertion. Pinch the skin up around the acupoint with the thumb and index finger of the left hand, insert the needle into the acupoint with the right hand. This method is suitable for puncturing the acupoint where the muscle are thin.

            The methods of insertion can make the insertion smooth and alleviate pain during acupuncture. Techniques are carefully chosen based on the condition of the patient and the location of the acupoints.