What are the Common Methods of Cupping Massage?

Cupping massage is an ancient and widely used traditional Chinese medicine technique with many benefits, designed to increase blood circulation, reduce pain, induce relaxation and enhance overall well-being by creating a vacuum on the surface of the skin.This traditional therapy comprises various distinct methods, each with its unique characteristics and purposes. In this article, we will delve into the different methods of cupping massage, including flash cupping, moving cupping, stationary cupping ,bloodletting cupping, fire cupping and frame cupping. 

Flash Cupping Steps:

Wipe the skin where cupping will be applied with a 75% alcohol-soaked cotton ball.

Ignite a cotton ball soaked in 95% alcohol and quickly place it inside the glass cup, then immediately remove it and attach the cup to the skin. Repeat the process multiple times until the skin turns red.

Flash cupping typically does not leave marks on the skin and is the least stimulating of the four methods.

Moving Cupping Steps:

Wipe the skin where cupping will be applied with a 75% alcohol-soaked cotton ball. Apply a lubricating substance or liquid to the skin surface where cupping is needed. The choice of lubricating substance varies based on the desired therapeutic effect.

Ignite a cotton ball soaked in 95% alcohol and quickly place it inside the glass cup, then immediately remove it and attach the cup to the skin. Hold the cup and move it back and forth following the meridians.

After moving cupping, if there is an issue with the body, it will leave large sha marks in the cupping area. If there is no issue, it will typically leave cupping marks that fade quickly.

Stationary Cupping Steps:

Ignite a cotton ball soaked in 95% alcohol and quickly place it inside the glass cup, then remove it after a brief moment, allowing the cup to adhere to the skin. Leave the cup in place for 10-15 minutes before removing it and cleaning the skin surface with a cotton ball.

Bloodletting Cupping Steps:

Wipe the skin where cupping will be applied with a 75% alcohol-soaked cotton ball.

Use a disposable blood collection needle to make a puncture in the local skin.

Apply stationary cupping.

Remove the cup and wipe away the flowing blood with a cotton ball.

Fire Cupping Steps:

Roll a thin piece of paper into a paper roll or cut it into thin paper strips. Ignite it until it’s about 1/3 burned, then put it into the cup. Quickly place the cup on the selected area. When using the paper roll or paper strip, make sure it extends about an inch or more above the cup’s rim. Once it has burned about an inch, both the paper roll and paper strip can stand diagonally in the cup without the flame touching the skin.

For those new to fire cupping, you can also place a layer of wet paper at the cupping location or apply some water to allow it to absorb the heat, which can protect the skin.

Frame Cupping Steps:

Place non-combustible and non-heat-conductive objects like wooden plugs, thin small cakes, Chinese herbal medicine pieces, or similar items on the area where cupping is desired. On top of this, ignite a small piece of alcohol-soaked cotton ball and quickly place the cup over the treatment area.

This method is safe and straightforward, minimizing the risk of skin burns. It is suitable for areas with thick and flat musculature.

During cupping massage procedures as described above, it’s essential to choose appropriately sized cups according to the targeted body areas. Caution should be exercised to avoid burning the patient’s skin, and close observation is necessary during the cupping process to prevent the formation of blisters. Cupping is not recommended on skin with allergies, ulcers, or edema, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women’s abdominal areas.

Cupping massage, through various methods like stationary cupping, moving cupping, flash cupping, bloodletting cupping, fire cupping, and frame cupping, promotes overall health. Individuals should choose the cupping method that suits their specific needs while prioritizing safety.

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