Preparation of cupping

Definite diagnosis: we should inquire complains of patients, combine with history of patients, apply four diagnostic methods to make definite diagnosis.

Selection of points: according to clinical diagnosis, we make points prescription.

Environment: quiet room, fresh air and gentle sunlight are necessary.

Posture of patient: in general, posture depends that patient feels comfortable and doctor easily manipulates cupping techniques. So commonly cupping postures have Sitting for the points located on head, neck, shoulder, arms, chest, back and lumbar region; Lying with face up for points located on chest, abdomen, arms and legs; Lying with recumbent for the points located on chest, back, lumbar region, hip joint and legs; Lying with face down for the points located on back, lumbar region and posterior side of legs.

The place of cupping: clean and dry.

Preparation of cupping instruments: doctor should apply suitable cup sizes according to disease and location of cupping. In general, big caliber cup has strong suction, so big size cup is commonly used for the places including chest, back, lumbar region, abdomen, arm and crus, for strong patients and recent diseases; middle size cup is for thin adults, old patients, chronic diseases and chest, abdomen, back and thigh of children; small size cup is for head, face, joint region, dorsum of hand and foot, for weak patients, for abdomen, forearm, neck and shoulder of children. When we perform fire cupping, we will prepare 95% alcohol. When we apply bleeding cupping, we should prepare three edged needle for bleeding.

Communication of doctor and patient: doctor should relax patient, carefully observe the color change on skin where we apply cupping.