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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER1WHATISCUPPINGTHERAPY?HistoryofCupping

HowDoesCuppingWork?

Cupping,TraditionalChineseMedicine,andModernApplications

CHAPTER2CUPPINGSETSPlasticVacuumCups

MagneticCups

TwistRotaryCups

SiliconeCups

GlassCups

BambooCups

CHAPTER3CUPPINGTECHNIQUESWeakCupping

MediumCupping

StrongCupping

MovingCupping

FlashCupping

BleedingCupping

NeedleCupping

MoxibustionCupping

HerbalCupping

WaterCupping

CHAPTER4SAFETYSideEffects

CautionsandContraindications

CleaningandDisinfecting

CHAPTER5TREATMENTOFSPORTSINJURIESANDPAIN

MANAGEMENTNeckandShoulderPain

ShoulderJointPain

ElbowPain

ForearmorWristPain

ChestPain

UpperBackandScapularPain

LowerBackPain

ThighPain

KneePain

LowerLegPain

AnklePain

CHAPTER6TREATMENTOFOTHERCONDITIONSCellulite

StretchMarks

Anti-Aging/Wrinkles

AbdominalBloating

Constipation

Diarrhea

PoorAppetite

IrregularMenstruation

PainfulMenstruation

Infertility

MenopausalSyndrome

CommonCold

StomachFlu

Allergies

Asthma

Acne

EczemaandPsoriasis

Shingles

AnxietyandStress

Fatigue

Insomnia

REFERENCES

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

Justafewdecadesago,cuppingwasalmostunheardofinNorthAmerica.Itwasnotaverypopulartreatment,andwhenpeoplegotitdone,theywouldhidewhatthey considered unsightly cupping marks to avoid drawing attention to them.However, in recent years, cupping has experienced a huge surge in popularityandpublicfigureshavebeenseenadorningcuppingmarksalmostasafashionstatement.

The most highly covered story of cupping was when the most decoratedOlympian of all time, Michael Phelps, with 28 Olympic medals (23 of themgold),was seenwith cuppingmarks on his right shoulder and legs during the2016Olympics inRio de Janeiro.The internet blewupwith everyone talkingaboutit,andthemediaracedtouncoverthemysterious“redmarks”onhisbody,which brought cupping into public consciousness. Phelps publicly endorsedcupping as a good way to recover and relieve tired or sore muscles, postingInstagramphotosof the treatmentandtalkingabout itduringinterviews.Sincethen,more andmore athletes, includingUSOlympic gymnast AlexNaddour,12-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin, and NBA All-Star and MVPStephenCurry,havehadcuppingtherapydone,hopingitwillgivethemanedgeovertheircompetitors.

CuppinghasalsobeenpopularinHollywood,withcelebritiesshowinguptoredcarpeteventsandpressconferenceswithcuppingmarks.NotablecelebritiesthathaveshownthemoffincludeJenniferAniston,GwynethPaltrow,KaleyCuoco,Victoria Beckham, and Justin Bieber. Cupping has also been the subject ofconversation on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where Nicole Richie shared apictureofherfather,legendarysingerLionelRichie,gettingcuppingdone.

Thanks to these athletes and celebrities, cupping has become very trendy andmore people are increasingly open to it. It has also introduced people to theworldofTraditionalChineseMedicine(TCM),wherecuppingisstillaprimarymodality used to stop pain and treat injuries, internal diseases, gynecological

problems,anddermatologicalproblems.

In this book, Iwill talk aboutwhat cupping is, how itworks, andhow to usecupping to treatsports injuries,painonspecificareasof thebody,andvariousdiseases, including digestive problems, gynecological problems, infections,respiratory disorders, skin conditions, and psychological or mental issues likestress and insomnia. Iwill also cover different types of cupping sets, cuppingtechniques,andcuppingsafety.

CHAPTER1

WHATISCUPPINGTHERAPY?

Cupping therapy isaTraditionalChineseMedicine therapy thathasbeenusedformore than3,000years. It involvesusingspecialcups toapplysuctionoverthe skin of an affected area. Many different methods are used to produce avacuum inside the cup to create this suction, from heating the cup to using amechanical pump to just using the mouth to suck the air out. The negativepressure created in the cup causes the skin to draw upward into the cup. Thecups are then left in place or moved around the skin to improve the bloodcirculation in thearea, rid thebodyof toxins, improvegeneralwell-being,andhelpwithmanydifferentailments,includingpain,inflammation,infections,andsnakeandinsectbites.

HistoryofCuppingWhile cupping therapy ismost commonlyassociatedwithTCM, it hasbeenastaple of folk medicine in many regions of the world, including Egypt, theMiddle East, India, ancient Greece, and parts of Africa. It continued to be apopulartreatmentinEuropeuntiltheearly20thcentury,untilitfelloutoffavortoconventionalmedicine.However, cupping is stillwidelyused to thisday inmanypartsoftheworldwhereconventionalmedicineisnotasaccessible.

Itisthoughtthatcuppingwasdevelopedbyprehistorichumanswhousedsimpletechniques,suchasusingthemouthtosuckbloodoutfromawound.Thiswasanatural instinct, just as youwould suck your finger if youwere pricked by aneedleorasplinter.Later,insteadofusingtheirmouths,practitionersusedcups.

The first cups were most likely made of animal horn, which is why cuppingtherapywasfirstknownas“horntherapy.”Tocreatethesuction,thepractitionerwouldsucktheairoutfromthe tipof thehornwith theirmouth.Somepeopleevenusedtheshellsofpumpkinsandothergourdsascups,againsuckingtheairfromthepumpkinfromaholeat the top tocreatesuction.Lateron, theyusedothermaterials,suchasbamboo,clay,orearthenwarecups.

OneoftheoldestmentionsofcuppingisfromtheEgyptianbookEbersPapyrus,whichistheoldestmedicalbook,writtenin1550BC.Itmentionsthatcuppingwas used for treating almost every disorder, including fever, pain, vertigo,menstrual imbalances, andweakened appetite, and that it helped to acceleratehealing. From Egypt, cupping was likely passed on to the ancient Greeks.Hippocrates, sometimes referred to as the father of modern medicine, usedcupping for many internal and structural diseases. He was one of the firstphysicianstobelievethatdiseaseisnotduetosupernaturalcauses,buttothingsofnaturalorigin,suchaspoorweather,geography,poordiet,overworking,andemotions.SincetheGreekswereintheBronzeAgeatthistime,thecupsweremadeofbronze.Atthistimeinhistory,cuppingwasmoreprominentinGreecethanitwasinChina.

In the Middle East, many different nations use cupping for treatinginflammation. Cupping is known as hejama or hijama in Arabic, whichtranslatesas“torestoretobasicsize”or“todiminishinvolume.”ThefounderofIslam, Muhammad, was known to be an advocate of cupping and evenmentioneditthroughouthiswritings.Muhammadwroteaboutcuppinglocationsfor the treatmentofdifferentpain-relateddiseases.Other Islamicmedical textsalsodescribethebesttimetodocupping,whattoeatoravoideatingbeforeoraftercupping,andhowtodiagnosebasedoncuppingmarks.Iraniantraditionalmedicine uses cupping to eliminate scar tissue and holds the belief that itcleansestheinternalorgans.

TheearliesttextsofcuppinginChinaincludethefollowing:

• TheearliestrecordofcuppinginChinawasfoundinaHandynasty(206BCto220AD)tomb,inabookcalledBoShu.

• ThefirstrecordofcuppingmethodswasfoundinabookcalledZouhouFang,writtenin28AD.

• ThefirstdescriptionsoftreatmentofaspecificdiseasewererecordedinabookcalledWeitaimiyaoin755AD,whichdiscussestreatingtuberculosiswithcupping.

• AnimalhornsusedforcuppinganddrainingpustulesfromtheskinwerefirstmentionedbyGeHong(281to341AD)inAHandbookofPrescriptionsforEmergencies.

• DuringtheQingdynasty(1644to1911AD),ZhaoXuemingwrotetheSupplementtoOutlineofHerbalPharmacopoeia,whichtalksabout“Fire-JarQi,”ortheuseoffiretocreatethesuctionforcupping,andreplacingtheanimalhornwithbamboo,ceramic,orglasscups.Healsowroteaboutthehistoryandoriginofdifferentkindsofcupping,differentcupshapes,andtheirfunctionsandapplications.

In the 1950s, Chinese and Russian practitioners put a lot of research intocupping,andcuppingwasintegratedintotreatmentinhospitalsalloverChina.

Cupping was also common practice in Europe in the 19th and early 20thcenturies. TheRoyalMarsdenHospital in London had full-time cuppers,whowereoftendoctorsorsurgeons.FamousBritishauthorGeorgeOrwellwroteanessayin1946called“HowthePoorDie,”inwhichhedescribescuppingbeingpracticedinaParisianhospital.Hewrites:

“First the doctor produced from his black bag a dozen smallglasseslikewineglasses,thenthestudentburnedamatchinsideeachglasstoexhausttheair,thentheglasswaspoppedontotheman’s back or chest and the vacuum drew up a huge yellowblister. Only after some moments did I realize what they weredoingtohim.Itwassomethingcalledcupping,atreatmentwhichyoucanreadaboutinoldmedicaltext-books…”

Bythe1880s,cuppinghadbeguntofalloutofpracticeintheWesternworldduetoalackofunderstandingastohowthemechanismworked,ratherthanthelackoftherapeuticresults.However,overthepastfewdecades,cuppinghasshownaresurgence, and cupping therapy is practiced by awide range of practitioners,including Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, acupuncturists, massagetherapists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and somemedical doctors. There is

no regulatory body for cupping therapy, but it may fall within the scope ofpracticeofmanydifferenthealthcareprofessionsas anoptional add-on if theygetadditionaltraining.

HowDoesCuppingWork?Cupping issaid to increasebloodcirculation, relievepain, remove toxins fromthebody,andactivatetheimmunesystem.So,howdoesitdothis?Thesuctioncreates a negative pressure in the cup,which causes the soft tissuewithin theborderofthecuptogetsuckedintothecup.Tobalanceequilibrium,bloodwillalso rush in to the area underneath the cup, which will have a lowerconcentrationofbloodthanthesurroundingarea.

IncreasingBloodCirculationWhenbloodgetssuckedintotheareaunderneaththecup,localbloodcirculationincreases. This increased blood circulation extends down to themuscle layer,helpingcellsthatareintheareatorepairfaster.Thisalsoincreasesgranulationand angiogenesis, the formation of new connective tissue and blood vessels,during wound recovery. This can help heal soft tissue injury, relieve muscletension,andstoppain.Cuppingcandrawsomuchbloodtothearea,infact,thatitcancausethecapillariesintheareatoseverelydilateandeventuallyrupture,resultinginthedistinctivebruisingmarks.Theruptureofthecapillariescausesbleeding,andtherefore,makesitsimilartoautohemotherapy,whichisatherapywhereyourownblood isdrawnandre-injected into thebody. It isbelieved tosimulatetheimmunesystem,fightdisease,andhavehealingproperties.

RelievingPainCupping is well-known for helping to relieve pain. This could be becausecupping can increase the pain threshold in the area.Another theory as towhycupping can reduce pain is the counter-irritation theory, which holds thatdiscomfort and pain from the cupping site reduces the pain fromoriginal site.Cuppinghasalsobeenshowntoactivateacupuncturepoints,andacupunctureiswell-known in helping to relieve pain in a few different ways. First, it canactivatesmalldiameternervesinthemuscles,whichsendimpulsestothespinalcord, where neurotransmitters are released to block the pain messages fromreaching brain. Acupuncture can also activate the release of morphine-likeendorphins,serotonin,andcortisol,whichcanallhelptorelivepain.

Cupping,muchlikeacupuncture,canalsostimulatespecificnervefibers,suchasmechanosensitive A-beta fibers, which reduce pain input, and C and A-deltafibers,whichinhibitpain.Cuppingcanalsorelievepainbylooseningadhesionsinthemusclesorfascia,theconnectivetissuebetweentheskinandthemuscles.Cuppingliftsthefasciafromthemuscle,whichcanhelpreducemuscletightnessand relax themuscles.Anotherway cupping helps relieve pain is by bringingblood to stagnant skin and muscles, at the same time draining waste such aslacticacidfromthemuscles.Abuildupoflacticacidcancausemusclepainandaches.

RemovingToxinsCuppinghasbeen shown to remove impureblood from the affected area.Theimpure blood can contain inflammatory chemicals, broken-down cells, clottedblood,scar tissue,orothersubstances thatcancausepainandpreventhealing.Theincreaseinbloodcirculationintheareaallowsthetoxinstrappedinthesofttissuelayerstorisetothebodysurface,rightunderneaththeskin.Whitebloodcells tend tocongregateandpatrol thebodysurfacesowhen the toxins rise tothesurface,theycanquicklymopupthetoxins.

Cupping has been shown to improve the immune system, aswell, by causinglocalinflammation.Inflammatorychemicalsattractwhitebloodcellstotheareaandactivatethecomplementsystem,apartoftheimmunesystemthatenhancestheabilityofantibodiesandwhitebloodcellstokilloffmicrobesanddamagedcells. Cupping can also increase the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) andinterferon,whicharesignalingproteinstohelpcombatpathogensandabnormalcellsinthebody.

Finally,cuppingcan increase lymph flow.The lymphatic system ispartof theimmunesystemthathelpsthebodygetridoftoxins,waste,andotherunwantedmaterials,andhelpstocirculatewhitebloodcellsthroughoutthebody.

Cupping,TraditionalChineseMedicine,andModernApplicationsAccordingtoTCM,cuppingissaidtoimproveQiandBloodflow.QiorChiinChinese literally means “breath,” “air,” or “gas.” However, it can also mean“energy”or“lifeforce.”InChinesephilosophy,Qimakesupeverythingintheuniverse, both material and immaterial things. When Qi gathers together, itforms matter. Similarly, modern physics and the theory of relativity rely onEinstein’s famous equation E = mc2, which states that matter is made up ofenergy.

In the human body, Qi is needed for all metabolic functions. In modern

medicine, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the molecule responsible forprovidingtheenergyforallmetabolicfunctionsinthebody.InTCM,ifQiandBloodareunobstructedandallowedtoflowfreely,thentherewillbenodiseaseor pain.However, ifQi andBlood flow are slowedor obstructed, this createsdisease,mostnotablypain.

According to modern medicine, the effects of blocked Qi and Blood areanalogous to what happens when someone injures themselves. Oftentimes,injuries cause bleeding. To stop the bleeding, we have platelets and blood-clotting factors that make the blood clot, preventing further bleeding andpatching up the injury bymaking scar tissue. This blood clot and scar tissuepreventbloodmovementandoftencausepain.CuppingisverygoodfortreatingpainbecauseitisabletomoveQiandBlood.ThesuctiondrawsQiandBloodfrom the surroundingareas to the affected area, and ifMovingCupping (page19),atechniqueofmovingthecuparoundthearea,isused,itcanmovemoreQiandBlood,andinlargerareas.

InTCM,cuppingissaidtobeabletoremovepathogenicfactors.Therearesixexternal pathogens in TCM: Wind, Cold, Heat, Dampness, Dryness, andSummer-Heat.Thesepathogensinvadethebodyfromtheoutsideenvironment.TheprimarypathogenisWind,becauseitcanpenetratetheporesoftheskinandbring all the other pathogens into the body.When the pathogens attack, theyproduce symptoms that are similar to viral or bacterial infections in modernmedicine.

We can use cupping to suck theWind out of the body through the skin andpores,andtodrawouttheotherpathogensalongwithit.Thesuctioncreatedbycuppingcandrawthelymphaticfluids,freshblood,andwhitebloodcellstothearea,whichcanhelpkilloffthevirusorbacteria.MovingCuppingcanstimulatethelymphaticsystembypushingthelymphaticfluidthroughthelymph,flushingthevirusorbacteriaoutofthebody.

The external pathogens can also be caused by the weather, climate, andgeographical locations we live in. One common example is damp weathercausing joint pain in peoplewith arthritis. In coldweather,muscles seize andcramp up, resulting in pain. Cupping can help remove theDampness or Coldpathogenstohelprelievepain.

Cupping is said to bringDefensiveQi to the affected area.DefensiveQi is aspecialtypeofQiinthebodythatdefendsitagainstpathogens.It issimilartowhitebloodcellsinmodernmedicine.DefensiveQistaysneartheskinsurfacetoprotectthebodyagainstthepathogensthattrytoinvadefromtheoutside.Inmodernmedicine, is has been found thatwhite blood cells often circulate justunderneath theskin topatrol for invadingvirusesandbacteria.So,bysuckingthepathogensuptowardtheskin,cuppingdrawsthevirusorbacteriatowherethe white blood cells are, waiting to attack. White blood cells are alsoresponsibleforbreakingdownscartissueoradhesionsthatoftenresultafteraninjuryandcausepain.

Cupping can also help regulate organ function. If an organ is weak, gentlecupping around the organ area canhelp bring fresh blood supply, andwith it,nutrients to nourish the organ, helping it performmore optimally. Sometimes,the internalorgan functionmaybehinderedbypathogensattacking theorgan.Cupping can remove pathogens from the body to help restore the organ’sfunction.

CHAPTER2

CUPPINGSETS

Many different types of cups can be found on the market. Each has its ownunique materials, techniques for use, applications, and pros and cons. In thissection,Iwillintroducecuptypesaswellashowtousethem,whentousethem,andtheirprosandcons.

PlasticVacuumCupsPlasticvacuumcupsareclearplasticwithavalveat the top.Thecupsusuallycomewithrubbertubingandahandpump.Touse,attachoneendoftherubbertubing to the topof the cupwhere thevalve is, and theother end to thehandpump.Then,pullon thehandpump to suck theairoutof thecups.Themorepumps you apply, the more suction you will create. Generally, half a pumpcreates a light suction, one pump creates a medium suction, and two pumpscreateastrongsuction.

Thehandpumpmakesthistypeofcuptheeasiesttocontrol,asyoucancontroltheamountofsuctioneasily.Thelongrubbertubingallowsyoutousethecupson yourself, even on hard-to-reach places. Plastic vacuum cups are prettyversatileandcanbeusedforalltechniques,exceptforMovingCuppingand,insomeinstances,BleedingCupping(seepage20formoreon these techniques).ThecupscannotbeusedfortheMovingCuppingtechniquesincetheplasticrimaroundthecupisverysharp,whichmakesithardtoslideovertheskinwithoutcausingpain.TheycannotbeusedforBleedingCuppingbecausebloodmaygetintothevalveatthetopoftheplasticcup,whichcannotbedisinfectedproperly.However,ifthecupsarereservedforpersonaluseoreachpersonhastheirowncups,itisokaytousethemforBleedingCupping.Tocleanthecups,usewarmsoapywaterandsoakinadilutedbleachsolution.

MagneticCupsMagneticcupsarea typeofplasticvacuumcupwithamagnetic tipdown thecenter. In many sets, the magnet, can be added or removed from the cups.Magnetic cups areprimarilyusedon topof acupuncturepoints, as themagnetactivates the acupuncturepoint.They areused exactly like theplastic vacuumcups,meaning they also have rubber tubing and a hand pump.Themetal tipsprevent the magnetic cups from sliding across the skin, as the metal tip mayscratchtheskin,sotheycannotbeusedfortheMovingCuppingtechnique.Thecupsaremeanttostayontheskintoactivatetheacupuncturepoint,sotheyarenotusedforFlashCupping(page20).MagneticcupsarenotgenerallyusedforBleedingCupping, as thiswould requirewashing themagnets regularly.TheyarealsonotusedforNeedleCupping(page22)orMoxibustionCupping(page23),asthemagnetictipobstructstheneedleormoxibustion.Tocleanthecups,usewarmsoapywaterandsoakinadilutedbleachsolution.

TwistRotaryCupsTwistrotarycupsareanothertypeofplasticvacuumcupbutthesedonotrequireavalveorhandpump.Instead,theyhaveatwistingrotorthatexpandsthespaceinthecup,drawingtheskinupward.Touse,makesuretherotorisatthelowestposition,thenplacethecupagainsttheskinandtwisttherotorupward,creatingsuctionanddrawingtheskinintothecup.Thiscupiseasytouseandtoadjustthe amount of suction by twisting the appropriate amount. If using for self-application,however,theyarenotasgoodastheplasticvacuumcups(page12)or thesiliconecups(below)as theymayneedtwohandstooperate(itmaybe

hardtotwisttherotorwithjustonehand).ThesecupscannotbeusedforFlashCupping (page 20), because it would take too long to apply the cups. TheycannotbeusedforBleedingCupping,asthetwistrotarycupsarehardtowash,especiallyifthebloodgetsintotherotorarea.TheycannotbeusedforNeedleCupping orMoxibustion Cupping, as the rotorwould obstruct the needle andmoxibustion.Themoxibustionmayalsoburn the rotor.Toclean thecups,usewarmsoapywater,andsoakinadilutedbleachsolution.

SiliconeCupsMade of an opaque siliconematerial, these cups are very flexible and can bebentandcompressedwithease.Touse,depressthecupbypushingitdownwardagainsttheskin,ejectingtheairfromthecup.Whenyouletgo,thiswillcreateasuction.Youcaneasilycontrol theamountof suctionbyadjusting theamountyoupressdown. (Themoreyoupressdown, the stronger the suctionwill be.)However, the suctionon thesiliconecups isnotas strongaswithother types.Siliconecupsaregreat for self-application,but forpeoplewith less flexibility,theyareslightlyhardertomanipulatethantheplasticvacuumcupsonareasliketheback.ThesiliconecupsarenotsuitableforBleedingCupping,asyouneedtouse alcohol to disinfect them, but alcohol can damage the silicone material.Warm,soapywatercanbeusedtocleanthecups,butthiscleaningmethodisnotsufficientfordisinfecting.SiliconecupsalsocannotbeusedforNeedleCuppingorMoxibustion Cupping, as you have to press down in order to produce thesuction,whichwillobstructtheneedlesormoxibustion.

GlassCupsCAUTION:Donotuseunlessproperlytrained.

Glasscupsarewhatmostpeoplepicturewhentheythinkofcupping.ThesearethemostwidelyusedbyTCMpractitioners,althoughplasticcupsarebecomingmore popular. To use, first soak a cotton ball with 95 or 99 percent alcohol.Then,holdthealcohol-soakedcottonballwithaforcepsandlightitonfirewitha lighterormatch.Stick the litcottonball into theglasscupforaroundhalfasecondthentakeitout,andquicklyplacethecupontheaffectedarea.Thecuphas to be transferred quickly or else air will go back into the cup, losing thevacuum.Thistechniquetakestrainingandpractice,andcanbedangerousifnotdoneproperly,asthereisfireinvolved,soonlyqualifiedpractitionersshouldusethismethod.The longeryou leave the fire in thecup, thestronger thesuction.Suction can also be controlled by using less concentrated alcohol, such as 70percentalcohol,whichwillcause thefire tobeweakerandcreate lesssuction.Glasscupsprovidethebestsuctionoutofallcups,whichalsomakesthemthemostdangerous.Ifthesuctionistoostrong,itmaycauseblisteringoftheskin.Glass cups are also themost versatile cups—you can apply all the techniquesexceptHerbalCuppingusingthem.Theyarealsotheeasiesttocleanthoroughlyandcanbedisinfectedusingalcohol,bleach,boilingwater,orinanautoclave.

BambooCupsCAUTION:Donotuseunlessproperlytrained.

Madeofbamboo, these cups aremore traditional and are rarelyused today inNorthAmerica.However,somespecializedpractitionersmaystillusethem.Justlike glass cups, suction is created in bamboo cups by soaking a cotton ball inalcohol and lighting it on fire inside of the cup.Amore traditionalmethod tocreatesuctionislightingapieceofpaperonfire,puttingthepaperintothecup,andthenplacingthecupontheskin.Thismethodismoredangerousandveryrarely used, as the fire can burn the recipient. The bamboo cups are themostdifficult tousebecause they arenot transparent, soyoucannot seehowmuchsuctionyouhavecreated.Thisisproblematicandpotentiallydamagingbecauseifyoucreatetoomuchsuctionandleavethecupsonfortoolong,theskinmayblister,whichisnotonlypainful,butmayleavescarringandleadtoinfection.

Bamboo cups are the only cups that can be used forHerbalCupping becausebamboohastinyholeswhereitcanabsorbtheherbs,andwhenthecupsareleft

ontheskin,theherbscandiffusefromthecup,intotheskin,andintothebody.These cups also create a strong suction, just like theglass cups.Theyare lessversatile than the glass cups because they cannot be used for the BleedingCupping technique, since the bamboo cups have pores where the blood canenter, and cannot be disinfected properly. As with the glass cups, they aredifficulttouseforself-application,exceptonsomeeasilyaccessibleareasofthebody.

CHAPTER3

CUPPINGTECHNIQUES

Therearemanydifferentcuppingtechniques,eachwithitsownapplicationsandpurpose.Sometypesofcupsaresuitableforsometechniquesbutnotforothers.

WeakCuppingWeakCuppingcanbedonewithanytypeofcup.Thesuctionisverymild,tothepointwhere the skin is barely sucked into the cup. Therewill be amild pinkcolortotheskinaftertheapplication.Thecupshouldnotleaveanystrongbruisemarks, or anymarks at all. Ifmarks are left, theywill fadewithinminutes orhours,or,atmost,may takeup toacoupledays.This techniquenourishes thebodyifitisdepleted.Itisnotmeanttogetridoftoxinsorscartissue.Itcanalsoimproveweakorganfunctionbybringingmorenutrientsandbloodflowtotheorgantohelpitperformbetter.

This technique is good for children, the elderly, and peoplewho areweak orhaveaprolongedillness.Strongsuctiontendstodrainthebody,whichexpendsenergyandresources to recover fromthecupping,butWeakCupping tends tostimulate the body, helping to regulate the blood and energy, and bringnourishmenttotheaffectedarea.

Whenusingplasticvacuumcupsandmagneticcups,justpumponce;evenhalfapumpwilldo,aslongasthecupsstayonthebody.Fortwistrotarycups,twistuntil the cuphas a slight suction, enough tograsponto thebody.For siliconecups,pressdownslightly,enoughtocreatesuctionwiththeskin.Forglasscupsandbamboocups,onlyplacethefireinthecupforhalfasecondbeforeplacingthe cup on the body.Lower concentrations of alcohol can be used to create aweakersuction.Also,thecupcanbetransferredslowlyfromthefiretotheskin,whichallowsmoreair toenter thecup.Foranycup type, if the suction is toostrong, you can slowly lift one edge of the cup up while using one finger tolightlypressdown theskin, releasingsomeairback into thecupand reducingsuction.Leavethecupontheskinfor20to30minutes,checkingthecupsevery10minutestoavoidblistering.

MediumCuppingMediumCuppingisastrongerversionofWeakCupping,andaweakerversionof Strong Cupping. Since it is stronger thanWeak Cupping, the skin will godeeper into the cup, creating darkermarks that can be dark red or even lightpurpleincolor.Itisthemostcommonlyusedmethodofcupping,asitisgoodfor almost all conditions. It can be used for clearing out pathogens, stoppingpain,nourishingthebody,andimprovingorganfunction.Itcanstillbedoneonsomeonewithaweakconstitutioniffewercupsareused,orifthecupsareleftonforlesstime,makingit lessdrainingonthebody.It isbetterforpainreliefcompared toWeakCupping,as stronger suction isused. It is less intense thanStrongCupping, and therefore safer. It is generally not usedon the face, as itmayleavebruisemarks.

Whenusingplasticvacuumcupsandmagneticcups,useonefullpumptocreateamedium amount of suction. For twist rotary cups, twist until the cup has amoderateamountofsuction,enoughroughlythreetofourtwistsoftherotor.Forsilicone cups, press down about halfway to create medium suction. For glasscups and bamboo cups, only place the fire in the cup for one second beforeplacingitonthebody.95to99percentalcoholcanbeusedtocreateamediumsuction.For anycup type, if the suction is too strong,youcan slowly lift oneedge of the cup up while using one finger to lightly press down the skin,releasingsomeairbackintothecupandreducingsuction.Leavethecupsonforaround15to20minutes,checkingthecupsevery10minutestoavoidblisteringtheskin.

StrongCuppingStrong Cupping can be done with any type of cup. When using, the skin issuckeddeepintothecup,instantlyturningitquitered.Thecupmayleavedeepredordeeppurplebruisemarks,whichmaytakeafewdaystoafewweekstodissipate. This technique ismeant for getting rid of toxins or scar tissue. It isratherdrainingonthebody,whichwillneedtimetorepairitselfandtogetridofthetoxinsaccumulatedthere.Thistechniqueisgoodforsudden(acute)painorinjuries,sharppainthatoccursoverasmallerarea,andmediumtostrongpain.Itisinappropriatetousethistechniqueforchildren,theelderly,orpeoplewhoare

weakorhaveprolongedillness,asitistoodrainingandwilltaxtheirbody.

Whenusingplasticvacuumcupsandmagneticcups,pumpthecuptwotothreetimes,ensuringtheskingetssuckedintothecupaboutaninch.Fortwistrotarycups,twistuntiltheskinissuckedintothecupaboutaninch(threetofive180-degree twists).Forsiliconecups,pressdownall theway,so thatwhenyou letgo, it creates a strong suctionwith the skin.Forglass cups andbamboocups,placethefireinthecupforaround1second.Youmusttransferthecupquicklyfromthefiretotheskintoensurethataminimalamountofairgoesintothecup,maintaining a strong suction. For any cup type, if the suction is not strongenough, you can take the cup off and redo it. Leave the cup on for 10 to 15minutes.

CAUTION:Ifyoursuctionistoostrong,itcanmaketheskinblister.Ifyoufeelthesuctionistoostrongwhenapplyingthecup,slowlyliftoneedgeofthecupupwhileusingonefingertolightlypressdownontheskin,releasingsomeairbackintothecuptoreducethesuction.Youmustwatchtheskinforthedurationofthesessiontoensurethatitdoesnotturnverydarkpurpleorblister.Ifitdoesblister, take the cup off immediately, wash your hands with soap and warmwater,andfollowtheinstructionsonpage26underSideEffects.

MovingCuppingMovingCuppingisdonebyslidingthecuponceithasbeensuctionedontothe

body.Useonecupatatime,andapplyoiltotheareabeforeapplyingthecuptomakeiteasierforittomovealongtheskin.UseMovingCuppingeitherbyitselfor inconjunctionwithWeak,Medium,orStrongCupping.Thebestsuction touseforMovingCuppingisusuallyamediumsuction.Ifthesuctionistooweak,whenyoutrytomovethecup,itwillpopoffeasily.Ifthesuctionistoostrong,the cupwill not budge, or itmaybe very painful for the person receiving thecupping.Tomovethecupmoreeasily, lift the leadingedgeof thecupup,butnotsomuchthataircangointothecup.Cupsaremovedalongtheacupuncturechannels,oralongmuscles.Trynottogooverbonyareas,asitcanbepainfulorunpleasant, and it is easier for the cup to pop off.Moving Cupping does notgenerallycausebruisingmarks,but ismore likely tocauseecchymosis,whichconsistsofredorpurpledotsorspotsthatappearundertheskin.Movethecupalongthesameareaforaround2to3minutes,oruntiltheareaissaturatedwithecchymosis.

Movingcuppingisespeciallygoodforpainbecauseithelpstoreleasethefascia.The fascia can tighten up, causingmuscle tightness and pain, or adhesions orknots,whichalsocausepain.MovingCuppingisverygoodformovingQiandBlood.PressingdownonthecupasyoumoveittomassagetheareaatthesametimewillalsohelpmovetheQiandBloodbetter,andfeelssimilartoamassage.Thespeedatwhichyoumove thecup isbasedonaperson’scondition. If thepersonisstrongorinacutepain,afasterspeedandstrongerpressurecanbeusedtodispersethepainmore.Ifthepainisnotthatsevere,justadullormildache,then lower speeds and less pressure can be used. Do not use strongMovingCuppingonpeopleinaweakcondition,asMovingCuppingtendstouseuptoomuchQiandBlood,andcanbedrainingon thebody.However,mildMovingCuppingcanhelpnourishthebodyandstimulateorganfunction,whichcanhelpthosewhoareweak.

MovingCuppingcanbedonewithnearlyeverycuptypebutiseasiestwithglassorsilicone.Theplasticcupshavesharperedges,makingitharderforthecupstomove.

FlashCupping

Flash cupping can be done with plastic cups, silicon cups, glass cups, andbamboocups.Specialtrainingisneededifyouareusingglasscupsorbamboocups. If you are using glass cups, the cupwill start to heat up over time. It’stypically done repeatedly for 2 to 5minutes for each area. Since the cups areremovedimmediately,itdoesnotcausealotofbruising.Generally,theareawilljustbecomeredandmaygetsomeecchymosis.Thistechniqueisusedtoremovetoxinsfromthebody,aswellastostoppain.FlashCuppingisgoodforanytypeofpain,especially thatcausedbycoldordampweather,oranychanges in theweather;it’salsogoodforcoldsorotherinfections,asitsucksthepathogenupandoutofthepores.

This technique also increases blood circulation, which can help with healing,bringingnutrients to themuscles,andremovingwaste. ItmovesQiandBloodintothearea,relievingpainduetostuckQiandBlood.MildFlashCuppingcanalsobeusedtonourishthebody,asitcanbringfreshbloodandnutrientstotheorgans,helpingthemtoperformmoreoptimally.

Ifyouarecuppingusingalitcottonball,thecupwillstarttoheatupovertime.Switchtoanewcupifitstartstogettoowarmtopreventburningtherecipient.Also,thewarmerthecupis,thelesssuctionitwillcreate.

BleedingCuppingAptlynamed,BleedingCuppingdrawsbloodoutoftheaffectedarea.Todothis,swabtheareawith70percentalcohol,allowittodry,piercetheskinafewtimeswithalancet,thenplacethecupontopofthearea.Thevacuumwillcausebloodto come out of the perforated skin. Leave the cup on for around 10minutes.Before removing the cup,wear latex or nitrile gloves to protect yourself fromblood-borne pathogens. Also, have some cotton balls or gauze ready to pressagainstthecupasyouliftit,becausebloodmaysprayoutifyoudonotcovertheopening.Wipeoff theblood from the skin and clean the areawith70percentalcohol.Usenew sterile gauze to bandage the area.Therewill not be a lot ofbruising with this technique, as the blood escapes during cupping rather thanpoolingupundertheskin.However,mildtomediumredorpurplebruisesmaystilloccur.

Bleeding Cupping is very good for treating pain, especially from injuries,chronicorrecurringpain,orsharppain.Thebleedingcanhelpremovestuckorstagnated blood, which results from the body trying to repair an injury byclotting up the area. The clotted blood eventually will disappear as the whitebloodcells come tobreak it down,butoftentimes, the clot is toobig andwillform adhesions in the area. These adhesions and stagnated blood cause pain.Bleeding canhelp remove the stagnation andbring freshblood to the area, aswellaswhitebloodcellstohelpbreakdowntheadhesions.

BleedingCuppingisalsoexcellentfortreatinginflammatorypain,redness,andswellingcausedbyinflammatorychemicalsreleasedbycellsinthebodyduringinflammation to attract white blood cells to the area. By bleeding, you canremove the inflammatory chemicals and the heat resulting from theinflammation.BleedingCuppingisalsoanexcellentwaytoreduceafeververyquickly,asfeversarealsoduetoinflammatorychemicals.

This techniquecan reducebloodpressure, andcanbeused to treathighbloodpressure.Oftentimes,BleedingCuppingmayreducethebloodpressureby20to30points after 10minutes, dependingonhowmuchbloodwas extracted.Butusecautionforsomeonewithlowbloodpressure,asfaintingisalsoasideeffect.

There’san increased riskof infectionwhenusingBleedingCupping, since theskinbarrierwillbepierced to inducebleeding.Therefore,useextracaution todisinfecttheareabeforeandafterbleedingtopreventinfection,especiallyifyouorthepersonyouarecuppingisimmunocompromised,orgetssickorinfectionseasily. Do not use this technique on someone who has a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, or people on blood thinners or anti-coagulant medication.Bleedingcanalsobedrainingonthebody,soitmaynotbesuitableforpeoplewhohaveaweakconstitution.Somepeoplecanalsofaintwhentheyseeblood,

soavoiditforsomeonewhohasthatcondition.

Typically,onlyglasscupsareusedforBleedingCupping,as theyare theonlymaterial that can be cleaned properly for shared use without damaging thematerial.TocleanthecupsafterBleedingCupping,wipethebloodoffthecupwithgauze,tissue,orcottonballs,thenrinsewithhotwater.Then,wipethecupwith70percentalcoholandwashthecupinwarmsoapywater.Afterward,soakthecupsinadilutedbleachsolutionovernight,andthenrinsethemagain.Plasticorsiliconecupsmaygetdamagedbyalcohol,boilingwater,orbleach,sotheyaregenerallynotusedforBleedingCupping.However,ifthecupsarenotsharedwith anyone else, you can use the plastic vacuum cups, twist rotary cups, orsilicone cups, and you can just use warm soapy water to clean and wash.BamboocupsarenotsuitableforBleedingCuppingastheyhaveporesthatcantrapblood,makingthemimpossibletoclean.

NeedleCuppingCAUTION:Donotdowithoutproperacupuncturetraining.

NeedleCuppingisthesameasWeakorMediumCupping,withtheadditionofacupuncture.To use this technique, youneed knowledge of acupuncture pointlocations,aswellastraininginhowtoneedle.Beginbyinsertinganacupunctureneedle intoanacupuncturepoint, thenplacea cupon topof theareawith theneedle.Generally,onlyweakormediumsuctionisusedinconjunctionwiththistechnique,asstrongsuctionmaycausetheneedletocomeoutofthebody.Onthe other hand, the oppositemay happen,where strong suctionmay cause thehandleoftheneedletohitthetopofthecup,makingtheneedlegodeeperintothe body, which can be dangerous. Leave the cups on for around 15 to 20minutesfortheacupuncturetowork.ThebruisemarkscreatedwillbesimilartoWeakCuppingorMediumCupping.

NeedleCupping is used to improve acupuncture treatment bybringingQi andBlood to the acupuncture point. It is useful in cases of common cold, flu, orothertypesofinfections,ascuppingcandrawthepathogenstosurfacewhiletheneedleshelpthebodyriditselfofthem.Itisalsousedinpainmanagement,asbothacupunctureandcuppinghelptoimprovebloodcirculationandstoppain,therefore having a synergistic effect. Needle Cupping and acupuncture arecomplementarymethodstoimproveorganfunction.

This technique isnotusedveryoften.Sincebothacupunctureandcuppingareusedat thesametime,thechanceoffaintingishigherthanwitheithermethodalone, so make sure the recipient has something light to eat before gettingNeedle Cupping done. Needle Cupping also increases the chance of theacupuncturepointbleedingorbruising,asmorebloodisdrawntothearea.Ifapointdoesbleed, just stop thebleedingwithacottonballorcottonswabafterremovingtheneedle.

Makesureyouuseatallercupthatwillfitontopoftheneedlewithouttouchingit. Magnetic cups, twist rotary cups, and silicone cups will all obstruct theneedle,andthereforecannotbeusedforNeedleCupping.

MoxibustionCuppingCAUTION:Donotdowithoutpropermoxibustiontraining.

Moxibustion Cupping is the same as Weak or Medium Cupping, with the

additionofmoxibustion.MoxibustionisatherapyusedinTCMwhereamoxamade of driedmugwort (or artemisia) is burned directly, or indirectly, on theskin.Youmusthavemoxibustiontrainingtodothismethodbecauseifyouareuntrained,thereisahighchanceofburningtheskin.Toperform,putthemoxaconeonthespotyouwanttocup,thenlightthemoxa.Whilethemoxaislit,putacupontopofit.Useweakormediumsuction;strongcuppingmaycausethemoxaconetofallortipover,whichcancauseaburn.Astrongsuctioncanalsoreducethelevelofoxygeninthecup,whichwillextinguishthemoxa.Leavethecupon for about5minutes,oruntil theareagets toohot tobear.This shouldonlybedoneonecupatatimebecausespecialcareneedstobeusedtoobservehowmuchthemoxahasburned,andifthemoxagetstoohot,aquickreactiontimeisneededtoremovethecupandextinguishthemoxa.Extinguishthemoxabywettingyourfingersinwaterandpinchingthemoxa.Ifmorethanonemoxaandcupareusedatonce,youmaynotbeabletokeepaneyeonallofthem,ordeterminewhichmoxaisburningtherecipient.Aslowreactiontoextinguishthemoxamayresult inaburn. If therecipientdoesgetburned, run theburntareaundercoldwater,andapplysomeburncreamtoit.Sometimesburningtheskincan result in a blister. See Side Effects (page 26) for instructions on treatingblisters.

MoxaisusedinTCMforthetreatmentofmosttypesofpain.Themugwortherbis said to be very good atmovingQi andBlood, and for relieving pain. It isespeciallyusefulforpainthatfeelscoldtothetouch,getsworseincoldweather,or feelsbetterwithwarmth, sincemoxa iswarmwhen it burns. In addition tohelpingmoveQiandBlood,thiswarmingeffectalsodilatesthebloodvesselsinthe area, increasing blood circulation. Moxa is also good for getting rid ofcertaintypesofacuteinfections,especiallythetypewhereyoufeelchills.Itcannourish the body and help improve organ function. In fact, it is the primarymethodoftonifyingthebodyinacupuncture.Therefore,itissuitableforpeoplewithweakconstitutions.

Glasscupsarebest touse,asglasswillnotburnandyoucanvisuallyobservehowmuchofthemoxahasburnedandavoidburningtheskin.Bamboocanbeused, but it is not see-through so there is a higher chance of burns. Thoughtransparent,plasticcupsmaymeltifthemoxaistooclosetoit.Youmaybeabletouseplastic forMoxibustionCupping if youuse a larger cup.Siliconecups,magnetic cups, and twist rotary cups will all obstruct the moxa cone, andthereforearenotsuitableforMoxibustionCupping.

HerbalCuppingCAUTION: Do not use unless you have herbal training and training withbamboocups.

Herbal Cupping consists of soaking bamboo cups in a hot herbal decoctionbeforeapplyingthemtotheskin.Theporesinsidethebamboocupswillabsorb

theherbaldecoction,and theskinwillabsorb theactive ingredientsas thecupstays on the body. Herbal decoctions will vary depending on the recipient’scondition. If the recipient has pain, herbs that relieve pain are used. If therecipienthasan infection,herbs thatkillpathogensareused. If therecipient isweak and needs nourishing, herbs that improve organ function are used. Theherbswillenhancetheeffectsofthecupping.Weak,medium,orstrongsuctioncanbeusedbasedontherecipient’scondition.Thecupsareretainedforaround20minutesinorderforthebodytoabsorbtheherbs.Thebruisemarksmadebythe cups will depend on the amount of suction used. Proper training withbamboocupsisamust,asbamboocupsarethehardesttouseandmaycausethemostsideeffectsifsuctionistoostrong.

WaterCuppingWaterCuppingconsistsofaddinganounceofwatertothecupsbeforeapplyingthem to the body. The cups have to be applied quickly to avoid spilling thewater,whichmaytakesomepractice.Weak,medium,orstrongsuctionisthenapplied to the cups. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes before removing. Whenremoving,besuretohaveadrytowelready,asthewaterwillspilloutoncethecupsare removed. It’sbest to liftonlyone sideof thecup, and thenpress thetowel against the same side so that the towel will catch all the water. Bruisemarks fromWaterCupping are generallymild, and usually just some rednesswilloccur.

Anexcellentwaytocool thebodydownveryquickly,WaterCuppingisgood

for pain that feels better with cold, such as inflammatory pain that is red,swollen,andfeelshottothetouch.It’salsogoodatreducingafeverquickly,asthewaterwill cool thebodydown. It canalsobeused tocooldownsomeonewho has a lot of heat in the body. Signs of this include always feeling hot,having a tendency to drink cold water, and producing a lot of smelly or oilysweat. Do not use on peoplewho have a colder constitution, as itmaymakethem colder. Water Cupping is also used for those who are very dry, withsymptomssuchasdryskin,drythroat,dryhair,andconstipation.Thewatercanbeabsorbedthroughtheskintohelpsupplementthelackofwaterinthebody.

CHAPTER4

SAFETY

Cuppingisgenerallyverysafe,andthechanceofsideeffectsisrare.Accordingto a systematic review of 550 clinical studies about cupping, published in theJournal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, an adverse reaction wasreportedinonlyoneincident.However,theclinicalstudiesweredonebytrainedprofessionals.Nevertheless,with the exception of using glass or bamboo cupsandsomeofthemorespecializedtechniquesdescribedinthepreviouschapter,cuppingisprettyeasytodo,evenforpeoplewhoarenottrained.Manyculturesuse it as a home remedy, passed on from generation to generation.With theinventionsofthenewplasticandsiliconecupsthatareveryeasytouse,cuppingisaccessibletoeveryone.

SideEffectsThemostcommonsideeffectisthebruisingmarksmadebythecups.However,thisisadesiredeffectofcupping,asitindicatesthatthetoxinsaregettingdrawnout,andisnotreallyconsideredasideeffect.Thebruisemarkscanbecomeredorevenpurple,which is still okay, as longas thebruise isnotdeeppurpleorblack,whichmayindicatethecupwasleftonfortoolongorthesuctionwastoostrong.Topreventthis,neverleavethecupsonforlongerthan20minutes,andcheckonthemevery5minutesincasethecupsneedtoberemovedearlyduetointensebruising.Muchlikearegularbruise,bruisingfromcuppingcanfeelsoreortender,whichisnormal.

Ifcupsareleftonfortoolongorifthesuctionistoostrong,blisterscanform.If

youseeablister forming, remove thecups immediately. If theblister is large,disinfecttheblisterandthesurroundingareawith70percentalcohol.Sterilizeasewingneedlewith70percentalcohol,boilingwater,oralighter,anduseittopokeacoupleofholesintheblister.Useasterilegauzepad,usingittopressontheblisteranddrainitout.Disinfecttheblisteragain,andbandageitupwithanew sterile gauze pad. Seekmedical attention immediately fromyourmedicaldoctor.Smallblisterswillreabsorbintothebodyovertime.

Cuppingalsocomeswithariskoffainting.Cuppingis relaxingandcan lowerthebloodpressure. If thebloodpressuredrops too low, it cancausepeople tofaint.Signsof fainting includenausea,coldsweat, light-headedness,dizziness,coldextremities,or feelingcold. Ifyoufeelsignsof faintingduringacuppingtreatment, remove the cups immediately, lie down with feet elevated, coveryourselfwith blankets, anddrink somewarmor hotwater.Eatingor drinkingsomething sugary, such as candy of fruit juice, can help as well. To preventfainting,havealightsnackbeforecupping.Donoteattoomuch,either.Donotdocuppingwhenfeelingtiredordrained.Ifsomeoneisveryweak,theyshouldnotusestrongcupping,asitincreasesthechancesoffainting.Ifsomeoneisverynervousaboutcupping,thiscanincreasechancesoffainting,somakesureyouarecalmandrelaxedbeforereceivingacuppingtreatment.

Duringcupping,thereshouldnotbeanypain.Sometimespainispresentifyourmusclesarevery tight,or ifyoualreadyhavea lotofpain in thearea. In thatcase, do not use strong suction. Use just enough suction to handle withoutcausingpain.Ifyoudofeelpainfromthecups,itgenerallymeansthesuctionistoostrong,soyoucanliftupthesideofthecupalittlebittoletinsomeairandreducesomeofthevacuum.Alternatively,youcantakethecupoffandredoit.AnexceptiontothisiswithMovingCupping,whensomepainistobeexpected.To reduce the pain, use plenty of oil on the area you want to do MovingCupping.Also,doingitataslowerspeedcanreducethepain.

CautionsandContraindicationsCaution should be used for peoplewho areweak orwith a poor constitution.Theyaremoresusceptibletofainting.Lesssuctionshouldbeusedtomakesure

they are not drained. When using Moving Cupping, the cups should not bemovedaggressively,butinamilderorgentlerway.

Cautionshouldalsobeusedforpregnantwomen.Donotdoanycuppingontheabdomen, themid to lower back, or the sacrum.Some acupuncture points arealsocontraindicatedforpregnancy.Ifindoubt,itisbetternottodoanycuppingonpregnantwomen.Cuppingshouldalsobeusedwithcautionforawomanwhois menstruating, as it may be too draining on her or may prolong hermenstruation.Waitformenstruationtostopbeforedoingcupping.

Cuppingshouldnotbedoneonanyofthefollowing:

• Areaswheretherearemajorarteries,orwhereapulsecanbefelt

• Areaswithedema

• Areaswithskindisordersoropensores,suchassunburn,scrapes,cuts,etc.

• Jointswithverylittlemusclecoveringthem,likethebackoftheelboworthetopoftheknee

• Onabloodclot,suchasdeepveinthrombosis,asdislodgingthebloodclotcanbedangerous

• Onbrokenorfracturedbones

• Oncancertumors,fibroids,cysts,orothernodules

• Someonewhohasahighfever

• Someonewhoisconvulsing,orwhosemusclesareinspasm

• Someonewithbleedingdisordersoronbloodthinners

• Thenipplesoranyorificesofthebody(e.g.,eyes,mouth,anus)

If you arenot trained touse fire to induce avacuum,donot try it. If you aretrained to do it, be cautious with the fire around others. Always have a fireextinguisherintheroom.Donotsoakyourcottonballwithtoomuchalcohol;itjusthastobemoistthroughout.Donotwearlooseclothing,asitmaycatchonfire. Tie up long hair so it does not catch fire.Make sure there are no otherflammableobjectsnearby,aswell.Useabowlofwatertoputoutthefirefrom

thecottonball,insteadoftryingtoblowitout.Donottravelaroundwiththelitcottonball,somakesureyouhaveeverythingyouneedcloseby.Donothandlethelitcottonballoverthebody.Ifsomeoneisburned,sterilizeandbandagetheareawithsterilegauzeandgoseeadoctor.

Bleeding Cupping comes with an increased risk of infection, since the skinbarrier will be pierced to induce bleeding. Therefore, use extra caution todisinfect the area before and after bleeding to prevent infection.When doingBleeding Cupping, make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself from blood-borne infections.Wipe the area clean with 70 percent alcohol, and let it drybeforepiercingtheskin.AfterBleedingCupping,cleantheareaofwithsterilegauze,thenwipeitagainwith70percentalcohol.Bandageuptheareawithnewsterilegauze.

CleaningandDisinfectingFor cups that are not used forBleedingCuppingorNeedleCupping andonlytouch intact skin (i.e., skinwith no cuts or breaks), you can clean themusingwarm,soapywater.Sincetheywillnotbeincontactwithblood,thecupsdonotneedtobedisinfected.

If thecupswereusedafterneedling,or if thereissomebreakintheskin, thentheyneedtobedisinfected.Wipethecupsoffwitha70percentalcoholsolution.Washthecupsinwarm,soapywater.Soakthecupsinadilutedbleachsolution,using1:50bleach-to-watersolutionfor20minutes,andthenrinsethecups.

IfthecupswereusedforBleedingCupping,rinsethecupwithhotwater.Wipethecupwith70percentalcohol.Washthecupinwarm,soapywater.Soakthecupsina1:50bleach-to-watersolutionovernight,andthenrinsethecups.

Alcoholshouldnotbeusedonplasticcupsorsiliconecups,asitmaydeterioratethematerialveryfast,soitisbestnottodoBleedingCuppingwiththesecups.Ifthecupsarenotsharedbetweenindividuals,thentheycanjustbecleanedwithwarm,soapywater.

CHAPTER5

TREATMENTOFSPORTSINJURIESANDPAINMANAGEMENT

Cuppingismostwell-knownforthetreatmentofpain.Infact,accordingtotheJournalofTraditionalChineseMedicalSciences,ithasbeenfoundthatcuppingtherapy, either alone or combined with other interventions, was better thanmedication or other interventions alone for treating many types of pain. Themainreason it issosuccessful in treatingpaincompared toonlymedication isthatmostmedications justmask the pain and do not fix the underlying issue.Cupping,however,notonlycanhelpstopthepain,butalsohelpsyourbodytorepairitself,addressingtheunderlyingproblemcausingthepain,whetheritisaninjury,tightness,oradhesions,etc.

InHowDoesCuppingWork?(page9),Idescribedmanyreasonshowcuppingcanrelievepainandpromotehealing.Cuppingcanalsorelievemuscletension,help release the fascia, and physically break up adhesions or knots. MovingCupping andFlashCupping are especially good at doing this, as they help tomassage thearea. Images in this chapter and inChapter6willhavearrows toshowhowtouseMovingCupping, ifyoudecide touse this technique, for thepointsbeingdiscussed.

Cupping not onlyworks on themuscles, but can activate the nerves that helpblockpainsignals,aswell. Itcanhelpnerves releasecertainneurotransmittersandendorphins,whichhelptostopthesensationofpain.Cuppingalsoincreasespainthreshold,whichmeansmorestimulusisneededtotriggerpain.

Cuppingactivatesacupuncturepoints, so theyareoftenplacedonacupuncturepoints to maximize their effectiveness. Of course, most people do not knowwhere acupuncture points are located, so this book will tell you how to findthem.Generally,itisbesttousethehandofthepersonbeingtreatedinsteadofinchesasthereferencetooltofindthepoints,sinceeveryoneisdifferentinsize.Foranadultclose toyourheight,youcanuseyourownhandas the referencetooltosimplifythings.Iftheyaretallerorshorterthanyouare,andtheirhandismuch bigger or smaller than your hand, then adjust your measurements asneeded.

Bodymeridians

Youcanalsouseanatomicallandmarkstofindtheacupuncturepoints.Iwillusesome anatomical terminology to locate these points in relation to anatomicallandmarks.SometermsthatImayuseandwhattheymeanare:Superior:Abovesomethingorupperportionofsomething

Inferior:BelowsomethingorlowerportionofsomethingMidline:CenterofthebodyLateral:Awayfromthemidline;ontheoutersideofthebodyMedial:Towardthemidline;ontheinnersideofthebody

Medial:Towardthemidline;ontheinnersideofthebodyPosterior:TowardthebackofthebodyAnterior:TowardthefrontofthebodyDistal:AwayfromthebodyortowardtheextremitiesProximal:Towardthebody,orawayfromtheextremities

Someknowledgeaboutbonenamesormusclenameswillbeveryusefulwhenfinding the points, as well, particularly the vertebral column. I will use theanatomicalnamesof themusclesandbones,aswellascommonknownnameswherepossible.

Vertebralcolumn

InChapter3:CuppingTechniques,Idescribedifferenttechniquesthataregoodfordifferenttypesofpain.Eachtopicdiscussedbelowwillrefertothose,soitwouldbehelpfultofamiliarizeyourselfwiththematerialinthatchapterbefore

continuing.

Musculoskeletalsystem

NECKANDSHOULDERPAINNeck and shoulder pain are themost common types of pain, and the cause isusuallynotdue to injury,but topoorposture. If theposture isnot fixed,neckpainwillkeepcomingback,somakeaconsciousefforttonoticeyourposture.Other causes of neck pain include whiplash (from sports injuries or caraccidents),cervicaldegeneration,stress,andinfectionssuchascoldsorflu.

InTCM,neckandshoulderpain,inadditiontothecausesmentionedabove,isduetotheobstructionofQiandBloodmovementinthemeridians,whichcausespain.ThiscanbeduetopathogenicWindorCold.Obstructioncanalsobeduetotraumaorstress.

GB20FengChi—WindPoolLocation:Inthedepressionbetweenthesternocleidomastoidmuscleandthetrapeziusmuscle,justatthebaseoftheskull.Affectedmuscles:Trapezius,semispinalis,splenius.Whentouse:Foranytypeofneckand/orshoulderpain,especiallyduetostress,tension,usingthecomputeralot,orcoldorflu.Application:GB20isactuallywithinthehairline,soacupcannotbeplaceddirectlyonit.Instead,placethecupasclosetothehairlineaspossible.ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingifneckpainisduetoacold.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddowntheneckfromGB20for30secondspercuptoeffectivelyrelievenecktensioncausedbyacutepain,stress,orinjury.

GB21JianJing—ShoulderWellLocation:Onthemostsuperiorpartoftheshoulder,directlyabovethenipple,orhalfwayfromthespinetothedeltoidmuscle.Affectedmuscles:Trapezius.Whentouse:Foranytypeofneckand/orshoulderpain,especiallyduetostress,tension,usingthecomputeralot,orcoldorflu.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingifneckpainisduetoacold.ApplyMovingCuppingsidewaysacrossthetrapeziusmuscletoloosenupthemuscle,andtorelieveneckandshoulderpain.

GV14DaZhui—GreatHammerLocation:Belowthespinousprocessoftheseventhcervicalvertebra(C7),approximatelylevelwiththeacromion(shoulders).Affectedmuscles:Trapezius,rhomboidminor,serratusposteriorsuperior.

Whentouse:Foranytypeofneckand/orshoulderpain,especiallyduetostress,tension,usingthecomputeralot,orcoldorflu.Alsousedwhenthereisaburningpain.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingifneckpainisduetoacold.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddownthespine,andsidewaysacrossthetrapezius,torelievetensionintheneckandshoulder.UseBleedingCuppingonGV14torelievepainandinflammationquickly,especiallyifaburningsensationaccompaniesneckandshoulderpain.

BL12FengMen—WindGateLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondthoracicvertebra(T2).Affectedmuscles:Trapezius,rhomboidminor,rhomboidmajor,erectorspinae,semispinaliscapitis,semispinaliscervicis,serratusposteriorsuperior.Whentouse:Foranytypeofneckand/orshoulderpain,especiallyduetostress,tension,usingthecomputeralot,orcoldorflu.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingifneckpainisduetoacold.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddowntheerectorspinaetorelieveshoulderandupperbackpain.

BL13FeiShu—LungShu

Location:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthethirdthoracicvertebra(T3).Affectedmuscles:Trapezius,rhomboidminor,rhomboidmajor,erectorspinae,semispinaliscervicis,semispinalisthoracis,serratusposteriorsuperior.Whentouse:Foranytypeofneckand/orshoulderpain,especiallyduetostress,tension,usingthecomputeralot,orcoldorflu.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingifneckpainisduetoacold.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheerectorspinaetorelieveshoulderandupperbackpain.UseBleedingCuppingonBL13torelieveupperbackpainquickly.

SHOULDERJOINTPAINAvery complicated joint that connects thehumerus, scapula, and clavicle, theshoulderiseasilyinjuredbyfrequentuse.Themusclesaroundtheshoulderjointare often referred to as the rotator cuff, and they include the supraspinatus,infraspinatus,teresminor,andsubscapularis.Cuppingisverygoodforrelievinginflammationfrombursitis,tendonitis,dislocation,andfrozenshoulder;italsoisveryeffectiveatbreakingdownthescarringfromrotatorcuffinjuries.Youcanalso use cupping for those suffering from arthritis. Although arthritis is adegenerativedisorder,inTCM,itisthoughttobeabuildupofDamppathogenin the joints. Cupping can help remove the Damp pathogen from the joint,helpingitheal.

JianqianFrontoftheShoulderLocation:Frontoftheshoulder,midwaybetweentheendoftheaxilla(armpit)andthelateralendoftheclavicle,wherethedeltoidmusclesattach.Affectedmuscles:Deltoid,pectoralismajor,coracobrachialis,latissimusdorsi,bicepsbrachii.Whentouse:Foranytypeofanteriorshoulderjointpain,orpaininthefrontoftheshoulder.Usedoftenforfrozenshoulder,tendonitis,orarthritisoftheshoulderjoint.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddownthearmtoincreasecirculation,relieveinflammation,andrelievescarring.UseFlashCuppingtohelprelievepain.UseBleedingCuppingforstubbornshoulderpain.

LI15JianYu—ShoulderBoneLocation:Justlateraltotheacromion,ontheupperanteriorportionofthedeltoidmuscle.Affectedmuscles:Deltoid.Whentouse:Foranytypeoflateralshoulderpain,orpainonthesidesoftheshoulder.Usedoftenforfrozenshoulder,tendonitis,orstraininjuryofthedeltoid.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthedeltoidforincreasingcirculation,relievinginflammation,andrelievingscarring.

TE14JianLiao—ShoulderBoneHoleLocation:Justlateraltotheacromion,ontheupperposteriorportionofthedeltoidmuscle,aninchbehindLI15.Affectedmuscles:Deltoid.Whentouse:Foranytypeoflateralshoulderpain,orpainonthesidesoftheshoulder.Usedoftenforfrozenshoulder,tendonitis,orstraininjuryofthedeltoid.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddownthedeltoidforincreasingcirculation,relievinginflammation,andrelievingscarring.

SI9JianZhen—TrueShoulderLocation:Ontheback,1inchabovetheaxillary(armpit)foldwhenthearmisrelaxed.Affectedmuscles:Deltoid,latissimusdorsi,teresmajor,tricepsbrachii,subscapularis,infraspinatus,teresminor.Whentouse:Foranytypeofposteriorshoulderpain,orpainonthebackoftheshoulderjoint.Usedoftenforfrozenshoulder,tendonitis,orrotatorcuffinjury.

Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddownthedeltoidforincreasingcirculation,relievinginflammation,andrelievingscarring.DoFlashCuppingtohelprelievepain.

SI10NaoShu—UpperArmShuLocation:Ontheback,1inchaboveSI9,orjustbelowtheacromion.Affectedmuscles:Deltoid,tricepsbrachii,coracobrachialis,subscapularis,infraspinatus,teresminor.Whentouse:Foranytypeofposteriorshoulderpain,orpainonthebackoftheshoulderjoint.Usedoftenforfrozenshoulder,tendonitis,orrotatorcuffinjury.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddownthedeltoidforincreasingcirculation,relievinginflammation,andrelievingscarring.DoFlashCuppingtohelprelievepain.UseBleedingCuppingforstubbornshoulderpain.

GB21JianJing—ShoulderWellLocation:Onthemostsuperiorpartoftheshoulder,directlyabovethenipple,orhalfwayfromthespinetothedeltoid.Affectedmuscles:Trapezius.Whentouse:Foranytypeofsuperiorshoulderpain,orpainonthetopoftheshoulderjoint.Usedoftenwhenthereisshoulderstiffnessasaresultofshoulderjointpain.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingifneckpainisduetoacold.ApplyMovingCuppingsidewaysacrossthetrapeziusmuscletoloosenupthemuscleandrelieveshoulderjointpain.

ELBOWPAINThe two most common types of elbow pain are tennis elbow (lateralepicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis). Tennis elbow affectsthelateral,oroutside,partoftheelbow.Itisusuallyduetorepetitivemotions,incorrect movement of the arms, or damage to the muscles or tendons fromcarryingheavyobjects.Mostpeoplewhohavetenniselbowarenotathletesbutstillusetheirarmsalot,suchasplumbers,painters,carpenters,butchers,chefs,or thosewhosework involvesusingacomputermouse.Golfer’selbowaffectsthemedial,orinside,partoftheelbow.Thisisnotascommonastenniselbow,butthecausesarethesame.Themotionsthataffectthemusclesthatattachtothe

medial epicondyle involvegripping,which canoccurwithgolfing, throwing aball, rock climbing, or using tools. Other causes of elbow pain can includerheumatism,rheumatoidarthritis,ortrauma.

LI11QuChi—PoolattheBendLocation:Whentheelbowishalfflexed,thepointwherethelateralelbowcreaseends.Affectedmuscles:Extensorcarpiradialislongus,extensorcarpiradialisbrevis,brachialis,brachioradialis,supinator.Whentouse:Foranytypeoflateralelbowpain.Usedoftenfortenniselboworarthritisoftheelbow.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddowntheforearmfortenniselbow.DoFlashCuppingtohelprelievepain.UseBleedingCuppingonthebloodvesselsclosetoLI11toquicklyrelieveelbowpain.

LI10ShouSanLi—ArmThreeMileLocation:Threefingers’width(ortwoinches)belowLI11.Affectedmuscles:Extensorcarpiradialislongus,extensorcarpiradialisbrevis,supinator,brachioradialis.Whentouse:Foranytypeoflateralelbowpain.Usedoftenfortenniselboworarthritisoftheelbow.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.

Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddowntheforearmfortenniselbow.

HT3ShaoHai—LesserSeaLocation:Whentheelbowishalfflexed,thepointwherethemedialelbowcreaseends.Affectedmuscles:Pronatorteres,brachialis.Whentouse:Foranytypeofmedialelbowpain.Usedoftenforgolfer’selboworarthritisoftheelbow.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddowntheforearmforgolfer’selbow.UseFlashCuppingtohelprelievepain.UseBleedingCuppingonthebloodvesselsclosetoHT3toquicklyrelievepain.

PC4XiMen—CleftGateLocation:About1inch(oronethumb’swidth)belowthehalfwaypointoftheinnerpartoftheforearm,inbetweenthetwotendonsofthepalmarislongusandflexorcarpiradialis.Affectedmuscles:Flexorcarpiradialis,palmarislongus,flexordigitorum

sublimis,flexordigitorumprofundus.Whentouse:Foranytypeofmedialelbowpain.Usedoftenforgolfer’selboworarthritisoftheelbow.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddowntheforearmforgolfer’selbow.

FOREARMORWRISTPAINThe most common cause of forearm pain is wrist or elbow pain or injuries.Carpal tunnel syndrome isdue to thecompressionof themediannerve,whichcausespain,numbness,andatinglingsensationinthefingers.Theincidenceofcarpal tunnel is increasingbecauseof theprevalentuseofcomputerkeyboardsandmice.Brachialplexusinjury,whichisactuallyaninjurytotheneckthatinturninjuresthenervesthatcontrolthearm,cancausearmpain.Amajorcauseofbrachial plexus injury iswhiplash fromcar accidentsor sports injuries.Fortreatingneckpain,seeNeckandShoulderPain(page32).

LI11QuChi—PoolattheBendLocation:Whentheelbowishalfflexed,thepointwheretheelbowcreaseendsontheoutsideoftheelbow.Affectedmuscles:Extensorcarpiradialislongus,extensorcarpiradialisbrevis,brachialis,brachioradialis,supinator.Whentouse:Foranytypeoflateralforearmpain.Usedoftenforcarpaltunnelsyndrome,orwhenusingthecomputermouseortypingtoomuch,orpeoplewhousetheirhandstogriptoolsalot.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheforearmforforearmpain.UseFlashcuppingtohelprelievepain.UseBleedingCuppingonthebloodvesselsclosetoLI11toquicklyrelievepain.

LI10ShouSanLi—ArmThreeMileLocation:Threefingers’width(or2inches)belowLI11.Affectedmuscles:Extensorcarpiradialislongus,extensorcarpiradialisbrevis,supinator,brachioradialis.Whentouse:Foranytypeoflateralforearmpain.Usedoftenforcarpaltunnelsyndrome,orwhenusingthecomputermouseortypingtoomuch,orpeoplewhousetheirhandstogriptoolsalot.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheforearmforforearmpain.

TE5WaiGuan—OuterPassLocation:Thelateralpartoftheforearm,aboutthreefingers’width(or2inches)abovethewristcrease,betweentheradiusandulnabones.Affectedmuscles:Extensorindicis,extensorpollicislongus,extensorpollicisbrevis,extensorcarpiulnaris,extensordigitiminimi,extensordigitorum.Whentouse:Foranytypeofmedialforearmpain.Usedoftenforcarpaltunnelsyndrome.

Application:ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheforearmforforearmpainandcarpaltunnelsyndrome.

HT3ShouHai—LesserSeaLocation:Whentheelbowishalfflexed,thepointwherethemedialelbowcreaseends.Treatwhilearmisstraight.Affectedmuscles:Pronatorteres,brachialis.Whentouse:Foranytypeofmedialforearmpain.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheforearmforforearmpain.DoFlashCuppingtohelprelievepain.

PC4XiMen—CleftGateLocation:Aboutonethumb’swidth(or1inch)belowthehalfwaypointoftheinnerpartoftheforearm,inbetweenthetwotendonsofthepalmarislongusandflexorcarpiradialis.Affectedmuscles:Flexorcarpiradialis,palmarislongus,flexordigitorumsublimis,flexordigitorumprofundus.Whentouse:Foranytypeofmedialforearmpain.Usedoftenforcarpaltunnelsyndrome.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheforearmforforearmpainandcarpal

tunnelsyndrome.

PC6NeiGuan—InnerPassLocation:Theinsidepartoftheforearm,about2inches(or3fingers’width)abovethewristcreasebetweenthetwoprominenttendons(palmarislongusandflexorcarpiradialis).Affectedmuscles:Brachioradialis,flexordigitorumprofundus,flexordigitorumsuperficialis,flexorcarpiradialis,palmarislongus.Whentouse:Foranytypeofmedialforearmpain.Usedoftenforcarpaltunnelsyndrome.Application:ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheforearmforcarpaltunnelsyndrome.

CHESTPAINHeart, lung, gastrointestinal, andmusculoskeletal problems can all cause chestpain.Inthissection,Iwillfocusonmusculoskeletalchestpain,whichismainlyduetodamageorinjurytothepectoralismajormuscle,oftenfromweightliftingwithpoorpostureorwhileusingheavyweights.Softtissueinjuryorbruisedorbroken ribs fromaccidentsor fallscanalsocausechestpain.A rib injurywillfeelworsewithdeepbreathingorcoughing,isverylocalizedtoonearea/rib,andfeelssorewhenpressed.

Chest pain that cannot be explained by injurymay be due to something else,suchasaheartorlungproblem.Thesecanbeseriousandevenlife-threatening,soitisalwaysagoodideatoseeyourmedicaldoctorforanunexplainablechest

pain.

LU2YunMen—PoolattheBendLocation:Onthelateralsideofthechest,belowtheclavicle,justunderthedeltopectoraltriangle.Thedeltopectoraltriangleisanindentationformedbythedeltoid,pectoralmuscle,andclavicle;itcanbefoundifyouraiseyourarmforwardandupward90degrees.Affectedmuscles:Deltoid,pectoralismajor.Whentouse:Forchestpainorpainofthepectoralmuscle.Especiallyusefulforchestpainduetorespiratoryissues.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.ApplyMovingCuppingacrossthechestforchestpain.UseFlashCuppingtohelprelievepain.

LU1ZhongFu—CentralPalaceLocation:About1inchbelowLU2.Affectedmuscles:Deltoid,pectoralismajor.Whentouse:Forchestpainorpainofthepectoralmuscle.Especiallyusefulforchestpainduetorespiratoryissues.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.ApplyMovingCuppingacrossthechestforchestpain.UseFlashCuppingtohelprelievepain.

ST15WuYi—RoofLocation:Inthesecondintercostalspace,approximatelyabovethenipples.Affectedmuscles:Pectoralismajor.Whentouse:Forchestpainorpainofthepectoralmuscle,orpainintheintercostals.Especiallyusefulforchestpainduetorespiratoryissues,aswellasforbreastpain.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingacrossthechestforchestpain.UseFlashCuppingtohelprelievepain.

SP21DaBao—GreatEmbracementLocation:Onthesideofthechest,midwaybetweentheaxilla(armpit)andthetwelfthrib.

Affectedmuscles:Latissimusdorsi,serratusanterior.Whentouse:Forpainonthesideofthechest.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthesideofchestforlateralchestpain.

UPPERBACKANDSCAPULARPAINUpperbackandscapularpainoftencoincidewithneckandshoulderpain,whichradiatesdown into theupperback and scapular region.Manyof the causesofneckandshoulderpainalsoapplytoupperbackandscapularpain,asalotofthemusclesworktogetherandaffecteachother,includingpoorpostureandstress.Traumaandfallsalsocauseupperbackandscapularpain.

AccordingtoTCM,acuteupperbackpainisalsoanearlysignofaninfection,suchasacoldorflu.Thisisduetopathogenicfactorsenteringthechannelsofthe neck and shoulder via Wind, blocking the movement of Qi and Blood.Sittingunderanofficeventthatblowscoldaircaneasilycauseupperbackpain.

GB21JianJing—ShoulderWellLocation:Onthemostsuperiorpartoftheshoulder,directlyabovethenipple,orhalfwayfromthespinetothedeltoid.Affectedmuscles:Trapezius.Whentouse:Forupperbackandshoulderpain.Usedmostoftenforstress-relatedupperbacktension,workingonthecomputerfortoolong,orachinessduetocoldsandflu.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingifupperbackpainisduetoacold.UseMovingCuppingsidewaysacrossthetrapeziusmuscletoloosenupthemuscleandrelieveupperbackandscapularpain.

GV14DaZhui—GreatHammerLocation:Belowthespinousprocessoftheseventhcervicalvertebra(C7),approximatelylevelwiththeacromion(shoulders).Affectedmuscles:Trapezius,rhomboidminor,serratusposteriorsuperior.Whentouse:Forupperbackandshoulderpain.Usedmostoftenforstress-relatedupperbacktension,workingonthecomputerfortoolong,orachinessduetocoldsandflu.Usedespeciallyforburningupperbackpain.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingifupperbackpainisduetoacold.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthespine,andsidewaysacrossthetrapezius,torelievetensionintheupperbackandscapularregion.UseBleedingCuppingonGV14torelievepainandinflammationquickly,especiallyifupperbackorscapularpainhasaburningsensation.

BL12FengMen—WindGateLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondthoracicvertebra(T2).Affectedmuscles:Trapezius,rhomboidminor,rhomboidmajor,erectorspinae,semispinaliscapitis,semispinaliscervicis,serratusposteriorsuperior.Whentouse:Forupperbackandshoulderpain.Usedmostoftenforstress-relatedupperbacktension,workingonthecomputerfortoolong,orachinessduetocoldsandflu.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashcuppingifupperbackorscapularpainisduetoacold.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheerectorspinaetorelievepaininupperbackandtheareainbetweenthescapulas.

BL13FeiShu—LungShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthethirdthoracicvertebra(T3).Affectedmuscles:Trapezius,rhomboidminor,rhomboidmajor,erectorspinae,semispinaliscervicis,semispinalisthoracis,serratusposteriorsuperior.Whentouse:Forupperbackandshoulderpain.Usedmostoftenforstress-relatedupperbacktension,workingonthecomputerfortoolong,orachinessduetocoldsandflu.

Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashcuppingifupperbackpainisduetoacold.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheerectorspinaetorelievetheupperbackandareainbetweenthescapulas.UseBleedingCuppingonBL13torelieveupperbackpainquickly.

BL15XinShu—HeartShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthefifththoracicvertebra(T5).Affectedmuscles:Trapezius,rhomboidminor,rhomboidmajor,erectorspinae,semispinaliscervicis,semispinalisthoracis.Whentouse:Forupperbackandshoulderpain.Usedmostoftenforstress-relatedupperbacktension.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashcuppingforupperbackpainduetoacold.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheerectorspinaetorelievetheupperbackandareainbetweenthescapulas.UseBleedingCuppingonBL15torelieveupperbackpainquickly.

BL17GeShu—DiaphragmShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheseventh

thoracicvertebra(T7).Affectedmuscles:Trapezius,rhomboidminor,rhomboidmajor,erectorspinae,semispinaliscervicis,semispinalisthoracis.Whentouse:Forupperbacktomid-backpain.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.Useflashcuppingforupperbackpainduetoacold.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheerectorspinaetorelievetheupperbackandareainbetweenthescapulas.UseBleedingCuppingonBL17torelieveupperbackpainquickly.

SI11TianZong—CelestialGatheringLocation:Onthescapula,inthedepressioninthecenterofthescapula,morespecificallyinthecenterofthesubscapularfossa.Affectedmuscles:Subscapularis,teresminor.Whentouse:Usedforscapularpain.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingifupperbackorscapularpainisduetoacold.ApplyMovingCuppingaroundthescapulatorelieveshoulderandupperbackpain.UseBleedingCuppingonSI11torelieveupperbackpainquickly.

LOWERBACKPAINThelowerback,orlumbarregion,ispronetoinjuryfromsports,weightlifting,

orcarryingheavyobjects,allofwhichoftencausemusclestrain.Cuppingisaneffectivewaytorelievestrainandrelaxthemuscles.Cuppingcanalsobeusedtorelievetheinflammationofsciatica,butitmayhavetobedonegently,astheareawillbeverypainful.Whensciaticaiscausedbyaninflamedpiriformis(andincludesshootingpaindownthebuttocksandintothelegs),cuppingcanhelptorelieve the inflammation.This typeofpainmay require strongcupping,as thepiriformisisdeepinthebuttocks.

Degenerativediscdisordercauseschronicbackpain.InTCM,thelumbarspineis governed by the Kidneys, which also govern the bones and joints. GentlecuppingcanhelpreplenishtheKidneysandthelumbarbybringingthemfreshbloodandnutrientstopreventdegeneration.Sittingatadeskwithpoorposturealldaycanalsocauselowerbackpain,ascanunbalancedweightfromcarryingabagorbriefcase,especiallyifyoutendtocarryitoveroneshoulder.

If you have lower back painwith symptoms such as loss of bowel or bladdercontrol,weaknessinthelegs,fever,orpainwhencoughing,youshouldconsulta doctor.These symptomsmay indicate somethingmore serious and aremostlikelynotduetoamusculoskeletalissue.

GV4ShenShu—KidneyShuLocation:Inthespacebelowthespinousprocessofthesecondlumbarvertebra(L2).Affectedmuscles:Erectorspinae,interspinales,multifidus,serratusposteriorinferior.Whentouse:Forlowerbackpainthatisrightdownthespine.Usedfordegenerativediscdisorderandbulgeddisc.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.DONOTusestrongsuctiononapersonwithaherniateddisk.UseFlashCuppingtorelievelowerbackpainfaster.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddowntheerectorspinaetorelievelowerbackpain,butdon’tbetooaggressiveoverthespine,asitmayhurtifthecupsgoesoverthespinetoofastortoohard.

BL23ShenShu—KidneyShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondlumbarvertebra(L2).Affectedmuscles:Erectorspinae,multifidus,quadratuslumborum,latissimusdorsi,serratusposteriorinferior.Whentouse:Forlowerbackpainthatisnexttothespine,wheretheparaspinalmusclesare.Usedforsprainedbackandachylowerbackfromsittingorpoorposture.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievelowerbackpainfaster.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddowntheerectorspinaetorelievelowerbackpain,andBleedingCuppingtorelievelowerbackpainquickly.

BL52ZhiShi—WillChamberLocation:About1.5incheslateraltotheBL23.Affectedmuscles:Erectorspinae,quadratuslumborum,latissimusdorsi,serratusposteriorinferior.Whentouse:Forlowerbackpainthatismoreonthesides,lateraltotheparaspinalmuscles.Usedforsprainedback,andachylowerbackfromsittingorpoorposture.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronic

pain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievelowerbackpainfaster.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddownthelatissimusdorsiorquadratuslumborumtorelievelowerbackpainthatisonthesideofthelowerback.

BL25DaChangShu—LargeIntestineShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthefourthlumbarvertebra(L4).Affectedmuscles:Erectorspinae,multifidus,quadratuslumborum,latissimusdorsi.Whentouse:Forlowerbackpainthatisnexttothespine,wheretheparaspinalmusclesare.Usedforsprainedbackandachylowerbackfromsittingorpoorposture.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievelowerbackpainfaster.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddowntheerectorspinaetorelievelowerbackpain,andBleedingCuppingtorelievelowerbackpainquickly.

YaoYanLumbarEyesLocation:Approximately3to4inchesoneithersideofthefourthlumbarvertebra(L4),orwherethedimplesjustabovethebuttocksarelocated.Affectedmuscles:Gluteusmedius,gluteusmaximus.Whentouse:Forlowerbackpainthatradiatesdownintotheglutealmuscles.Usedforsprainedback,andachylowerbackfromsittingorpoorposture.Application:ApplyMediumorStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.Sincethereisalotofmuscleandfatinthisarea,WeakCuppingmaynotbeveryeffective.UseFlashcuppingtorelievelowerback,sciatica,orbuttockpainfaster.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddownthegluteusmaximusormediusmusclestorelievelowerbackpainandsciatica.

BL53BaoHuang—BladderHuangLocation:Approximately3to4inchesbesidethesecondsacralforamen(S2),

or2inchesbelowYaoYan.Affectedmuscles:Gluteusmaximus,gluteusmedius.Whentouse:Forlowerbackpainthatradiatesdownintotheglutealmuscles.Usedforsprainedback,andachylowerbackfromsittingorpoorposture.Application:ApplyMediumorStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.Sincethereisalotofmuscleandfatinthisarea,WeakCuppingmaynotbeveryeffective.UseFlashCuppingtorelievelowerback,sciatica,orbuttockpainfaster.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddownoracrossthegluteusmaximusormediusmusclestorelievelowerbackpainandsciatica.

THIGHPAINMosttypesofthighpaingenerallycomefromsportsinjuries.Mostthighinjuriesareacutebutcanbecomechronicifnottreatedornottreatedproperly.

The hamstrings, a group of threemuscles made up of the semimembranosus,semitendinosus,andbicepsfemoris,arelocatedatthebackofthethigh.Sportsinjuries, especially those that involve a lot of running, are common here. Themostcommonaremusclecrampingduetonotstretchingbeforeorafterexercise,extensiveuse, or randommuscle spasm.Many athletes routinely tear or straintheirhamstrings.

The quads, or quadriceps femoris, which consist of the rectus femoris, vastuslateralis,vastusintermedius,andvastusmedialis,arelocatedatthefrontofthethigh. They are responsible for extending the knee and are important forstanding,walking,climbingstairs,andrunning.Justlikethehamstrings,theyarealso easily injured in sports that involve a lot of running. The quadriceps canalsobeinjuredifyouliftsomethingtooheavy.

Betweenthehamstringsandthequadriceps,theiliotibial,orITband,liesonthesideof the thighand joins thehipand theknee.This ligamentcanget tightorinjuredbywalking, running,orgoingupanddownstairsa lot. It canalsogettightifyousittoomuch,especiallyifyoucrossyourlegswhenyousit.

Paininthethighcanalsobeduetoareferralpainfromthelowerback,suchasthesciatica.Thesciaticnerverunsthroughthethigh,andifthesciaticnerveiscompressedorinflamed,itcancauseshootingpaindownthethighs.

ST32FuTu—CrouchingRabbitLocation:Frontofthethigh,aboutathirdofthedistancefromthesuperior-lateralcornerofthepatellatothehipjoint.Affectedmuscles:Vastuslateralis,rectusfemoris,vastusintermedius.Whentouse:Forpainofthelateralquadricepsmusclesonthefrontofthethigh.Application:ApplyMediumorStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.Sincethereisalotofmuscleandfatinthisarea,WeakCuppingmaynotbeveryeffective.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethighpainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddownthequadstorelievepainfromthefrontofthethigh.

ST33YinShi—YinMarketLocation:Frontofthethigh,aboutfourfingers’width(orapproximately3inches)abovethesuperior-lateralcornerofthepatella,orapproximately1inchaboveST34.Affectedmuscles:Vastuslateralis,rectusfemoris,vastusintermedius.Whentouse:Forpainofthelateralquadricepsmusclesonthefrontofthethigh.Application:ApplyMediumorStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.Sincethereisalotofmuscleandfatinthisarea,WeakCuppingmaynotbeveryeffective.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethighpainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddownthequadricepsmusclestorelievepainfromthefrontofthethigh.

ST34LiangQiu—RidgeMoundLocation:Frontofthethigh,threefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)abovethesuperior-lateralcornerofthepatella.

Affectedmuscles:Vastuslateralis.Whentouse:Forpainofthelateralquadricepsmusclesonthefrontofthethigh.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethethighpainfaster.

SP10XueHai—SeaofBloodLocation:Frontofthethigh,aboutthreefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)abovethesuperior-medialcornerofthepatella.Affectedmuscles:Vastusmedialis.Whentouse:Forpainofthemedialquadricepsmusclesonthefrontofthethigh.Application:ApplyMediumorStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.Sincethereisalotofmuscleandfatinthisarea,WeakCuppingmaynotbeveryeffective.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethighpainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddownthequadricepsmusclestorelievepainfromthefrontofthethigh.

SP11JiMen—WinnowerGateLocation:Frontofthethigh,aboutathirdofthedistancefromthesuperior-medialcornerofthepatellatothehip.Affectedmuscles:Vastusmedialis,sartorius.Whentouse:Forpainofthemedialquadricepsmusclesonthefrontofthethigh.Application:ApplyMediumorStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.Sincethereisalotofmuscleandfatinthisarea,WeakCuppingmaynotbeveryeffective.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethethighpainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddownthequadricepsmusclestorelievepainfromthefrontofthethigh.

GB31FengShi—WindMarketLocation:Sideofthethigh,aboutathirdofthedistancefromabovethelateralendofthetransversepoplitealcrease(kneecrease)tothegreatertrochanterofthefemur.Affectedmuscles:Bicepsfemoris,iliotibialband,vastuslateralis.Whentouse:Forpainthatisontheiliotibialbandonthesidesofthethigh.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethighpainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddowntheiliotibialbandtorelievepainfromthesideofthethigh.

GB33XiYangGuan—KneeYangGate

Location:Sideofthethigh,aboutthreefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)abovethelateralendofthetransversepoplitealcrease(kneecrease).Affectedmuscles:Bicepsfemoris,iliotibialband,vastuslateralis.Whentouse:Forpainthatisontheiliotibialbandonthesidesofthethigh.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethighpainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddowntheiliotibialbandtorelievepainfromthesideofthethigh.

BL40WeiZhong—BendMiddleLocation:Middleofthepoplitealcrease(creasebehindtheknees).Affectedmuscles:Semimembranosus,bicepsfemoris.Whentouse:Forpainofthehamstringsonthebackofthethigh.Application:ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethighpainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddownthehamstringstorelievepainfromthebackofthethigh.

BL36ChengFu—SupporterLocation:Backofthethigh,middleoftheglutealcrease(creasewherethebuttocksmeetthethigh).Affectedmuscles:Gluteusmaximus,semitendinosus,bicepsfemoris.Whentouse:Forpainofthehamstringsonthebackofthethigh.Application:ApplyMediumorStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Use

strongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.Sincethereisalotofmuscleandfatinthisarea,WeakCuppingmaynotbeveryeffective.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethighpainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddownthehamstringstorelievepainfromthebackofthethigh.

BL37YinMen—GateofAbundanceLocation:Backofthethigh,abouthalfwaybetweenBL36andBL40.Affectedmuscles:Bicepsfemoris,semimembranosus,semitendinosus.Whentouse:Forpainofthehamstringsonthebackofthethigh.Application:ApplyMediumorStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.Sincethereisalotofmuscleandfatinthisarea,WeakCuppingmaynotbeveryeffective.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethighpainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddownthehamstringstorelievepainfromthebackofthethigh.

KNEEPAINLigamenttearsandmeniscustearsareamongthemostcommonsportsinjuries,and of these, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is one of the mostfrequent.Other,lesscommonligamentinjuriescanincludetheposteriorcruciateligament(PCL),lateralcollateralligament(LCL),andmedialcollateralligament(MCL).Although cupping cannot fix any tears of the ligaments ormenisci, itcanhelpreducepainandinflammationinthearea.Tearsneedtobefixedwithsurgery, but after knee surgery, cupping can help bring fresh Qi, Blood, andnutrientstothearea,atthesametimebreakdownscartissueandclottedblood.

Similarly,duringrecoveryfromfracturesanddislocations,cuppingcanbeusefultohelpreducepainandinflammation,aswellasbringfreshnutrientstohelpthearearecover.

Arthritisofthekneeisanotherfrequentcauseofkneepain.Rheumatoidarthritisis due to an autoimmune disease, which causes the body to attack the joints.Cupping can help clear inflammatory chemicals,which act as a signal for thebody to attack theknee.Gouty arthritis is due to abuildupofuric acid in thebody,which then crystallizes in and around joints,making them inflamed andpainful.Cuppingcanhelp improvecirculation,helping todrainuric acid fromthe area and reduce inflammation. Osteoarthritis is due to the wearing of thejoints. Although nothing can be done to fix the joint once it has degraded,cuppingcanhelppreventfurtherdamagebyhelpingtoreduceinflammationandpaininthearea.

BL40WeiZhong—BendMiddleLocation:Middleofthepoplitealcrease(creasebehindtheknees).Affectedmuscles:Semimembranosus,bicepsfemoris,plantaris,gastrocnemius.Whentouse:Forkneepainthatisinthebackoftheknees.Application:ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievekneepainfaster.,andMovingCuppingupanddownthehamstrings.

SP10XueHai—SeaofBloodLocation:Aboutthreefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)abovethesuperior-medialcornerofthepatella.Affectedmuscles:Vastusmedialis.Whentouse:Forkneepainthatisinthefrontoftheknees,abovetheknees,ormedialsideoftheknees.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievekneepainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddownthequadricepsmuscles.

SP9YinLingQuan—YinMoundSpringLocation:Inthedepressionjustbelowandbehindthemedialcondyleofthetibia.Affectedmuscles:Gastrocnemius,soleus.Whentouse:Forkneepainthatisinthefrontoftheknees,belowtheknees,or

medialsideoftheknees.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievethekneepainfaster,andMovingCuppingupanddownthefrontoftheleg.

ST34LiangQiu—RidgeMoundLocation:Threefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)abovethesuperior-lateralcornerofthepatella.Affectedmuscles:Vastuslateralis.Whentouse:Forkneepainthatisinthefrontoftheknees,abovetheknees,orlateralsideoftheknees.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingandMovingCuppingtorelievethekneepainfaster.

ST36ZuSanLi—LegThreeMilesLocation:Fourfingers’width(orapproximately3inches)belowtheinferior-lateralcornerofthepatella,andathumb’swidth(or1inch)lateraltothetibia(shinbone).Affectedmuscles:Tibialisanterior,extensordigitorumlongus.Whentouse:Forkneepainthatisinthefrontoftheknees,belowtheknees,or

lateralsideoftheknees.Canbeusedforpain,tightness,orweaknessonanypartoftheleg.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingandMovingCuppingtorelievekneepainfaster.

HedingCrane’sSummitLocation:Inthedepressiondirectlyabovethemiddleoftheupperborderofthepatella(kneecap).Affectedmuscles:Rectusfemoris,vastusintermedius.Whentouse:Forkneepainthatisinthefrontoftheknees,andabovetheknees.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseFlashCuppingtorelievekneepainfaster.

LOWERLEGPAINAmajorcauseoflowerlegpainisfrequentwalkingorrunning,oractivitiesthatinvolvealotofeitheraction.Peopleoftenwearshoeswithoutproperankleandarchsupport.Withoutthis,twistingtheankleandotherinjuriescanoccurmoreeasily.Uncomfortableshoesalsocauseyoutowalkimproperly,whichcanruinyourwalkingposture,causeyourwholebodytobecomemisaligned,andcause

allsortsofjointormusclepain,or,ifthemisalignmentissevere,injury.

Acommonlowerleginjuryistostrainthecalfmuscle(gastrocnemius),usuallydue toexerciseor sports. It is important to stretchbeforeandafterexercise topreventinjury.TheAchillestendon,whichattachesyourgastrocnemiustoyourheel, can also get injured easily if you don’t stretch, possibly leading totendonitisortear,andheelorfootpain.

Leg cramps are another type of lower leg pain that can be caused byoverexercising, not drinking enough water, losing electrolytes from excessivesweating, or not stretching before and after exercise. In TCM, cramps are acommonsymptominpeoplewhohaveanemia.Sincethelowerlegissofarfromtheheartandthereisnotenoughbloodinthebodytonourishthemusclesinthelowerleg,theybecomemalnourishedandcantightensuddenly,causingcramps.

BL40WeiZhong—BendMiddleLocation:Middleofthepoplitealcrease(creasebehindtheknees).Affectedmuscles:Semimembranosus,bicepsfemoris,plantaris,gastrocnemius,popliteus.Whentouse:Forcalfpainortightness.Application:ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.

UseMovingCuppingupanddownthecalftohelprelievecalfpain,andFlashCuppingtorelievethecalfpainfaster.

BL57ChengSan—MountainSupportLocation:Halfwaybetweenthekneeandtheankle,inbetweenthetwoheadsofthegastrocnemiusmuscle.Affectedmuscles:Gastrocnemius,soleus,tibialisposterior,flexordigitorumlongus,flexorhallucislongus,plantaris.Whentouse:Forcalfpainortightness.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthecalftohelprelievecalfpain,andFlashCuppingtorelievethecalfpainfaster.

ST36ZuSanLi—LegThreeMilesLocation:Fourfingers’width(orapproximately3inches)belowtheinferior-lateralcornerofthepatella,andathumb’swidth(or1inch)lateraltothetibia(shinbone).Affectedmuscles:Tibialisanterior,extensordigitorumlongus.Whentouse:Forpainortightnessofthemusclesjustlateraltotheshinbone.Canbeusedforpain,tightness,orweaknessonanypartoftheleg.

Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheanteriorpartofthelegtohelpwithlowerlegpain,andFlashCuppingtorelievelowerlegpainfaster.

ST39XiaJuXu—LowerGreatHollowLocation:Onethumb’swidth(orapproximately1inch)belowthemidpointoftheinferior-lateralcornerofthepatellatotheankle.Affectedmuscles:Tibialisanterior,extensordigitorumlongus,extensorhallucislongus.Whentouse:Forpainortightnessofthemusclesjustlateraltotheshinbone.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheanteriorpartofthelegtohelpwithlowerlegpain,andFlashCuppingtorelievethelowerlegpainfaster.

GB34YangLingQuan—YangMoundSpringLocation:Inthedepressionanteriorandinferiortotheheadofthefibula.Affectedmuscles:Fibularislongus,fibularisbrevis.Whentouse:Forpainortightnessofthemusclesonthesideofthelowerleg,andmusclesalongthefibula.Application:ApplyWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionforacuteorseverepain,andweakerformildorchronicpain.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthelateralpartofthelegtohelpwithlowerlegpain,andFlashCuppingtorelievethelowerlegpainfaster.

ANKLEPAINThemostcommoncauseofanklepainistwistingorrollingyourankle,resultingin a sprain.A sprain is an injury to the ligaments,which connectonebone toanotherbone.Whenyourollortwistyourankle,itcanstretchoreventeartheligament.Therearetwomaintypesofanklesprains:eversionandinversion.Aninversion,orlateralanklesprain,happenswhenyourolltheoutsideofyourfoot,and an eversion, ormedial ankle sprain, happenswhen you roll the inside ofyourfoot.Ifthesprainissevere,itmayevencauseafractureofoneofthebonesinthejoint.Sprainingyourankleoncecancauseyoutosprainitmoreeasilyinthe future.Toprevent this,makesureyouwearcomfortable shoes that fit andhaveproperankleandarchsupport.Peoplewhohaveflatfeetorhigharchescansprain their ankles more easily and need proper orthotic pads to correct theirarch.

GB40QiuXu—HillRuinsLocation:Inthedepressionanteriorandinferiortothelateralmalleolus.Affectedtendon/ligament:Fibularislongus,fibularisbrevis.Whentouse:Forlateralanklepain,sprain,orstrain.Application:ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Thereisnotalotoffleshinthisarea,sodonotuseStrongCupping.

BL62ShenMai—ExtendingVesselLocation:Inthedepressiondirectlybelowthelateralmalleolus.Affectedtendon/ligament:Fibularislongus,fibularisbrevis.Whentouse:Forlateralanklepain,sprain,orstrain.Application:ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Thereisnotalotoffleshinthisarea,sodonotuseStrongCupping.

SP5ShangQiu—ShangHillLocation:Inthedepressionanteriorandinferiortothemedialmalleolus.Affectedtendon/ligament:Tibialisanterior.Whentouse:Formedialanklepain,sprain,orstrain.Application:ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Thereisnotalotoffleshinthisarea,sodonotuseStrongCupping.

KI6ZhaoHai—ShiningSeaLocation:Inthedepressiondirectlybelowthemedialmalleolus.Affectedtendon/ligament:Tibialisanterior.Whentouse:Formedialanklepain,sprain,orstrain.Application:ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Thereisnotalotoffleshinthisarea,sodonotuseStrongCupping.

CHAPTER6

TREATMENTOFOTHERCONDITIONS

Cupping isnotonlyused forpain inTCM.It isoneof theprimarymodalitiesusedbypractitionerstotreatalmostanydisease.Diseasehappenswhenthereisanimbalanceinthebody,whenapathogeninvades,orwhenoneoftheorgansdoesnotworkproperlyor efficiently.Cuppingcanhelp restorebalance to thebody,removepathogensandtoxins,andregulateandnourishtheinternalorgans.Whileitmaynotbeabletocureyourdisease,itcanhelpit,dependingonwhatthecauseis.

HereIwilllistsomecommon,everydayailmentsthatcuppingcanhelpalleviate,assumingthesymptomsorthecauseisnotveryserious.Iwilldiscussanti-agingand beauty issues, digestion, gynecological trouble, respiratory issues,infections,andpsychologicalissues.

Ifthesymptomsoftheseconditionsareseriousordonotalleviateafteracoupleofdays,pleaseseeyourhealthcarepractitionerforaproperdiagnosis.Thisbookisnot for self-diagnosingyourdisease.Therearemanycausesofeachdiseasethatcuppingmaynotbeeffectivefor,orforwhichahighlytrainedpractitionerof cupping would be needed to produce effective results, so please see yourhealthcarepractitionerifyouhaveanyquestions.

CELLULITE

Cellulite, the dimpling of the skin caused by the uneven distribution of fattissues,isnotadisease—it’snormalandverycommon.Itusuallyoccursinareaswhere there tends to bemore fat such as the thighs, buttocks, hips, abdomen,arms,orbreasts.Theolderweget,themorelikelywearetogetcellulitebecausetheskinlosesitselasticity.

Cupping can be effective in treating cellulite. Cellulite may be due to poorlymphatic drainage, andMovingCupping is excellent for lymphatic drainage.Fat travels through thebodyvia the lymph,sohelping tomove the lymphcanpreventfatdepositinanarea.CuppingcanalsobringfreshBloodandnutrientstothearea,whichcanhelptheskinbecomehealthierandtighter.Cuppingcanalsostimulatecollagenformation,firmingtheskinandreducingtheappearanceofcellulite.

TreatmentCelluliteLocation:Placethecupsontheareawherethecelluliteislocated,whetheritis

onthethighs,buttocks,hips,abdomen,arms,orbreasts.Therearenospecificpointsforcellulite.Application:UseMovingCuppingontheareawherethecelluliteislocated.Uselighttomediumsuctionforareasthataresmaller,bonier,orhavelessmuscleandfat,andstrongersuctionforthosethatarelargerandhavemoremuscleandfat.Yourintentionisnottogetanybruisemarks,butrathertobreakdownthefat.Movethecupsaroundwithamoderatespeedfor5minutesperarea.Thiscanbedoneeveryday,andresultscanbeimmediate,butlastingeffectsmaytaketwotothreeweeks,dependingontheseverityofthecellulite.

STRETCHMARKSStretchmarksarelinesthatappearwhenthebodyisgrowingfasterthantheskincan,sotheskinbreaksandformsscar-liketissues.Theyappearoverareasthattend toexperience rapidweightgainor rapidweight loss,mostcommonly theabdomen,breasts,hips,buttocks,andthighs.Theyarecommonduringandafterpregnancy,whenwomenexperiencerapidweightgain.Duringpuberty,stretchmarks can result from periods of rapid growth. Stretchmarks are natural, butsome peoplemay feel they are unsightly andmay be self-conscious of them.Cuppingcanhelpbreakdownthescarringthatformsthestretchmarks,improvebloodcirculation,andincreasecollagenproduction.

TreatmentStretchMarksLocation:Placethecupsontheareawhereyouhavestretchmarks,whetheritisontheabdomen,breasts,hips,buttocks,orthighs.Therearenospecificpointsforstretchmarks.

Application:UseMovingCuppingontheareawherethestretchmarksarelocated.Uselighttomediumsuctionforareasthataresmaller,bonier,orhavelessmuscleandfat,andstrongersuctionforthosethatarelargerandhavemoremuscleandfat.Yourintentionisnottogetanybruisemarks,butrathertobreakdownthescartissuethatmakesupthestretchmark.Movethecupsinacircularmotionontopofthestretchmarksfor5minutesperarea.Thiscanbedoneeveryday,andresultscanbeimmediate,butlastingeffectsmaytaketwotothreeweeks,dependingontheseverityofthestretchmarks.

ANTI-AGING/WRINKLESThroughouthistory,people,bothmaleandfemale,havewantedtolookyounger.Mostanti-agingandbeautyproductsaremarketedtowardwomen,butthemaleanti-aging industry is growing rapidly. According to TCM, aging is a naturalprocess, one your lifestyle, diet, and health can affect. The main organresponsibleforgrowinganddevelopmentistheKidneys,soactivityorfoodthattaxestheKidneyswillaccelerateaging.

Thecausesofwrinklesallcomedownto thebody,specifically theskin,beingable to regenerate itself.Aswe age, the skin’s supporting structures, collagenandconnectivetissue,regeneratemoreslowly,sotheskinstartstoloseelasticityandsag,creatingwrinkles.

Cuppingcanbeusedtonotonlysmoothoutthewrinkles,butalsobringbloodflowandnutrientstotheskincells,helpingthemmakemorecollagen,whichcanreduce wrinkles over time. Cupping can also help the body’s overall healthimprove,whichcanhelptheskinlookmoreyouthfulandhealthy.

TreatmentAnti-AgingandWrinklesLocation:Placethecupsontheareasofthefaceorbodywhereyouhavewrinkles.Therearenospecificpointsforwrinkles.Application:UseMovingCuppingontheareawherethewrinklesarelocated.Generally,specialfacialcupsareused,whicharesmallsiliconecups.Uselightsuctionforareasoftheface.Useslightlystrongersuctionforotherareasofthebody.Yourintentionisnottogetanybruisemarks,butrathertobringnutrientstotheareaandtohelpcollagenbuildup.Movethecupsinacircularmotionontopofthewrinklesfor5minutesperarea.Thiscanbedoneeveryday,andresultscanbeimmediate,butlastingeffectsmaytaketwotothreeweeks,dependingonyourageandhowdeepyourwrinklesare.

ABDOMINALBLOATINGBloatingreferstoasenseoffullness,whichcancausemildtoseverediscomfort.It tends tohappen in theupperabdomen(epigastrium)whereyourstomach is,thelowerabdomen(hypogastrium),ortheentireabdomen.Acuteepisodestendtohappen ifyoueat toomuch,particularlyofacertain typeof foodora foodyouhaveintoleranceto.Chronicorseverebloatingisoftenuncomfortableandannoying, causing poor appetite or nausea, at which time it is best to seek

professionalhelp.

Abdominal bloating can be due to a weak digestive system, overeating, foodintolerances or allergies, gastritis (the inflammation of the lining of thestomach),andconstipation(seepage74formoreinformation).

CV12ZhongWan—CentralStomachLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,halfwaybetweenthesternumandumbilicus.Whentouse:Goodformosttypesofbloatingaroundthestomacharea,asithelpstoimprovedigestionandmovefoodalongthedigestivetract.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginaclockwisedirectiontohelpmovegas,food,andwastealongthedigestivetract.

CV6QiHai—SeaofQiLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,aroundathumb’slength(or1.5inches)belowtheumbilicus.Whentouse:Forbloatingaroundthelowerabdomen.Helpsmovethingsinthelowerabdomenandimprovethebodyasawhole.

Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginaclockwisedirectiontohelpmovegas,food,andwastealongthedigestivetract.

ST25TianShu—CelestialPivotLocation:Aroundthreefingers’breadth(orapproximately2inches)oneithersideoftheumbilicus.Whentouse:Foranytypeofbloating,orbloatingoftheabdomenasawhole.Especiallyeffectiveifconstipationiscausingthebloatingasithelpstopromotebowelmovement.Application:ApplyWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginaclockwisedirectiontohelpmovegas,food,andwastealongthedigestivetract.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Foranytypeofbloating,andtostrengthenthedigestivesystem.Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginadownwarddirectiontohelpmovethedigestivetract.

BL25DaChangShu—LargeIntestineShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthefourthlumbarvertebra(L4).Whentouse:Forbloatingduetoconstipation.Helpstopromotebowelmovement.Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginadownwarddirectiontohelpmovethedigestivetract.

CONSTIPATIONEveryone has suffered from constipation (the inability to pass stools formorethan two days) at one point or another, but for some, it is chronic, oftenoccurring for years or even decades. Acute cases, such as from dehydration,fever,oreatingacertainfood,areusuallyresolvedafterafewdays.However,chroniccasesaredifficultandstubborntofix.

Adiethighinproteinandfatandlowinfiberisoftenthecauseofconstipation.Fiber helps to clean out the intestines and add bulk to stools, while fats andproteins slow down the transit time of waste through the intestines, so morewaterisabsorbed,causingthestoolstobedryanddifficulttopushout.InTCM,foods that are high in fats and proteins are said to be verywarm or hot. Hotfoods tend to dry out the body, which is why eating spicy foodmay lead to

constipation. Not drinking enough water or taking large quantities of diureticsubstances,suchascoffeeorsoda,canpromoteexcessiveurination,whichcanalsodryyourbodyandintestinesout,leadingtoconstipation.

Lackofexercisealsocontributestoconstipation.Exercise,especiallyaerobicorcardioexercise,causesustobreathealotfaster.Theup-and-downmovementofthediaphragmwhenwebreathe actuallyhelpsmove thebowels. InTCM, theLungs and the Large Intestines are paired organs. The Lungs help the LargeIntestinefunctionbypushingQidownward.PushingthestoolsoutofthebodyneedsadownwardmovementofQi.So,ifyouhaveweakLungs,youmayhaveconstipationasaresult.

Sometimes, stressful situations such as traveling lead people to experienceconstipation.InTCM,thisisbecausestressnegativelyaffects theLiver,whichmovesQithroughoutyourbodyandhelpstheSpleenindigestion.Whenyouarestressed,theLivercannotmoveQiproperly,causingyourbowelstomovemoreslowly.Otheremotions,suchasgrieforsadness,canaffecttheLungsinTCM.Again, when the Lungs are negatively affected, they cannot help the LargeIntestinespushQidownward.

CV12ZhongWan—CentralStomachLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,halfwaybetweenthesternumandumbilicus.Whentouse:Asageneralpointtoimprovethedigestivesystem.Canhelpmovethedigestivetract,especiallyofthestomachandthetransversecolon.Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginaclockwisedirectiontohelpwastealongthedigestivetractandpromotebowelmovement.

CV6QiHai—SeaofQiLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,aroundathumb’slength(or1.5inches)belowtheumbilicus.Whentouse:Tomovethingsinthelowerabdomenandpromotebowelmovement.

Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginaclockwisedirectiontohelpmovethedigestivetractandpromotebowelmovement.

ST25TianShu—CelestialPivotLocation:Aroundthreefingers’breadth(orapproximately2inches)oneithersideoftheumbilicus.Whentouse:Foranylargeintestineproblem,toregulatethebowelsandpromotebowelmovement.Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginaclockwisedirectiontohelpmovethedigestivetractandpromotebowelmovement.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofspinousprocessoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Foranytypeofconstipation,especiallyifthereisnourgetohaveabowelmovement.Strengthensthedigestivesystem,especiallyforslowperistalsisorslowdigestivesystem.Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMoving

Cuppinginadownwarddirectiontohelpmovethedigestivetract.

BL25DaChangShu—LargeIntestineShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthefourthlumbarvertebra(L4).Whentouse:Foranytypeoflargeintestineproblem,thishelpspromotebowelmovement.Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginadownwarddirectiontohelpmovethedigestivetract.

ST36ZuSanLi—LegThreeMilesLocation:Fourfingers’width(orapproximately3inches)belowthelateral-inferiorcornerofthepatella,andonethumb’swidth(about1inch)lateraltothetibia(shinbone).Whentouse:Tohelpimprovethedigestivesystemasawhole.Canhelpmovethedigestivesystemandpromotebowelmovement.Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingdownthelegtohelpmovethedigestivetract.

ST37ShangJuXu—UpperGreatVoidLocation:Fourfingers’width(orapproximately3inches)belowST36,andaboutonethumb’swidth(or1inch)lateraltothetibia(shinbone).Whentouse:Foranylargeintestineproblem.Canhelpmovethedigestivesystemandpromotebowelmovement.Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingdownthelegtohelpmovethedigestivetract.

DIARRHEAMost diarrhea is short-lived, only occurring when someone is sick, eatssomething that disagreeswith their digestive system, or eats something that isunclean. However, some people may suffer from diarrhea for many weeks,months, or even years. Diarrheamay be inconvenient or embarrassing, but indevelopingcountries,itisverydangerous.Causesincludethestomachflu,foodpoisoning, food intolerance (suchas todairy), irritablebowel syndrome (IBS),ulcerativecolitis(UC),andCrohn’sdisease.

InTCM,thecausesareoftenassociatedwithaweakSpleen,theLiver,excessiveDampnessattackingtheSpleen,oreatingtoomuchHeatingfood.

CV12ZhongWan—CentralStomach

Location:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,halfwaybetweenthesternumandumbilicus.Whentouse:Asageneralpointtoimprovethedigestivesystem.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginacounterclockwisedirectiontoslowdownbowelmovementandstopdiarrhea.

CV6QiHai—SeaofQiLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,aroundonethumb’slength(or1.5inches)belowtheumbilicus.Whentouse:Tostrengthenthebodyasawhole.Especiallyusefulifdiarrheaisduetoaweakdigestivesystem.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginacounterclockwisedirectiontohelpslowdownthedigestivetractandstopdiarrhea.

ST25TianShu—CelestialPivotLocation:Aroundthreefingers’breadth(orapproximately2inches)oneithersideoftheumbilicus.Whentouse:Foranylargeintestineproblem,helpingtoregulatethebowels,andstopdiarrhea.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginacounterclockwisedirectiontohelpslowdownthedigestivetractandstopdiarrhea.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Foranytypeofdiarrhea,especiallychronicloosestools.Strengthensthedigestivesystem.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginanupwarddirectiontohelpstopdiarrhea.

BL25DaChangShu—LargeIntestineShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthefourthlumbarvertebra(L4).Whentouse:Foranytypeoflargeintestineproblem.Helpstostopdiarrhea.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginanupwarddirectiontohelpstopdiarrhea.

ST36ZuSanLi—LegThreeMilesLocation:Fourfingers’width(orapproximately3inches)belowthelateral-inferiorcornerofthepatella,andaboutonethumb’swidth(or1inch)lateraltothetibia(shinbone).Whentouse:Tohelpimprovethedigestivesystemasawhole.Canhelptostopdiarrhea.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingupthelegtohelpstopdiarrhea.

ST37ShangJuXu—UpperGreatVoidLocation:Fourfingers’widthbelowST36,andathumb’swidth(about1inch)lateraltothetibia(shinbone).Whentouse:Foranylargeintestineproblem.Canhelpstopdiarrhea.

Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingupthelegtohelpstopdiarrhea.

POORAPPETITEPoor appetite or loss of appetite is called anorexia (this is not to be confusedwiththeeatingdisorder,anorexianervosa).Mostcausesarerelativelyharmless,but somemaybe quite serious. Someof themain culprits are acute infection,pain, stress/emotions, chronic disease, poor/weak digestive system, metabolicdisease,orsideeffectsofmedications.

AccordingtoTCM,poorappetitecausedbyacuteinfectionisduetotheWindpathogeninvading,andcuppingcanhelpsucktheWindpathogenout.Forpoorappetiteduetopain,thecauseisstagnationofQiandBlood,andcuppingisverygoodatmoving theQi andBlood, releasing theblockages, and stoppingpain.Stress and emotions reduce the Liver’s ability to send Qi and Blood to theStomachandSpleen,makingyouloseyourappetite;cuppingcanhelptomovetheQiandBloodinthebody,soothetheLiver,andcalmthemind.Peoplewithchronicdiseaseor illnessoftenhavepoorappetite;cuppingcanhelpboost thebody’senergyandstrengthenthedigestivesystem.Cuppingcanhelpstrengthenaweakdigestivesystemaswellasmovethedigestivesystemfaster,improvingtheappetite.

CV12ZhongWan—CentralStomachLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,halfwaybetweenthesternumandumbilicus.Whentouse:Asageneralpointtoimprovethedigestivesystemandappetite.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginaclockwisedirectiontohelppromotedigestion.

CV6QiHai—SeaofQiLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,aroundonethumb’slength(or1.5inches)belowtheumbilicus.Whentouse:Tostrengthenthebodyasawhole.Especiallyusefulifhaveyouaweakdigestivesystem.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginaclockwisedirectiontohelppromotedigestion.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Asageneralpointtostrengthenthedigestivesystem,helpingtoincreaseappetite.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.

ST36ZuSanLi—LegThreeMilesLocation:Fourfingers’width(orapproximately3inches)belowtheinferior-lateralcornerofthepatella,andaboutonethumb’swidth(or1inch)lateraltothetibia(shinbone).Whentouse:Tohelpimprovethedigestivesystemasawhole,increasingappetite.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.

IRREGULARMENSTRUATIONIrregular menstruation may indicate an imbalance in the body, such as adisharmonyofestrogenandprogesterone.Thiscanbecausedbygoingoffbirthcontrol (which is made of estrogen and progesterone), polycystic ovariansyndrome(PCOS),thyroidproblems,anduterinefibroids(polyps).Cuppingcanhelpregulatethebodilyimbalances,whichcanleadtoregularmenstruation.

According toTCM, irregularmenstruationmaybedue toworkingexcessivelyandnotgettingenough rest,whichcancause thebody tobecomedrainedandweakened over time.When the Spleenweakens, it cannot control the flow ofblood, causing it to escape early. Cupping can help strengthen the body andSpleen.

An irregular diet—such as not eating enough or eating meals that are notnutritious—can also damage and weaken the Spleen, causing early periods.

Consumingtoomuchfoodthatishotinnature,likespicyfoods,cancauseHeatto build up in the body. Heat makes blood flow faster and more recklessly,whichmakesitbreakoutofthebloodvesselseasily,causingearlyperiods.Coldfoods,suchasraworrefrigeratedfoodsordrinks,cancauseColdtobuildupinthe body, slowing down movement and delaying periods. Cupping can helpstrengthen the Spleen, aswell as suck out the pathogenicHeat orCold in thebody.

Emotionalstress,anger,or frustrationcancause theLiver towork improperly.TheLiverissaidtomoveQithroughoutthebody,andtheQimovementdrivestheflowofblood.LiverBloodissaidtobethesourceofmenstrualblood.IftheLiver isstressedout,QiandBlooddonotflow,causingdelayedmenstruation.CuppingisverygoodatmovingQiandBlood,helpingregulatemenstruation.

Chronic illness can also cause the body to becomeweakened. This especiallyaffects theKidneys,whichare said tobe in chargeofmenstruation.So, if theKidneys are weakened, menstruation becomes irregular. Cupping can helpnourishandstrengthentheKidneys,helpingthemtoregulatemenstruation.

CV4GuanYuan—OriginPassLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthelowerabdomen,threefingers’breadth(orapproximately2inches)abovethepubicbone.Whentouse:Foralltypesofirregularmenstruation.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingdownwardtowardpubisifmenstruationislate,andupwardtowardumbilicusaweekbeforemenstruationifmenstruationusuallycomes

early.

ZiGongChildPalaceLocation:Fourfingers’breadth(orapproximately3inches)lateraltoandonethumb’swidth(or1inch)belowCV4.Whentouse:Foralltypesofirregularmenstruation.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingdownwardtowardpubisifmenstruationislate,andupwardtowardumbilicusaweekbeforemenstruationifmenstruationusuallycomesearly.

SP10XueHai—SeaofBloodLocation:Threefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)medialandsuperiortothesuperior-medialcornerofthepatella.

Whentouse:ToregulatetheBlood,andforalltypesofirregularmenstruation,butbetterforlateperiodswithpainfulmenstruation.Application:ApplyMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.

SP6SanYinJiao—ThreeYinIntersectionLocation:Fourfingers’breadth(orapproximately3inches)abovethetipofthemedialmalleolus,posteriortothemedialborderofthetibia.Whentouse:Foralltypesofirregularmenstruation,butbetterforlateperiods.Application:UseWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingupwardtowardthekneeifmenstruationislate.

BL18GanShu—LiverShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheninththoracicvertebra(T9).Whentouse:Foralltypesofirregularmenstruation,butbetterforlateperiodswithpainfulmenstruation.Application:UseWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingdownthebackifmenstruationislate,andupthebackoneweekbeforemenstruationifmenstruationtendstobeearly.

BL23ShenShu—KidneyShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondlumbarvertebra(L2).Whentouse:Foralltypesofirregularmenstruation.Application:UseWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingdownthebackifmenstruationislate,andupthebackoneweekbeforemenstruationifmenstruationtendstobeearly.

PAINFULMENSTRUATIONPainful menstruation, or dysmenorrhea, tends to manifest when the period isabout tostart.Themainsymptomis lowerabdominalpainorcramping;you’llalsoseepaininthehips, innerthighs,or lowerback,andmaybealsodiarrhea,nausea,headache,breasttenderness,appetitechanges,andmoodchanges.Manywomenwhohavedysmenorrheafindtheydonothaveanyunderlyingproblems.However,commoncausesmayincludeuterinefibroids,endometriosis,orpelvicinflammatorydisease.Treatmentfordysmenorrheaislimited.

AccordingtoTCM,stressandotheremotionssuchasanger,worry,frustration,andanxietystronglycontributetopainfulmenstruation.Theseemotionstendtoimpact theLiver, the sourceofmenstrual blood,which sends theblood to the

uterus to prepare it for ovulation. A stressed Liver is a stagnant liver, withproblemssendingQiandBloodtotheuterus,causingpain.Cuppingcanbeusedtobreakupthestagnationandrelievethepain.

AnotherTCMcausemaybe coldweather or feeling cold.TheCold pathogencanenterawomen’sbodythroughanopening,liketheskinpores,butalsothevaginal opening.Cold causes thebloodvessels to constrict and restricts bloodmovement,whichcancausepain.CuppingcanhelpdrawouttheColdpathogen,movetheBlood,andstopthepain.

OverworkingorhavingchronicillnessbothdrainthebodyofQiandBlood.Qiis needed tomoveBlood, so if you don’t have enoughQi tomove theBloodproperly, theBloodcanget stuck,which causespain.Cuppingcanbeused tomovetheBloodandrelievethepain.

Excessive sexual activity can also cause painful menstruation. Sexual activityusesuptheQioftheKidneys,whichareinchargeofreproduction.TheKidneysare also in charge ofmenstruation. If they are weakened by excessive sexualactivity,thentheycannotcontrolmenstruation,causingpain.Cuppingcanhelpregulatethemenstruation,moveQiandBlood,andrelievethepain.

CV4GuanYuan—OriginPassLocation:Thelowerabdomen,ontheanteriormidline,threefingers’breadth(orapproximately2inches)abovethepubicbone.Whentouse:Foralltypesofpainfulmenstruation.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingdownwardtowardthepubisfor3to5minutes.Useeverydayforfivedaysbeforethestartofmenstruation,andtwodaysintomenstruation.

ZiGongChildPalaceLocation:Fourfingers’breadth(orapproximately3inches)lateraltoandonethumb’swidth(or1inch)belowCV4.Whentouse:Foralltypesofpainfulmenstruation.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingdownwardtowardthepubisfor3to5minutes.Useeverydayforfivedaysbeforethestartofmenstruation,andtwodaysintomenstruation.

SP10XueHai—SeaofBlood

Location:Aboutthreefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)abovethesuperior-medialcornerofthepatella.Whentouse:Foralltypesofpainfulmenstruation.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinguptheinnerthighfor3to5minutes.Useeverydayforfivedaysbeforethestartofmenstruation,andtwodaysintomenstruation.

SP6SanYinJiao—ThreeYinIntersectionLocation:Fourfingers’breadth(orapproximately3inches)abovethetipofthemedialmalleolus,posteriortothemedialborderofthetibia.Whentouse:Foralltypesofpainfulmenstruation.Application:UseWeak,Medium,orStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingupthecalffor3to5minutes.Useeverydayforfivedaysbeforethestartofmenstruation,andtwodaysintomenstruation.

BL18GanShu—LiverShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheninththoracicvertebra(T9).Whentouse:Foralltypesofpainfulmenstruation.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingdownthebackfor3to5minutes.Useeverydayforfivedaysbeforethestartofmenstruation,andtwodaysintomenstruation.

BL23ShenShu—KidneyShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondlumbarvertebra(L2).Whentouse:Foralltypesofpainfulmenstruation.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppingdownthebackfor3to5minutes.Useeverydayforfivedaysbeforethestartofmenstruation,andtwodaysintomenstruation.

INFERTILITYAsweage,thelikelihoodforinfertilityrises.Around50percentofinfertilityisdue to the female partner, and 50 percent to themale partner, butwomen aremorelikelytogettestedandseektreatmentthanmalesare.Thisbookwilldealonlywithfemaleinfertility.

There are many causes of female infertility, one of them being hormoneimbalance,whichcancauseawholehostofproblems.Hormoneimbalancecancauseovulationdisorders,irregularmenstruation,endometriosis,andinfertility.

AccordingtoTCM,infertilitycanbeduetoapoorconstitution,chronicillness,overworking, diet, and stress, which can reduce the Qi and Blood needed tosustain the embryo. Cupping can help restore your body by removing anypathogens youmay have, soothe theLiver to helpmoveQi andBlood to theuterus,andstrengthentheinternalorgans.

Diet also plays a big role in the body. Food is the source fromwhichQi andBloodarederived.Ifyoudonoteatenoughoreata lotof junkfoodwith lownutritional value, your body will not be able to make enough Qi and Blood.Eating toomuch junk foodcanalsocauseabuildupof toxins in thebodyandharmtheinternalorgans.Cuppingcanhelpyourbody’sdigestivesystemworkbetterandremovesomeofthetoxinsfromthebody.

Infertilityisaverycomplexdisorderwithmanydifferentcauses.Itisimportanttogetanaccuratediagnosis fromyour fertility specialist as towhat iscausingtheinfertility,sothataproperstrategycanbeemployed.Somecausesarealothardertofixthanothersare.Inmanycases,cuppingmaynotbeabletocuretheinfertility,butitcanhelpthebodyworktowardbeinghealthierandthushaveabetterchanceforpregnancy.Itisalsoagoodtoolasanadjuvanttreatmentwithotherfertilitytreatments.OtherTCMtreatmentssuchasacupunctureandherbalmedicinewillmostlikelygetbetterresultsthancupping.

CV4GuanYuan—OriginPassLocation:Thelowerabdomenontheanteriormidline,threefingers’breadth(orapproximately2inches)abovethepubicbone.Whentouse:Foralltypesofinfertility.Application:UseWeak,Medium,toStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Useweakersuctiononsomeoneofweakerconstitution.Usestrongersuctionforpainfulmenstruation.

ZiGongChildPalaceLocation:Fourfingers’breadth(orapproximately3inches)lateraltoandonethumb’swidth(orapproximately1inch)belowCV4.Whentouse:Foralltypesofinfertility.Application:UseWeak,Medium,toStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Useweakersuctionforsomeoneofaweakerconstitution.Usestrongersuctionforpainfulmenstruation.

SP10XueHai—SeaofBloodLocation:Aboutthreefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)abovethesuperior-medialcornerofthepatella.Whentouse:Foralltypesofinfertility.Application:UseWeak,Medium,toStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Useweakersuctionforsomeoneofaweakerconstitution.Usestrongersuctionfor

painfulmenstruation.

SP6SanYinJiao—ThreeYinIntersectionLocation:Fourfingers’breadth(orapproximately3inches)abovethetipofthemedialmalleolus,posteriortothemedialborderofthetibia.Whentouse:Foralltypesofinfertility.Application:UseWeak,Medium,toStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Useweakersuctionforsomeoneofaweakerconstitution.Usestrongersuctionforpainfulmenstruation.

BL18GanShu—LiverShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheninththoracicvertebra(T9).Whentouse:Foralltypesofinfertility.Application:UseWeak,Medium,toStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Useweakersuctionforsomeoneofaweakerconstitution.Usestrongersuctionforpainfulmenstruation.

BL23ShenShu—KidneyShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondlumbarvertebra(L2).Whentouse:Foralltypesofinfertility.Application:UseWeak,Medium,toStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes.Useweakersuctionforsomeoneofaweakerconstitution.Usestrongersuctionforpainfulmenstruation.

MENOPAUSALSYNDROMEManywomensufferfromperimenopausalormenopausalsymptoms(suchashotflashes, night sweating, insomnia, and mood swings) months or even yearsbefore,during,andaftermenopause.Cuppingcanhelp to regulate thebody tohelpwiththesymptomsofmenopause.

AccordingtoTCM,theKidneyEssenceisthebasisoflife.Essenceisinheritedfromyourparentswhenyouareconceived.Itstartstodeclinetheminuteyouareborn.Essencecannotbereplenished;itcanonlydiminish.EssenceisusedbytheKidneys tomake twootherkindsofKidneyenergies:KidneyYinandKidneyYang.AccordingtoYinYangtheory,womenaremoreYininnature,andmen

aremoreYang.Therefore,womenrequiremoreYin,butatthesametime,theyuse up more of it throughout their lives. By the time they reach menopause,they’vespenta lotof theirYinenergy,causing themtobecomeYindeficient.This explains a majority of menopausal symptoms. Yin deficiency symptomsincludehotflashes,nightsweating,insomnia,dryness,irritability,andfatigue,tolist a few. Cupping can be used to help strengthen the Kidneys, and to clearsomeHeattorelievehotflashesandnightsweating.

CV4GuanYuan—OriginPassLocation:Thelowerabdomen,ontheanteriormidline,threefingers’breadth(orapproximately2inches)abovethepubicbone.Whentouse:Forallsymptomsofmenopause,nourishestheKidneysandtheYin.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek.

SP6SanYinJiao—ThreeYinIntersectionLocation:Fourfingers’breadth(orapproximately3inches)abovethetipofthemedialmalleolus,posteriortothemedialborderofthetibia.Whentouse:Forallsymptomsofmenopause,nourishestheKidneysandtheYin.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek.

GV14DaZhui—GreatHammer

Location:Belowthespinousprocessoftheseventhcervicalvertebra(C7),approximatelylevelwiththeacromion(shoulders).Whentouse:Fornightsweatsandhotflashes.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddownthenecktoclearHeattotreathotflashesandnightsweats.UseBleedingCuppingonceaweekifhotflashesandnightsweatsaresevere.

BL15XinShu—HeartShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthefifththoracicvertebra(T5).Whentouse:Forinsomnia,irritability,shorttemper,restlessness,hotflashes,nightsweats.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10–to15minutes,twiceaweek.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackforhotflashes,nightsweats,irritability,restlessness,andshorttemper.

BL18GanShu—LiverShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheninththoracicvertebra(T9).

Whentouse:Fordepression,irritability,shorttemper,restlessness.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackforirritability,restlessness,andshorttemper.

BL23ShenShu—KidneyShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondlumbarvertebra(L2).Whentouse:ForallsymptomsofmenopauseandnourishingtheKidneys.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek.

COMMONCOLDGenerallyharmlessandself-limiting,acommoncoldwilltypicallyresolveonitsown. However, if left untreated, it can cause secondary infections like earinfections,strepthroat,pneumonia,orbronchiolitis.

According to TCM, common colds are due to pathogenicWind attacking thesuperficiallayersofyourbody,aswellasaweakorunpreparedimmunesystem.Wind can also bring other pathogens with it, like Cold, Heat, Dampness, orDryness. These pathogens determine what types of symptoms you mayexperiencewithyourcold.Coldpathogencausesstrongchills,arunnynose,andstrong body aches. Heat pathogen causes a sore throat, a hacking cough, andfever.Dampnesspathogen causesbody aches, congestion, and lots of phlegm.Drynesspathogencausesadrysorethroatanddrycough.

If your immune system is even temporarily down, like when you don’t getenough sleep, don’t dresswarmly, or are in coldweather,Wind can penetrateyourimmunesystem,bringingtheotherpathogenswithit.Thebestwaytogetrid of the Wind in TCM is to open the pores and kick the Wind back out.Cuppingisanexcellentwaytodothis.

TreatmentCommonCold

Location:Entirechest(avoidthenipples).Whentouse:Foranytypeofcommoncold,especiallyifthereiscough,chestcongestion,nasalcongestion,wheezing,orshortnessofbreath.Application:UseMovingCuppingwithweaktomediumsuctionacrossthechesttoclearoutthepathogenfromthelungs.Startfromthemiddleandmoveoutward,andfromtoptobottom,avoidinggoingoverthenipples.

GV14DaZhui—GreatHammerLocation:Belowthespinousprocessoftheseventhcervicalvertebra(C7),approximatelylevelwiththeacromion(shoulders).Whentouse:Foranytypeofcommoncold,butespeciallygoodforsorethroatandfever.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,onceaday,untilcoldisgone.ApplyMovingCuppingupanddownthenecktoclearHeatforfeverandsorethroat.UseBleedingCuppingifthereishighfever.

BL12FengMen—WindGateLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondthoracicvertebra(T2).Whentouse:Foranytypeofcommoncold.Application:UseMovingCuppingwithmediumtostrongsuctionupanddownthebackfor10to15minutes,onceaday,untilcoldisgone.

BL13FeiShu—LungShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthethirdthoracicvertebra(T3).Whentouse:Usedforanytypeofcommoncold.Application:UseMovingCuppingwithmediumtostrongsuctionupanddownthebackfor10to15minutes,onceaday,untilcoldisgone.

ST36ZuSanLi—LegThreeMilesLocation:Fourfingers’widthbelowtheinferior-lateralcornerofthepatella,andonethumb’swidth(orabout1inch)lateraltothetibia(shinbone).Whentouse:Foracoldthatdragsonforalongtime,orfrequentsickness.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,onceaday,untilcoldisgone.

STOMACHFLUInmedicine, there is no treatment for the stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis.Thebesttreatmentisgettingenoughrestandstayinghydrated.Thestomachfluisself-limitingandgenerallypassesafterafewdays.Preventitbyavoidingfoodorwater that is suspect to contamination,washing your hands frequently, andavoidingpeoplewhohaveit.Ifyoudogetit, it isbettertoavoidcertainfoodsuntilyoufeelbetter,thenslowlyreintroducethem.

In TCM, the stomach flu is due to an external pathogen, usually Dampness,combined with either Cold or Heat. The Dampness gets into the body byhitching a ride with the Wind pathogen. The Dampness likes to attack theSpleen.TheSpleendoesn’tliketobedamp,asitistheSpleen’sjobtogetridofpathogenicwaterorliquidwastesfromthebody.TheSpleenisalsoinchargeofthedigestivesystem,andwhenitgetsattackedbyDampness, itcannotcontrolthe bowels properly nor get rid of pathogenic water. The stools become verywatery,leadingtodiarrhea.WhenDampnessinvadestheStomach,youwillfeelveryfullandbloated,asifyoujustdrankalotofwater.DampnessalsopreventstheStomachfromsendingfooddowntotheSmallIntestines.Thefoodhastogosomewhere,but since itcannotgodown, itwillgobackup, leading tonauseaandvomiting.BodyachesandfeverareduetotheWindpathogenattackingthebody.CuppingcanhelpsuckoutthepathogenicWindandDampnessfromthebody.Itcanalsohelp toharmonize theSpleen,Stomach,andSmall Intestines,helpingyourecoverquicker.

CV12ZhongWan—CentralStomachLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,halfwaybetweenthesternumandumbilicus.Whentouse:Foranytypestomachflu,especiallyifthereisnauseaorvomiting.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.ApplyMovingCuppinginacounterclockwisedirectiontoslowdownbowelmovementandstopdiarrhea,ordownwardtostopnauseaandvomiting.DosomeFlashCuppingtoclearthepathogen.

CV6QiHai—SeaofQiLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,onethumb’slength(oraround1.5inches)belowtheumbilicus.Whentouse:Tostrengthenthebody,especiallyifthereisdiarrhea.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,applyingMovingCuppinginacounterclockwisedirectiontoslowdownbowelmovementandstopdiarrhea.

ST25TianShu—CelestialPivotLocation:Aroundthreefingers’breadth(orapproximately2inches)oneithersideoftheumbilicus.Whentouse:Tostopdiarrhea.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,applyingMovingCuppinginacounterclockwisedirectiontoslowdownbowelmovementandstopdiarrhea.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Toclearpathogenfromthedigestivesystem,andtostopvomiting

anddiarrhea.Application:DoWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,applyingMovingCuppingupthebacktoslowdownbowelmovementandstopdiarrhea,anddownthebacktostopnauseaandvomiting.DosomeFlashCuppingtoclearthepathogen.

BL25DaChangShu—LargeIntestineShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthefourthlumbarvertebra(L4).Whentouse:Foranytypeoflargeintestineproblem.Helpstostopdiarrhea.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,applyingMovingCuppingupthebacktoslowdownbowelmovementandstopdiarrhea.DosomeFlashCuppingtoclearthepathogen.

ST36ZuSanLi—LegThreeMilesLocation:Fourfingers’width(orapproximately3inches)belowtheinferior-lateralcornerofthepatella,about1inchlateraltothetibia(shinbone).Whentouse:Tohelpimprovethedigestivesystemasawhole,andtohelpstopdiarrheaandvomiting.Application:UseFlashCuppingwithmediumsuctionfor10to15minutestogetridofthepathogen.

ALLERGIESThere aremany types of allergies, but themost common are allergies to dust,pets,medication,food,andairpollution,aswellasseasonalallergies.Thosethatare caused from inhaling substances, such as seasonal allergies, usually havesimilar respiratory symptoms, such as runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing,wheezing,shortnessofbreath,cough,headache,feverishsensation,fatigue,andrashes. Allergies that involve ingestion, such as food allergies, mostly havedigestive symptoms, such as swellingof the lips, tongue, or throat; abdominalpain;nausea,vomiting,ordiarrhea;fatigue;orskinrash.

AccordingtoTCM,allergiesareduetoaweakenedimmunesystem,whichwe

call Wei Qi, or Defensive Qi. Defensive Qi is made by and distributedthroughout the body by the Lungs. If the Lungs are weak, they cannot makeenough Wei Qi to protect against pathogens, which then mainly attack theLungs.Cupping isagoodway tosuck thepathogenoutof thebody, reducingtheallergicresponse.TheLungsalsocontroltheskin,sosomepeoplemaygetskinrashesorhives.FoodallergiesareusuallyduetoadeficiencyoftheSpleen,whichcontrolsthedigestivesystem.CuppingcanhelpstrengthentheLungsandtheSpleen,whichcanhelppreventallergicreactions.

TreatmentAllergiesLocation:Entirechest(avoidthenipples).Whentouse:Forseasonalallergies,especiallyifthereiscough,chestcongestion,nasalcongestion,wheezing,orshortnessofbreath.Application:UseMovingCuppingwithlowtomediumsuctionacrossthechestfor1to2minuteseveryotherdaytoclearallergensfromtheLungs.Startfromthemiddleandmoveoutwardandfromtoptobottom,avoidinggoingoverthenipples.

GV14DaZhui—GreatHammer

Location:Belowthespinousprocessoftheseventhcervicalvertebra(C7),approximatelylevelwiththeacromion(shoulders).Whentouse:Foralltypesofallergies,especiallyseasonalallergies.Application:Toclearinflammation,useMovingCuppingwithmediumtostrongsuctionupanddowntheneckfor10to15minutes,everyotherday,duringallergyseason.UseFlashCuppingfor1minutetoclearpathogens.

BL12FengMen—WindGateLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondthoracicvertebra(T2).Whentouse:Formostallergies,especiallyseasonalallergiesandskinreactions.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,everyotherday,duringallergyseason.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovepathogensandrelieveallergysymptoms.

BL13FeiShu—LungShu

Location:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthethirdthoracicvertebra(T3).Whentouse:Formostallergies,especiallyseasonalallergiesandskinreactions.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minuteseveryotherdayduringallergyseason.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovepathogensandrelieveallergysymptoms.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Formildfoodallergiesandfoodintolerances.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutesimmediatelyafterexperiencingsymptoms.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovepathogenandrelieveallergysymptoms.DoFlashCuppingfor1minutetoremovepathogen.

ST36ZuSanLi—LegThreeMilesLocation:Fourfingers’width(orapproximately3inches)belowtheinferior-lateralcornerofthepatella,andonethumb’swidth(orabout1inch)lateraltothetibia(shinbone).Whentouse:Forstrengtheningtheimmunesystemasawhole.Usedmainlyforpreventionduringallergyseason.Alsogoodforfoodallergiesasitcanstrengthendigestivesystem.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,twotothreetimesaweekpriortoorduringallergyseason.Canalsousewhenexperiencingfoodallergies.

BL40WeiZhong—BendMiddleLocation:Middleofthepoplitealcrease(creasebehindtheknees).Whentouse:Forallergiesthatcauseskinconditionssuchashives,eczema,oritchiness.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,immediatelyaftergettingsymptoms.UseFlashCuppingfor1minuteorBleedingCuppingifskinconditionisintenseoracute.

ASTHMAAsthmaisaninflammatorydiseasethatcausestheairwaysinthelungstoswelland produce extra mucus, narrowing the airways and causing difficultybreathing.

According toTCM,asthma isdue to theLungs’ inability toallowQiorair todescendintothebody.Instead,Qibacksup,whichcausescoughing,wheezing,andshortnessofbreath.TheLungsarealsoinchargeofdescendingwatertotheKidneys, but if Qi cannot descend, water cannot either. Therefore, wateraccumulatesintheLungs,causingmucustobuildup.

ThereareafewreasonswhytheLungscannotdescendtheirQi.Iftheasthmaisduetoallergies,thenexternalpathogenshaveenteredtheLungs,blockingQi’sdescent.Additionally,lungsweakenedbynotenoughexercise,cryingtoomuch,overexertion,illness,prematurebirth,oraninbornconditionbecometooweaktoworkandcannotdescendtheirownQi,causingasthma.Cuppingcanhelpsuckouttheexternalpathogens,strengthentheLungs,andhelptheLungdescendQi.

Iftheasthmaisdietrelated,thenitisduetoaweakSpleenunabletodigestthefood, leadingDampnessandPhlegmtobuildup.ThePhlegmmakes itway totheLungs,blockingtheLungQifromdescending.CuppingcanhelpstrengthentheSpleen,removesomeoftheDampnessandPhlegm,anddescendLungQi.

If the asthma is triggered by anxiety or stress, the Liver cannot move Qithroughout the whole body. Cupping can help relax the Liver, move Qi, anddescendtheLungQi.AsthmacanalsobeduetoweakKidneys,whicharesaidtohelptheLungsdescendtheQibygraspingtheQidownward.However,iftheKidneysareweakened, it cannotgrasp theLungQi,whichwill floatbackup,causingasthma.CuppingcanhelpstrengthentheKidneysandhelptheLungQidescend.

TreatmentAsthmaLocation:Sternum.Whentouse:Toclearasthmaofanytype;forcough,chestcongestion,wheezing,orshortnessofbreath.Application:UseMovingCuppingdownthesternumstartingjustunderthe

throatandendingatthestomachfor1to2minuteseveryotherday.

GV14DaZhui—GreatHammerLocation:Belowthespinousprocessoftheseventhcervicalvertebra(C7),approximatelylevelwiththeacromion(shoulders).Whentouse:Foralltypesofasthma.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minuteseveryotherdayduringasthmaepisodes.UseMovingCuppingdownthemiddleofthebacktostopasthma,andFlashCuppingifasthmaisduetoallergies.

BL12FengMen—WindGateLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondthoracicvertebra(T2).Whentouse:Foralltypesofasthma,especiallyasthmaduetoallergies.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minuteseveryotherdayduringanasthmaepisode.UseMovingCuppingdownthebackfor1minutetostopasthmaandremovepathogensorallergens.

BL13FeiShu—LungShu

Location:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthethirdthoracicvertebra(T3).Whentouse:Foralltypesofasthma,especiallyasthmaduetoallergies.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minuteseveryotherdayduringanasthmaepisode.UseMovingCuppingdownthebackfor1minutetostopasthmaandremovepathogensorallergens.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Fordiet-relatedasthma.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutesimmediatelyaftersymptomsstart.UseMovingCuppingdownthebackfor1eminutetostopasthmaandremovepathogensorallergens.

BL23ShenShu—KidneyShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondlumbarvertebra(L2).Whentouse:Forchronicasthma.Application:UseWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek,

togetherwithBL13.

ACNEAccordingtoTCM,acneisduetoexcessHeatandDampnessinthebody.Heatmanifests as rashes, pimples, redness, and other skin inflammation. Toxins(chemicals in soaps, shampoos, ormakeup) can causeHeat to build up in theskin.Greasy,spicy,deep-fried,barbecued,orbakedfoods,aswellasdrinkssuchascoffee,alcohol,orsodasalsotendtocreateHeat.

In TCM, we split hormonal activities into Yin and Yang. Yang hormonestestosterone,cortisol,or thyroxin tendtomakeyoumoreactive,energetic,andhot. Yin hormones tend to make people more relaxed and less active, andpreservethebodymore.AnexcessofYanghormoneswillgenerateHeatinthebody.CuppingcanhelpbalancetheYinandYanginthebody.

BacteriathriveinDampness,whichhappenswhentheSpleencannottransformand transport body fluids. Dampness manifests as oily skin, swelling, cysts,pimples, pus, or fluid discharge. It can be due to excessive consumption ofgreasy,cold,orrawfoods,irregulareatinghabits,livinginadampenvironment,orworkingtoohard.CuppingcanhelpwithacnebyclearingHeatanddrainingDampnessfromthebody.

GV14DaZhui—GreatHammerLocation:Belowthespinousprocessoftheseventhcervicalvertebra(C7),approximatelylevelwiththeacromion(shoulders).Whentouse:Foralltypesofacne,especiallyifitisredorinflamed.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweekifchronic,andeveryotherdayforsporadicacne.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheneckfor1minutetoclearheatandinflammation,FlashCuppingfor1minutetoclearmoreHeat,andBleedingCuppingforextremecases.

BL12FengMen—WindGate

Location:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondthoracicvertebra(T2).Whentouse:Forallkindsofskinconditions,especiallythoseduetoweatherortheenvironment.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweekifchronic,andeveryotherdayforsporadicacne.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovethepathogenandrelievesymptoms.

BL13FeiShu—LungShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthethirdthoracicvertebra(T3).Whentouse:Forallkindsofskinconditions,especiallythoseduetoweatherortheenvironment.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweekifchronic,everyotherdayforsporadicacne.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovethepathogenandrelievesymptoms.

BL17GeShu—DiaphragmShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesevenththoracicvertebra(T7).

Whentouse:Foracnethatisred,inflamed,oritchy.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweekifchronic,andeveryotherdayforsporadicacne.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovethepathogenandrelievesymptoms.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Forwhiteheadsoracnethatisfoodrelatedorpusfilled.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweekifchronic,andeveryotherdayforsporadicacne.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovethepathogenandrelievesymptoms.

BL40WeiZhong—BendMiddleLocation:Middleofthepoplitealcrease(creasebehindtheknees).Whentouse:Forallskinconditions,especiallyifred,inflamed,oritchy.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutesimmediatelyaftergettingsymptoms.CanalsouseFlashCuppingfor1minuteorBleedingCuppingifskinconditionisintenseoracute.

SP10XueHai—SeaofBloodLocation:Aboutthreefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)abovethesuperior-medialcornerofthepatella.Whentouse:Forallskinconditions,especiallyifred,inflamed,oritchy.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutesimmediatelyaftergettingsymptoms.CanalsouseFlashCuppingfor1minuteifskinconditionisintenseoracute.

SP9YinLingQuan—YinMoundSpringLocation:Inthedepressionjustbelowandbehindthemedialcondyleofthetibia.Whentouse:Forwhiteheadsoracnethatisfoodrelatedorpusfilled.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutesimmediatelyaftergettingsymptoms.CanalsouseMovingCuppingupanddownthelegfor1minuteifskinconditionisintenseoracute.

ECZEMAANDPSORIASISEczemaandpsoriasisareoftenconfusedwitheachother.Theymaylooksimilaratfirstsight,andsomedoctorswhoarenotspecialistsindermatologymaynotbe able to tell the difference. Eczema is a chronic skin condition due to ahypersensitivity of the skin. It can be triggered by coming into contact withcertainsubstanceslikedyes,fabrics,orsoaps.Itcancausequiteintenseitching.Whenyouscratchit,itmaybleedandooze.Psoriasisisachronicandrecurrentskin disorder characterized by thickened skin that looks like slightly elevatedsilvery-whitescales.Theskinunderneaththescalesisusuallyinflamedandred,moresothanwitheczema.Thecauseofpsoriasisisunknown,butthereseemsto

beageneticpredisposition.Neithereczemanorpsoriasiscanbecured,buttheycanbetreatedsimilarlyusingointmentsandcreams.

AccordingtoTCM,botheczemaandpsoriasisaretreatedsimilarly,astheyarebothusuallycausedbypathogenicWind,Dampness,orHeatattackingtheskin.Wind likes to attack the outer regions of the body and can bring with it theDampness pathogen. When you scratch your skin and it oozes, this is theDampnessseepingout.WindcanalsobringtheHeatpathogen,makingtheskinred and inflamed. Dampness and Heat can also come from inside the body,mostlythroughfried,greasy,orspicyfoods;coffee;alcohol;anddairy.Ifthesetoxins cannot be eliminated, they get trapped in the body andmust comeout,sometimes from the skinaseczemaandpsoriasis.Cuppingcanhelp toextracttheWind,Dampness,andHeatfromthebody.

Eczema and psoriasis can also come from Blood deficiency. When Blood isdeficient, it cannot send nutrients to the skin, causing skin to becomemalnourished,dry,andcracked.BlooddeficiencycanalsocauseWindtomoreeasilyinvadetheemptybloodvessels,whichcausesitchiness.CuppingcanhelpcleartheWind,bringingfreshBloodandnutrientstothearea.

LocationPatchesofskinwitheczemaandpsoriasisWhentouse:Forgeneralcasesofeczemaandpsoriasis.Application:Disinfecttheareawiththeeczemaorpsoriasiswith70percentalcohol,usealancettoprickafewholesthere,anduseBleedingCuppingwithweaksuctionthatisonlystrongenoughtodrawbloodfromtheskin.Leavecuponforabout1minuteafterthebloodhasbeendrawnout.Disinfecttheareaagain,thenbandageit.Canbedoneonceaweekperarea.

GV14DaZhui—GreatHammerLocation:Belowthespinousprocessoftheseventhcervicalvertebra(C7),approximatelylevelwiththeacromion(shoulders).Whentouse:Foralltypesofeczemaorpsoriasis,especiallyifitisredorinflamed,orduetoallergies.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek

ifchronicoreveryotherdayifthelesionsarejuststartingtocomeout.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheneckfor1minutetoclearHeatandinflammation.UseFlashCuppingfor1minutetoclearmoreHeat.Forextremecases,useBleedingCupping.

BL12FengMen—WindGateLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondthoracicvertebra(T2).Whentouse:Forallkindsofskinconditions,especiallythoseduetoallergies,weather,ortheenvironment.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweekifchronic,oreveryotherdayifthelesionsarejuststartingtocomeout.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovethepathogenandrelievesymptoms.

BL13FeiShu—LungShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthethirdthoracicvertebra(T3).Whentouse:Forallkindsofskinconditions,especiallythoseduetoallergies,theweather,ortheenvironment.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweekifchronic,oreveryotherdayifthelesionsarejuststartingtocomeout.Use

MovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovethepathogenandrelievesymptoms.

BL17GeShu—DiaphragmShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesevenththoracicvertebra(T7).Whentouse:Foreczemaorpsoriasisthatisred,inflamed,oritchy.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweekifchronic,oreveryotherdayifthelesionsarejuststartingtocomeout.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovethepathogenandrelievesymptoms.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Foreczemaorpsoriasisthatisfoodrelated.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweekifchronic,oreveryotherdayifthelesionsarejuststartingtocomeout.UseMovingCuppingupanddownthebackfor1minutetoremovethepathogenandrelievesymptoms.

BL40WeiZhong—BendMiddleLocation:Middleofthepoplitealcrease(creasebehindtheknees).Whentouse:Forallskinconditions,especiallyifred,inflamed,oritchy.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutesimmediatelyaftergettingsymptoms.CanalsouseFlashCuppingfor1minuteorBleedingCuppingifskinconditionisintenseoracute.

SP10XueHai—SeaofBloodLocation:Aboutthreefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)abovethesuperior-medialcornerofthepatella.Whentouse:Usedforallskinconditions,especiallyifred,inflamed,oritchy.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutesimmediatelyaftergettingsymptoms.CanalsouseFlashCuppingfor1minuteifskinconditionisintenseoracute.

SHINGLESAlsocalledherpeszoster,shinglesisduetoaninfectionbythevaricella-zostervirus, the samevirus that causes chickenpox.However, unlikemost infectionsthatgoaway,thevaricella-zostervirushidesinthenervecellsforyearsorevendecadesbeforereemerging.Whenitreemerges,itiscalledshingles.Symptomsofshinglesarepainful redskin rashes thatare localized inabandor stripeononly one side of the body. Its distribution depends on the area of the bodycontrolledbythenervetheviruswashidingin,anditonlyattacksthoseregions.Other symptoms are fever, chills, fatigue, andmuscle weakness. Shingles areusuallytriggeredbypoorimmunesystem.Itusuallygoesawaybyitselfafterafewweeks,goesbacktohiding,anddoesnotreturn.

According to TCM, shingles is also due to the external pathogensWind andextremeHeatattacking the skin.TheHeat toxinbuildsup in the skin, causingpainful red rashes.Windcauses the skin to feel itchy. InTCM,pathogenscanalso lay latent in the body, popping up years later. In the case of shingles, ittends to come out in the Liver channel,which flows through the sides of thebody, where shingles is commonly found. The Liver belongs to the Woodelement,whichistheperfectfuelforHeatandFire.Cuppingcanhelpclearoutthepathogens,reduceinflammation,andstopthepain.

LocationPatchesofskinwithshinglesWhentouse:Forshingles.Application:Disinfecttheareawiththeshingleswith70percentalcohol,usea

lancettoprickthepapulesinthearea,anduseBleedingCuppingwithweaksuctionthatisonlystrongenoughtodrawbloodfromtheskin.Leavecuponforaroundoneminute,orlongenoughtodrawafewdropsofbloodfromeachhole.Disinfecttheareaagainandbandage.Canbedoneonceeverytwotothreedaysduringtheshinglesepisode.

GV14DaZhui—GreatHammerLocation:Belowthespinousprocessoftheseventhcervicalvertebra(C7),approximatelylevelwiththeacromion(shoulders).Whentouse:Forshingles.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minuteseveryotherdayduringtheshinglesepisode.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheneckfor1minutetoclearHeatandinflammation.UseFlashCuppingfor1minutetoclearmoreHeat.Forextremecases,useBleedingCupping.

BL12FengMen—WindGateLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondthoracicvertebra(T2).Whentouse:Forallkindsofskinconditions,includingshingles.Application:MediumtoStrongCuppingfor10-15minutes,useeveryotherdayduringtheshinglesepisode.CanuseMovingCuppingupanddowntheneckforoneminutetoclearHeatandinflammation.CanuseFlashCuppingforoneminutetoclearmoreHeat.

BL13FeiShu—LungShuLocation:about1.5inchoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthethirdthoracicvertebra(T3).Whentouse:Forallkindsofskinconditions,includingshingles.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minuteseveryotherdayduringtheshinglesepisode.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheneckfor1minutetoclearHeatandinflammation.CanuseFlashCuppingfor1minutetoclearmoreHeat.

BL17GeShu—DiaphragmShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesevenththoracicvertebra(T7).Whentouse:Forallkindsofskinconditions,includingshingles.Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minuteseveryotherdayduringtheshinglesepisode.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheneckfor1minutetoclearHeatandinflammation.UseFlashCuppingfor1minutetoclearmoreHeat.

BL19DanShu—GallbladderShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthetenththoracicvertebra(T10).Whentouse:Forshingles.

Application:UseMediumtoStrongCuppingfor10to15minuteseveryotherdayduringtheshinglesepisode.UseMovingCuppingupanddowntheneckfor1minutetoclearHeatandinflammation.UseFlashCuppingfor1minutetoclearmoreHeat.

BL40WeiZhong—BendMiddleLocation:Middleofthepoplitealcrease(creasebehindtheknees).Whentouse:Forallskinconditions,includingshingles.Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minuteseveryotherdayduringshinglesepisode.CanalsouseFlashCuppingfor1minuteorBleedingCuppingifskinconditionisintenseoracute.

SP10XueHai—SeaofBloodLocation:Threefingers’width(orapproximately2inches)medialandsuperiortothesuperior-medialcornerofthepatella.Whentouse:Forallskinconditions,includingshingles.Application:UseMediumCuppingfor10to15minuteseveryotherdayduringshinglesepisode.CanalsouseFlashCuppingfor1minuteifskinconditionisintenseoracute.

ANXIETYANDSTRESSEveryoneexperiencesanxietyorstressintheirlife.Itsfrequencycandependonyour home environment, school or work environment, relationships, andpersonality.Usually,onceastressfulsituationpasses, theanxietyorstresswillpass as well. However, in some people, anxiety can be so bad that they areanxiousorstressedevenafterthesituationhaspassed.Itcanpreventthemfromlivinganormallife,inwhichcaseitcanbecomeananxietydisorder.

There are different types of anxiety disorders. Panic disorders are similar toanxiety except they hit very hard and suddenly. Symptoms can includepalpitations, sweating, lightheadedness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath,and hyperventilation. Social anxiety disorder is anxiety specifically in socialinteractions,whereyoumayfeelembarrassedorself-conscious,asifothersarejudging you. This can cause palpitations, sweating, and trouble focusing.Generalizedanxietydisorderishavingexcessiveandunrealisticorexaggeratedworry about trivial things, or things you have no control over. Symptoms caninclude general muscle tension, restlessness, irritability, headaches, fatigue,nausea,frequenturination,insomnia,teethgrinding,orpoorappetite.

AccordingtoTCM,theemotionsarecloselylinkedwiththeinternalorgans,sonot only can anxiety and stress cause health problems, but health problemsthemselvescancauseapersontofeelanxiousorstressed.TheHeartandLiveraresaidtobethetwoorgansthatcontrolallemotionsinthebody.Atthesametime, emotions can harm these two organs more so than your other organs,especiallyanxietyandstress.TheLiverisresponsibleformovingQithroughout

thebody,andtheHeartisresponsibleformovingBloodthroughoutthebody.Ifthey both are hampered by anxiety and stress,Qi andBloodwon’t be able tomove freely through the body, causing many problems, including muscletension, headaches, and fatigue. Cupping can help move Qi and Bloodthroughout the body, helping to relieve these symptoms. Since the Liver andHeartcontrolallemotions,when theygetaffectedbyanxietyandstress,otheremotions also get worse, such as depression, restlessness, shorttemperedness,irritability,andinsomnia.Cuppingisveryrelaxingandcanhelptoreleasesomeofthebuilt-uptensionandemotions.

WhentheLiverisunderstress,itcannothelptheSpleenwithdigestion,whichinturn causes poor appetite, poor digestion, and sometimes stress eating. Theemotion associated with the Spleen is overthinking, and anxiety is a form ofoverthinking, which can also weaken the Spleen and your entire digestivesystem.CuppingcanbeusedtostrengthenthedigestivesystemandharmonizetheLiverandtheSpleen.

If your Liver, Heart, or Spleen is weakened from illness, lack of sleep, oroverworking,thiscanleadyourbodytobemorepronetoanxietyandstress,andlessabletodealwiththeseemotions.Cuppingcanhelpyoutostrengthentheseorgans,andhelpyourbodybeabletodealwiththeseemotions.

GB20FengChi—WindPoolLocation:Inthedepressionbetweenthesternocleidomastoidmuscleandthetrapeziusmuscle,justatthebaseoftheskull.Whentouse:Forneckandshouldertensionduetoanxietyorstress.Application:GB20isactuallywithinthehairline,soacupcannotbeplaceddirectlyonit,butyoucanplaceitasclosetothehairlineaspossible.UseWeakorMediumCuppingtwiceaweekfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionifthereismoretension,andweakersuctionforrelaxation.

GB21JianJing—ShoulderWellLocation:Onthemostsuperiorpartoftheshoulder,directlyabovethenipple,orhalfwayfromthespinetothedeltoidmuscle.Whentouse:Forneckandshouldertensionduetoanxietyorstress.Application:UseWeakorMediumCuppingtwiceaweekfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionifthereismoretension,andweakersuctionforrelaxation.

BL15XinShu—HeartShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthefifththoracicvertebra(T5).Whentouse:Foranymentalsymptoms,includinganxiety,stress,insomnia,irritability,shorttemperedness,orrestlessness.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek.Uselesssuctionforagentleandrelaxingtreatment,andslightlystrongersuctionifthereismuscletensioninthearea.

BL18GanShu—LiverShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheninththoracic

vertebra(T9).Whentouse:Foranymentalsymptoms,includinganxiety,stress,insomnia,irritability,shorttemperedness,restlessness,ordepression.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek.Uselesssuctionforagentleandrelaxingtreatment.UseslightlystrongersuctionorMovingCuppingupanddownthebackforgeneralmuscletension.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Foroverthinkingandanxiety,especiallyifitaffectsdigestion,suchasnausea,vomiting,indigestion,diarrhea,constipation,bloating,etc.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek.Uselesssuctionforagentleandrelaxingtreatment.

BL23ShenShu—KidneyShuLocation:About1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthesecondlumbarvertebra(L2).Whentouse:Foranxietyorstressduetofearandphobias,especiallywhenfrequenturination,fatigue,orsexualdysfunctionisinvolved.

Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes,twiceaweek.Uselesssuctionforagentleandrelaxingtreatment.

FATIGUEAsymptomofcountlessdiseases,fatiguecancausealackofphysicalstrength,mentalacuity,andmotivation;sleepiness;exhaustion;poorconcentration;poormemory;orinabilitytodothesimplestthings.Formostpeople,itonlyhappensoccasionally when they don’t get enough sleep, work too much, or are sick.However, others suffer for months and even years. Endocrine diseases(hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue), cardiovascular diseases (anemia, heartfailure),neuromusculardiseases (Parkinson’sdisease,multiplesclerosis), sleepdisorders,mentalillness,pain,infections,andmedicationscanallcausefatigue.Since there are somanycauses, it is important toget a properdiagnosis fromyour doctor to seewhere fatigue is coming from, especially if it’s chronic orsevere.

AccordingtoTCM,fatigueisusuallycausedbyadeficiencyofQi,Blood,Yin,orYang.Cuppingcanhelp strengthenbackyourorgans tohelpproducemoreQi, Blood, Yin, or Yang. Each organ is associated with an emotion, andprolonged exposure to these emotions can weaken its associated organ. TheLung is associated with grief, the Spleen is associated with overthinking, theLiverisassociatedwithanger,theKidneyisassociatedwithfear,andtheHearttooverjoy.Cuppingcanhelpcalmoreaseyourmind,aswellasstrengthentheorganthathasbeeninjured,relievingthefatigue.

CV12ZhongWan—CentralStomachLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,halfwaybetweenthesternumandumbilicus.Whentouse:AsageneralpointtotonifyQi,nourishthebody,andimprovedigestiontogetmorenourishmentfromfood.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingtwiceaweekfor10to15minutes.

CV6QiHai—SeaofQiLocation:Ontheanteriormidlineofthebody,aroundonethumb’slength(orapproximately1.5inches)belowtheumbilicus.Whentouse:AsageneralpointtotonifyQiandnourishthebody.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingtwiceaweekfor10to15minutes.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheelevenththoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:GeneralpointtotonifyQiandnourishthebody.Helpstoimprovedigestiontogetmorenourishmentfromfood.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingfor10to15minutestwiceaweek.

ST36ZuSanLi—LegThreeMilesLocation:Fourfingers’width(orapproximately3inches)belowtheinferior-lateralcornerofthepatella,andaboutathumb’swidth(or1inch)lateraltothetibia(shinbone).Whentouse:AsageneralpointtotonifyQi,nourishthebody,andimprovedigestiontogetmorenourishmentfromfood.Application:UseWeaktoMediumCuppingtwiceaweekfor10to15minutes.

INSOMNIAInsomniaisdifficultyfallingorstayingasleep,wakingupduringthenightwithtroublegoingbacktobed,wakinguptiredortooearly,havingrestlesssleep,orhaving dream-disturbed sleep. There are two kinds of insomnia: primary andsecondary. Primary insomnia is not associated with any other disease orcondition. Secondary insomnia is a direct consequence of another disease orhealth condition, such as asthma, depression, pain, heartburn, medication, ordruguse.Insomniacanbeacuteorchronic.

AccordingtoTCM,sleepisgovernedbytheHeart.TheHeartcangetagitatedinamultitudeofways,leadingtoinsomnia.IftheHeartisnotnourishedproperly,itcanbecomeagitated.TheHeartcangetstimulatedbyHeat,whichcancomefromtheenvironment throughhotweather,orahot room.Heatcanalsocomefrom diet through spicy foods, greasy foods, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol.Cupping is good at clearing Heat from the body and calming the mind. TheHeart can also get agitated by emotions, such as anger, stress, anxiety, andfrustration.CuppingcanhelptheHearttorelax.

GB20FengChi—WindPoolLocation:Inthedepressionbetweenthesternocleidomastoidmuscleandthetrapeziusmuscle,justatthebaseoftheskull.Whentouse:Foranytypeofinsomnia,especiallyifduetostress.Application:GB20isactuallywithinthehairline,soacupcannotbeplaceddirectlyonit,butyoucanplaceitasclosetothehairlineaspossible.ApplyWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionifthereismoretension,andweakersuctionforrelaxation.Canbedoneeverydayifweakersuctionisused.

GB21JianJing—ShoulderWellLocation:Onthemostsuperiorpartoftheshoulder,directlyabovethenipple,orhalfwayfromthespinetothedeltoidmuscle.Whentouse:Forinsomniaduetostressorneckandshoulderpain.Application:UseWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionifthereismoretension,andweakersuctionforrelaxation.Canbedoneeverydayifweakersuctionisused.

BL15XinShu—HeartShu

Location:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessofthefifththoracicvertebra(T5).Whentouse:Foranymentalsymptoms,includinginsomnia,anxiety,stress,irritability,shorttemperedness,orrestlessness.Application:UseWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionifinsomniaisduetostress,andweakersuctionforrelaxation.Canbedoneeverydayifweakersuctionisused.

BL18GanShu—LiverShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideofthespinousprocessoftheninththoracicvertebra(T9).Whentouse:Foranymentalsymptoms,includinginsomnia,anxiety,stress,irritability,short--temperedness,restlessness,ordepression.Especiallyusefulifinsomniaisduetoemotions.Application:UseWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionifinsomniaisduetostress,andweakersuctionforrelaxation.Canbedoneeverydayifweakersuctionisused.UseslightlystrongersuctionorMovingCuppingupanddownthebackforgeneralmuscletension.

BL20PiShu—SpleenShuLocation:1.5inchesoneithersideoftothespinousprocessoftheeleventh

thoracicvertebra(T11).Whentouse:Forinsomniaaccompaniedbyfatigue.Application:UseWeakorMediumCuppingfor10to15minutes.Usestrongersuctionifinsomniaisduetostress,andweakersuctionforrelaxation.Canbedoneeverydayifweakersuctionisused.

REFERENCES

Akhtar,Jamal,andM.KhalidSiddiqui.“UtilityofCuppingTherapyHijamatinUnaniMedicine.”IndianJournalofTraditionalKnowledge7,no.4(2008):572–574.Alban,Joseph.“ChineseMedicineforAcne.”AlbanAcupuncture.January24,2011.RetrievedMarch22,2012.http://albanacupuncture.com/blog/chinesemedicine-foracne.Al-Jauziyah,Qayyim.HealingwiththeMedicineoftheProphet.Lahore,Pakistan:DarussalamPublishers,2003.Cao,Huijian,MeiHan,etal.“AnOverviewofSystematicReviewsofClinicalEvidenceforCuppingTherapy.”JournalofTraditionalChineseMedicalSciences2,no.1(2015):3–10.doi:10.1016/j.jtcms.2014.11.012.Chirali,Ilkay.TraditionalChineseMedicineCuppingTherapy.London:ChurchhillLivingstoneElsevierLtd.,2014.Cui,ShuaiandJinCui.“ProgressofResearchesontheMechanismofCuppingTherapy.”ZhenCiYanJiu(AcuptunctureResearch)37,no.6(2012):506–10.“EffectiveHomeRemediesforPimplesandAcneVulgaris.”ChineseMedicineAdvisor.com.RetrievedMarch26,2012,http://www.chinesemedicineadvisor.com/home-remedies-for-pimples.html.Emerich,Markus,Hans-WilliClement,etal.“ModeofActionofCupping—LocalMetabolismandPainThresholdsinNeckPainPatientsandHealthySubjects.”ComplementaryTherapiesinMedicine22,no.1(2014):148–158.doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.12.013.Epstein,J.“TheTherapeuticValueofCupping.”NewYorkMedicalJournal112(1920):584–585.Hanninen,Osmo,andTuulaVaskilampi.“CuppingasaPartofLivingFinnishTraditionalHealing.ARemedyagainstPain.”Acupuncture&Electro-TherapeuticsResearch7,no.1(1982):39–50.doi:10.3727/036012982816952161.

Harper,DonaldJohn.EarlyChineseMedicalLiterature:TheMawangduiMedicalManuscripts.London:KeganPaulInternational,1998.Lange,Susan.“AcneandPimples:Top7FactorstoHealingAcne,Pimples&OtherSkinConditionswithChineseMedicine.”MeridianHolisticHealth.March11,2009.RetrievedMarch26,2012.http://meridianholistic.com/healthyliving/acne-and-pimples-top-7-factors-to-healing-acne-pimples-other-skin-conditions-with-chinesemedicineLee,MyeongSoo,Jong-InKim,etal.“IsCuppinganEffectiveTreatment?AnOverviewofSystematicReviews.”JournalofAcupunctureandMeridianStudies4,no.1(2011):1-4.doi:10.1016/S2005-2901(11)60001-0.Mehta,Piyush,andVividhaDhapte.“CuppingTherapy:APrudentRemedyforaPlethoraofMedicalAilments.”JournalofTraditionalandComplementaryMedicine5,no.3(2015):127–134.doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.11.036.Nimrouzi,Majid,AliMahbodietal.“HijamainTraditionalPersianMedicine:RisksandBenefits.”JournalofEvidence-BasedIntegrativeMedicine19,no.2(2014):128–136.doi:10.117/2156587214524578.Rozenfeld,Evgeni,andLeonidKalichman.“NewIstheWell-ForgottenOld:TheUseofDryCuppinginMusculoskeletalMedicine.”JournalofBodywork&MovementTherapies20,no.1(January2016):173–178.doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.11.009.Schulte,E..“ComplementaryTherapies:Acupuncture:WhereEastMeetsWest.”ResearchNursing59,no.10(1996):55–57.ShenHerbalPharmacy.“ChineseMedicineandHerbsforAcne.”RetrievedMarch26,2012.http://www.drshen.com/herbsforacne.htm.“SpotPositions,AcneLocationsandChineseFaceMapping.”SayWhyDoI.com.August19,2011.RetrievedMarch26,2012.http://www.saywhydoi.com/spot-positions-acne-locations-and-chinese-face-mapping.Tham,L.M.,H.P.Lee,etal.“Cupping:FromaBiomechanicalPerspective.”JournalofBiomechanics39,no.12(2006):2183–93.doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2005.06.027.Turk,J.L.andElizabethAllen.“BleedingandCupping.”AnnalsofTheRoyalCollegeofSurgeonsofEngland65,no.2(1983):128–133.“WhatCausesAcne.”Skinacea.January2,2012.RetrievedMarch22,2012.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Iwould like to thankmy parents,Benny andAnneChoi, for being good rolemodelsofwhatakindandcompassionatepersonshouldbe.Thankyouforyoursupport—financially, physically, and emotionally—throughmymany years ofschooling.Iwouldn’tbewhereIamnowwithoutyoursupportandguidance.Iwouldalsoliketothankmysister,JoannaChoi,forhelpingshapemeintowhoIamtoday.

IwouldalsoliketothankMaryWu,owneroftheTorontoSchoolofTraditionalChineseMedicine,forbeingthereasonIaminTCMtoday.ThankyouforyourhardworkinpromotingandadvocatingTCMinOntarioandinCanada.Thankyou for all your long days and nights teaching and running the school.Thankyou for seeing the potential in me and giving me the opportunity to teachacupunctureandTCM.

ThankstoLindaTangandRichardKwanforbeingmyTCMmentors.Youhavenotonlytaughtmethewaytobeagoodpractitioner,butalsoshowedmehowtobepassionateaboutthismedicine,andhowtoshowcompassiontomypatients.

I would like to thank Enza Ierullo, owner of Acupuncture and IntegrativeMedicineAcademy,forseeingthepotentialinmeandhelpingmetoadvanceinthe field of TCM education. Your endless toil for the school in the midst ofeverythinggoingonisaninspirationtome.

Thank you to JocelynChoi for connectingme toUlysses Press, so that I canhavethisopportunitytosharemyexperienceandhelpmorepeoplethatIwouldneverhavebeenabletoreach.

ThankyouWilliamShin for thewonderful photos.ThankyouDanielCheungandJessicaChinforbeingthemodelsformybook.

Lastly,Iwouldliketothankmybetterhalfforsupportingme,andencouraging

methroughthewritingofthebook.Icouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou.

IwouldliketodedicatethisbooktoourGodandSaviour,JesusChrist,myRockandmyRedeemer.

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

KennethChoiisaRegisteredAcupuncturistaswellasaRegisteredTraditionalChinese Medicine Practitioner in Canada. He is a member of the College ofTraditionalChineseMedicinePractitionersandAcupuncturistsofOntario.

Kenneth graduated from University of Toronto with his Honors Bachelor ofScienceinHumanBiology,specializinginGenes,Genetics,andBiotechnology.HethenwentontograduatefromMcGillUniversitywithhisMastersofScienceinBiotechnology.HereceivedhisChineseMedicinetrainingfromtheTorontoSchoolofTraditionalChineseMedicineinToronto,Canada,wherehegraduatedwiththe4-YearAdvancedTraditionalChineseMedicinediploma.

He has been teachingAcupuncture and ChineseHerbology for 5 years at theToronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and at the Academy andIntegrativeMedicineAcademy.HeiscurrentlytheDirectoroftheAcupunctureProgram and Chinese Herbology Program at the Acupuncture and IntegrativeMedicine Academy in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Kenneth also practicesAcupunctureandChineseHerbologyathisclinic,RichmondHillAcupunctureandNaturalTherapyClinic,inRichmondHill,Ontario.