Cupping 2
Recap on cupping Why do we use a lot of oil? Why is speed important? What information does our patient specifically need to hear? What happens when we leave the flame on the rim? What happens when we leave the flame in the cup for too long?
What are some contraindications to cupping? What are the benefits of using plastic cups? What are the benefits of using glass cups? How does cupping work? What can size 1 cups be used for? What do you do if metho drops onto another surface (ie patient skin or massage table?
Problem Areas QL: Cupping QL is contraindicated because of it’s close proximity to the kidney. Although when caution is used you may still cup over the area. It is recommended that you do not leave the cup over the area for more than 10mins and don’t cup too aggressively.
Infraspinatus This has never been written down as a contraindication before however through my experience I have found 9/10 infra muscles will burst a superficial blood vessel leading to severe bruising. The cup mark will be present followed by a deep dark green-blue coloured bruise easily twice the size of the cup mark. So it is strongly advise you never aggressively static cup over the infraspinatus. Slide cupping is a better method for treating an infraspinatus muscle.
Other muscles which share Infraspinatus’ problem Anterior deltoid Forearm flexor group Origin of gastrocnemius Medial Bicep Dorsal aspect of foot ITB (rarely)
Other problem areas Head & Jaw Scalenes Axillary Fossa Cubital Fossa Femoral Triangle Popliteal Fossa