Categories of Cupping

There are two main categories of cupping therapy.

Dry Cupping

Wet Cupping

Wet cupping is the use of bloodletting in conjunction to the cupping treatment. In this case, only Acupuncturists and medical doctors are authorized to perform wet cupping in North America. With wet cupping, glass or ceramic cups can be used, and the practitioner must follow proper sterilization techniques for their instruments. This method requires the use of an autoclave for sterilization, or long soaking in a high-level disinfectant to obtain a sterilant effect. If a silicone or plastic cup is used, it must be properly disposed of after the treatment. Disposable plastic cups are also a good option for Bloodletting.

Bloodletting therapy is an amazing way to obtain instant relief for a number of conditions, including severe body pain, excessive bleeding, blood disorders, and varicose veins. Historically bloodletting has been used to clean the blood, and phlebotomy is still used today with many who love with clotting disorders.

The most common areas of the body to perform Bloodletting are the ear (apex), the back GV 14 (BL and SI Mer), and the legs (BL 40) areas of stasis including varicose veins and well points.

For more information on Bloodletting, I recommend the book or training by Dean Mouscher. Deal also has a FB group called “Chinese Medicine Bloodletting”

He has also been having a lot of insights into using Bloodletting to treat current conditions that we have been experiencing since early 2020.

Dry cupping is the category of cupping that is most common. This method is not regulated by any governing body, and is considered a very safe and effective treatment for most people. There are different types of cups that can be used for dry cupping, and it can be used to safely treat a number of conditions. Traditionally, glass cups have been used with fire (fire cupping). More recently, plastic cups with a pump, and silicone cups are commonly used. Cupping can be performed on any part of the body. Most commonly, we see cupping on the back, arms and legs. However, cupping is an incredibly effective treatment for digestive and reproductive disorders when performed on the abdomen, it can be used on the face (with caution), hands and feet, chest and torso.