In addition to the basic the styles of cupping that we introduced, there are a few other cupping styles to treat specific conditions.

1. Line or Channel cupping
2. Blanket cupping
3. Hold and release cupping
4. Chasing the itch cupping
5. Skin Rolling
6. Cross fiber technique

1 . Channel cupping

In Channel cupping is along the same vein as blanket cupping, in that many cups are placed close together along a meridian, or channel. When placing cups along a channel, consider the size of tissue under the skin. Usually a larger cup over the belly, and smaller cups near tendon heads is most appropriate. This is an effective treatment to treat problems on the meridian level.

2. Blanket Cupping

The blanket cupping treatment practised from Vietnam to Lithuania

The reason for using blanket cupping, is to give the wind no escape, but into the cups.

Technique

1. When applying cups for blanket cupping, the amount of tissue uptake should be low, as there will be a pressure throughout the back. Also, as we know with a wind pathology, the body is in a weakened state, as “Wind enters the body when the channels are vacant” (Chirali)
   
2. When applying cups for blanket cupping, start in the middle of the back, close to the spine. Either the area of greatest tension, or along the bottom of the diaphragm (T 7 area) The first group should run along the erector spinae muscles, and then move laterally.
   
3. If treating Wind-Cold, the first cup should be placed on DU 14 (Dha Zhu), at the spinous process of C7. From there, the cups should next be applied on BL 12 (Wind Gate, FengMen), and continue along the Bladder channel, then working laterally.
   

If treating Internal Wind, place the first cup on the location of the current pain, and surround the pain until the entire area is covered.

1. Usually a minimum of 24 cups are needed, to as many as 50 cups.
   
2. The cups are placed right next to each other, leaving no space for the wind to escape.
   
3. When removing the cups, always open the cup away from you and your client.
   

3 .Hold and release

Hold and release cupping is in the same category as fast cupping, but varying the speed and intention of the application of the cup. This is a technique that lends itself to silicone cupping, as the silicone cups are easy to apply and release. Hold and release cupping is very good for tonifying Qi and Blood. This is a great way to 'unstick' superficial tissues like tissue, and old injuries where there is excessive cellular waste.

4. Chasing Itch

Chasing itch is a technique that can be used on a client, if they feel an itchiness after the cups have been removed. This is considered 'wind trapped' in the body. Sometimes after cupping, the pathology is not completely removed by the cup, and Wind gets trapped on the Wei Qi level.

Technique

Place the cup over the itch, with fairly strong pressure, and perform hold and release cupping 3-5 times. Check with the patient if the itch remains, or if the itch has moved. If the itch has moved to another location, repeat previous action in the new location. Continue to 'chase the itch' until it stops occurring. You should be able trace the path of the itch as it leaves the body.

Wind enters the body when the channels are hollow. This means that when the Qi (vital energy) is strong in the body, it will have a strong resistance to wind. This also means that wind is typically a deficient-type condition.

5. Skin Rolling

Skin rolling is a manual technique that helps to release the skin from the underlying tissues. It is considered a form of myofascial release and works on the most superficial connective tissue.  Patients with surface stiffness in this layer often have the appearance of having very tight skin. This techniques is also very effective in scar tissue release.