Depths of Cupping – determining the amount of suction needed

There are three main depths that one would perform cupping.

• Superficial/light – to be used on areas that are more exposed in the body, such as tender lung tissue on the front of the chest, the abdomen, or to treat lymphatic drainage and varicose veins. Superficial cupping is also to be used on the face. Most effective for tonifying techniques, treatment of the Metal Element, Wei Qi, very deficient types, those with autoimmune, chronic lymphatic conditions.
  
• Medium – Most body parts are appropriate to use medium pressure, except the tender areas around varicose veins, lymphatic tissue, and the face. Medium cupping depth is the most common depth to use during gliding cupping, hold and release cupping, and anyone with any kind of chronic condition. Very effective for moving Qi, and Blood.
  
• Deep – The deepest level of suction is most commonly used with stationary cupping. Practitioners need to be mindful that there is still some movement of the tissue surrounding the cup, otherwise tissue damage may occur. Deep level cupping is indicated on the back and legs, and on any large muscle groups. Deep level cupping suction should be avoided on children and the elderly, immune-compromised, those suffering with chronic illness, those diagnosed with DVT, serious heart condition, or anyone with poor circulation including obesity, and diabetes. This is the kind of cupping that we see being used on athletes, and the kind of cupping that will leave prominent marks. This depth is performed on clients with strong Qi, and Stagnation.
  

Some instructors use a scale when discussing depth, I often use a 1-5 scale and ask my students to become proficient in 3 depths of cupping initially.  In time the practitioner starts to naturally gain the correct suction with little effort.

Caution with deep cupping: More and more patients are being diagnosed with previously undetected hearth and circulatory problems. If there is any indication of circulatory issues stationary cupping should be avoided. When removing stationary cupping, always open the cup away from yourself and others. There can be considerable waste drawn into the cup and released. Proper ventillation and gloves should be considered when performing these techniques.