STAGE 1

- cover the back with a very light layer of oil

- apply light suction, and quickly sweep the cup along the Bladder 1 meridian (erector spinae mm) bilateral both sides of the spine

- do these 2 to three times, moving laterally each time. The number of times you perform this will depend on the size of the body, and the strength of the patient. Each line comes together at the bottom of the rib cage as too much cupping on the lower back can create fatigue

- you want to hear an audible 'pop' at the end. This indicates the release of the gathered-up wind inside the cup. The speed of the sweeping also invigorates the 'wei Qi' or protective energy in Chinese Medicine. The rapid movement also generates heat.

STAGE 2

- apply (blanket) cups throughout the entire back, leaving them on for about 10 minutes. The positioning of the cups is the most important on three points 1) The centre of the spine between C7 and T1 known as DU 14 or Da Zhui 2) Two cups bilaterally between the 2nd and 3rd thoracic vertebrae, 1 1/2 cun (2 fingers) lateral to the spine. This point in Chinese Medicine is known and the 'Wind Gate'

STAGE 3

- remove all the cups, and ask the patient if they feel any itchiness on the body. In Vietnamese Traditional Medicine, an itchy sensation is considered to indicate wind. In this case, a fast cupping method (chasing wind) is then done over the itchy area with a fairly strong vacuum, then repeated two or three times. Then, ask the patient if they still feel itchiness, and if the itchiness has moved, fast cupping is performed over the 'itch' and followed through the body until it is removed. This technique is called 'chasing the wind'

important to keep the back covered after and not let the treated areas get exposed

Traditionally this technique is done with glass cups, this demonstration video is performed with silicone cups