The principles of cupping therapy for weight loss and a detailed explanation of various cupping techniques.

Cupping therapy refers to the treatment method of applying fire cups, water cups, and medicinal cups. The most commonly used method in clinical practice is fire cupping, which uses special glass, ceramic, or bamboo cups. Heat is used to expel air from the cup, creating negative pressure that adheres to the skin or acupoints, causing congestion or bruising. It has the effects of warming the meridians and dispelling cold, promoting qi and blood circulation, relieving pain and swelling, and drawing out toxins and pus. Cupping for weight loss. Method 1: [Main Acupoints] Zhongwan (CV12), Shuifen (CV9), Tianshu (ST25), Shuidao (ST28), Daimai (GB20), Feishu (BL13), Geshu (BL17), Ganshu (BL18), Pishu (BL20), Shenshu (BL23).

[Acupoint Selection]For obesity in the upper limbs, add cupping to the limb area; for obesity in the lower limbs, add cupping to the Biguan, Futu, and Jimen acupoints; for obesity in the buttocks, add cupping to the Zhibian, Huantiao, and Chengfu acupoints. [Procedure]The patient lies supine, exposing the area to be cupped (selecting a relatively full and flat area of ​​muscle). The practitioner applies a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the area, uses forceps to hold a cotton ball soaked in 95% alcohol, ignites it, holds the cup with the mouth facing down in the left hand, and holds the forceps with the burning alcohol cotton ball in the right hand, quickly inserts it into the cup, circles it once, and immediately pulls it out, while simultaneously pressing the cup onto the selected area.

When the skin inside the cup bulges and turns reddish-purple, leave it for 10-15 minutes before removing the cup. Hold the skin at the mouth of the cup with your left hand and support the cup with your right hand. Air will enter the cup, and the cup will then fall off. [Acupoint Location] (1) Zhongwan: On the upper abdomen, on the anterior midline, 4 cun above the umbilicus. (2) Shuifen: On the upper abdomen, on the anterior midline, 1 cun above the umbilicus. (3) Tianshu: In the middle of the abdomen, 2 cun from the umbilicus. (4) Shuidao: In the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus and 2 cun from the anterior midline. (5) Daimai: On the lateral abdomen, 1.8 cun below Zhangmen.

(6) Lung Shu: On the back, below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. (7) Diaphragm Shu: On the back, below the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. (8) Liver Shu: In a sitting or supine position, on the back, below the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. (9) Spleen Shu: On the back, below the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. (10) Kidney Shu: In a supine position, on the lower back, below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. (11) Bi Guan: On the front of the thigh.

(12) Futu: On the anterior thigh, on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral end of the patella, level with the perineum when the thigh is flexed, in the depression lateral to the sartorius muscle. (13) Jimen: On the line connecting Xuehai and Chongmen, 6 cun above the patella. (14) Zhibian: On the buttocks, level with the fourth posterior sacral foramen, 3 cun lateral to the midline of the sacrum. (15) Huantiao: On the lateral thigh, with the thigh flexed in a lateral lying position, at the junction of the outer 1/3 and middle 1/3 of the line connecting the most prominent point of the greater trochanter of the femur and the sacral hiatus.

(16) Chengfu: Located on the back of the thigh, at the midpoint of the gluteal crease. Method Two: [Main Acupoints] Spleen Shu (BL20), Stomach Shu (BL21). [Supporting Acupoints] For spleen and stomach heat accumulation, use Tianshu (ST25), Quchi (LI11), Neiting (ST44), and Sanyinjiao (SP6); for spleen and stomach deficiency, use Zhongwan (CV12), Qihai (CV6), Guanyuan (CV4), Shenshu (BL23), and Zusanli (ST36); for deficiency of true essence, use Shenshu (BL23), Mingmen (GV4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Taixi (KI3). [Operation Method] Use simple cupping or cupping after acupuncture. For spleen and stomach heat accumulation, bloodletting cupping can also be used. Leave the cups on for 20-25 minutes, once every other day, for 10 treatments as one course.

[Acupoint Locations](1) Zhongwan: On the upper abdomen, on the anterior midline, 4 cun above the umbilicus. (2) Tianshu: On the middle of the abdomen, 2 cun from the umbilicus. (3) Qihai: On the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus. (4) Guanyuan: On the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 3 cun below the umbilicus. (5) Pishu: On the back, below the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. (6) Weishu: On the back, below the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. (7) Shenshu: In the prone position, on the lower back, below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline.

(8) Mingmen: In the prone position, it is located in the lumbar region, on the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. (9) Quchi: At the lateral end of the elbow crease, with the elbow flexed, it is at the midpoint of the line connecting Chize and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. (10) Zusanli: On the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun below Dubi, one finger-width away from the anterior border of the tibia. (11) Sanyinjiao: On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, behind the medial border of the tibia. (12) Taixi: On the medial aspect of the foot, behind the medial malleolus, in the depression between the tip of the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon.

(13) Neiting: On the dorsum of the foot, between the second and third toes, at the junction of the red and white skin behind the web of the toes. Method 3: [Main Acupoints] Guanyuan, Pishu, Weishu. [Supporting Acupoints] If both spleen and stomach are strong, add Weishu and Zusanli; if both spleen and stomach are weak, add Sanyinjiao and Pishu; if true qi is insufficient, add Mingmen and Taixi. [Operation Method] Use single cupping or cupping after acupuncture, leave the cups on for about 20 minutes, once every other day, 10 times is one course of treatment, with an interval of 3-5 days between courses. Method 4: [Main Acupoints] Tianshu, Daheng, Zhongwan, Guanyuan, Zusanli (alternating). [Operation Method] Use simple cupping, leave the cups on for 15-20 minutes, once a day, 20 times is one course of treatment, with a 3-day rest after each course.