Dry Cupping Methods & Applications Flashcards

Which technique involves moving a lubricated cup along the skin surface without lifting it?

Answer: Sliding cupping

Sliding (gliding) cupping uses massage oil to allow the cup to move across the skin, combining suction with massage.

In dry cupping, the level of suction is best controlled by:

Answer: Adjusting pump strokes or flame distance

Suction strength is regulated by the number of pump strokes (mechanical) or the duration and proximity of the flame (fire cupping).

Dry cupping on the upper back commonly targets which muscle to relieve tension headaches?

Answer: Trapezius

The trapezius muscle spans the upper back and neck, and tension within it is a common contributor to tension-type headaches.

What is the recommended minimum interval between dry cupping sessions on the same body area?

Answer: 48–72 hours

Allowing 48–72 hours between sessions on the same area lets skin and underlying tissues recover from suction stress.

A practitioner notices a client's cup marks turn dark purple immediately. This most likely indicates:

Answer: Excessive suction or stagnant circulation in that area

Deep purple marks suggest significant blood stasis or excessive negative pressure causing pronounced capillary rupture.

Which dry cupping application pattern is typically used to address scoliosis-related muscle imbalance?

Answer: Unilateral placement on the convex side

Cupping the convex (tight) side of a scoliotic curve helps release hypertonic muscles contributing to the lateral deviation.

When performing dry cupping over the lumbar region, the practitioner should avoid placing cups directly over:

Answer: The spinous processes of the vertebrae

Cups should not be placed directly on bony spinous processes because the irregular surface prevents proper seal and risks bruising the periosteum.