Dry Cupping Methods & Applications Flashcards

Which dry cupping approach is best suited for treating plantar fasciitis?

Answer: Small cups on the plantar surface of the foot and calf

Small cups applied to the plantar fascia and along the calf address both the local fascial restriction and the proximal contributors to plantar fasciitis.

Mechanical pump cups offer which advantage over fire cups for dry cupping?

Answer: Precise, adjustable suction control without an open flame

Mechanical pumps allow the practitioner to set exact suction levels incrementally and eliminate fire safety risks.

Dry cupping applied to the posterior neck is CONTRAINDICATED in clients with:

Answer: Diagnosed carotid artery disease or recent TIA

Suction near the carotid region in clients with carotid disease or recent TIA poses risk of dislodging plaques or altering cerebral perfusion.

The 'running cup' technique differs from stationary dry cupping primarily in that it:

Answer: Moves continuously along meridians or muscle bellies

Running cups glide along tissue pathways after lubrication, providing both decompression and a myofascial release effect.

Cup retention time for a first-time dry cupping client should generally be:

Answer: 3–5 minutes to assess tolerance

Starting with 3–5 minutes allows assessment of the client's skin response and comfort before longer sessions are applied.

Which post-treatment instruction is MOST important to give a client after dry cupping?

Answer: Stay hydrated and avoid cold drafts on the treated area

Hydration supports lymphatic clearance of released metabolites, and protecting the area from cold prevents pore invasion and discomfort.

When using dry cupping for respiratory support, cups are typically placed:

Answer: On the upper and mid-back over the lung fields

The posterior thorax over the lung fields is the primary zone for respiratory cupping, stimulating circulation and mucus mobilization.