Cupping and Guasha (con't)

Sliding Cup Technique

This is a variation of the standard cupping technique. It is done on the middle and upper sections of the back. The back must first be well lubricated with oil. The jar is placed on the back with a lighter than usual suction. Some practice is usually required to attain the right level of grip; it must be strong enough to maintain a suction while the jar is manipulated, but a strong grip will be too difficult to move the cup and far too painful for the patient. Once the right level of grip is attained the jar is gripped close to its edge and then slid up and down the back along the line of the spinal muscles. Provided the patient has ample flesh the cup can also be slid along the spine itself and over the scapulae.

This technique is another version of a Guasha, which we will describe in a moment. Let us just say here that the sliding cup technique is a powerful therapy which allows a much stronger dispersion over a much greater surface area than single cupping will allow.

Guasha

Guasha is the technique of scraping the body with a hard object. Its purpose is to stimulate the circulation and thereby to disperse inflammation or Heat in the body. As with Cupping Technique, Guasha is a folk medicine technique and is very common throughout China and South East Asia. It is not generally not taught in the Chinese acupuncture colleges, quite simply because everybody already knows how to use it. It is the equivalent of a hot lemon and honey drink for Westerners faced with a cold or flu and is indeed often used to resolve that condition.

A variety of tools can be used. Traditionally the Chinese used a piece of buffalo horn, moulded with a rounded edge. This has been replaced with the common ceramic spoon that you will see in any Chinese restaurant. Throughout Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia you will find practitioners using coins. The Australian twenty cent piece is ideal and makes the whole procedure very cheap medicine! Any other slightly softened sharp object can be used, such as the plastic or metal lid of a jar. The Japanese often use a particular tool known as a Yoneyama which is a small copper/bronze object with a rounded edge. Avoid any excessively sharp object, this will be too rough on the skin and will cause pain. Likewise avoid objects which are too soft; they will simply not be effective enough.

The technique is usually, but not always, applied with oil in order to minimise discomfort. The main site to apply Guasha is the back. The skin should be scraped with the Guasha tool fairly firmly but not excessively. Work in lines along the spine (provided it has ample flesh to protect it) and then along the bladder channel lines. If the tissues are distinctly congested or inflamed a crimson/red bruising will appear fairly quickly. This bruising is referred to as the Sha. A distinct, dark Sha indicates very inflamed tissues or areas of excess Heat. A mild Sha will appear as only a pinkish red flush with perhaps a few flecks of crimson.