Cupping Glass

Cupping: From a biomechanical perspective

“…A cup with a more rounded rim should therefore be used. Such a rounded rim is commonly referred to as a rolled rim or rolled edge (Kravetz, 2004).…”

“…The negative pressure is created by heating the air within the cup and then allowing it to cool and contract while in contact with the skin. The air is heated either by swabbing the interior of the cup with alcohol and then setting it aflame, or by igniting an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or other flammable material held inside the cup (King and Davis, 1983;Kouskoukis and Leider, 1983;Kravetz, 2004;Look and Look, 1997). Just before the flame is extinguished, the mouth of the cup is positioned firmly against the skin at the desired location.…”

“…Cupping is traditionally performed using a small round cup made of thick glass with a rolled rim to ensure uniform and air-tight contact with the skin in order to preserve the vacuum (Kravetz, 2004). The negative pressure is created by heating the air within the cup and then allowing it to cool and contract while in contact with the skin.…”

Suction bullae as a complication of prolonged cupping

“…It is defined as therapeutic application of heated cups to the skin. Small cups, 1.5−2 inches (40–50 mm) in size, made of metal or glass, with a rolled rim, are used 2 . In the classic method, alcohol‐soaked cotton in the cup is ignited and the cup immediately pressed tightly against the skin.…”

“…In the classic method, alcohol‐soaked cotton in the cup is ignited and the cup immediately pressed tightly against the skin. As the alcohol is combusted and oxygen is consumed, a negative pressure (vacuum effect) is exerted, and the skin is drawn into the cup 1–4 . The procedure usually lasts 5–20 min 3,4 …”