• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.159-164
• /
• 2021

Background: Cupping is widely used in Korean medicine, but there is a risk of bacterial infection if the suction pump (used for inducing negative pressure) and the patients' skin are not separated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of layer cupping by comparing the pressure changes between layer cupping and conventional cupping. Methods: To evaluate pressure changes the study was designed with 3 types of conditions applied to a skin model: (1) a Dongbang cup with a manual or motor suction pump (conventional cupping); (2) layer cupping with 2 Dongbang cups; and (3) layer cupping with a cup made by 3D printing and a Dongbang cup. Results: When a manual suction pump was used (conventional cupping), the pressure did not decrease steadily, and in 1 section there was an increase in pressure. When layer cupping was used, the pressure in the lower cup (which would be directly applied to the patient's skin), decreased steadily. Conclusion: In the pressure change graph for layer cupping in this skin model, the pressure in the lower cup (which would be placed on the patient's skin) steadily decreased, and reached equilibrium. Therefore, the layer cupping model may help to reduce the risks of bacterial infection.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.38 no.3
• /
• pp.200-204
• /
• 2021

Background: Standardized procedures for the clinical application of fire cupping methods have not been established. In particular, the pressure parameters have not been fully characterized and described. Therefore, using various materials, this study investigated the pressure range exerted during fire cupping therapy. Methods: In this study, 3 differently sized (small, medium, large) glass and bamboo cups were used in the cotton ball fire cupping procedure to measure the pressure inside the cup applied to a human skin model. The pressure in each cup was measured 15 times for a total of 90 measurements. Results: A small bamboo cup had the minimum overall pressure (-305.4 mmHg), whereas the large glass cup exerted the maximum pressure (-401.3 mmHg), followed by the medium glass cup, large bamboo cup, small glass cup, and medium bamboo cup. The average pressure exerted by the cotton ball method for all cups ranged from -348.715 mmHg to -358.694 mmHg (95% confidence interval). Overall, the glass cups had a greater pressure than the bamboo cups in all groups (p < 0.001). Among the glass cups used, the larger the size of the cup, the higher the average pressure detected (-381.947 mmHg to -391.973 mmHg; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Large glass cups which are widely used in clinical practice, when used in the fire cupping method exerted pressure ranging from -381.947 mmHg to -391.973 mmHg (95% CI).

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
• /
• v.18 no.11
• /
• pp.1400-1407
• /
• 2015

In the paper, we suggest bettered EHMECS(Enhanced Hybrid Multi Electrical Cupping System) to regulate automatically vacuum pressure using many cupping cup at once. We controlled accurately the pressure using S-PI control technique in pump motor to input the air inside cupping cup. S-PI control compared constant velocity, load and velocity variance between existing PI and FLC(Fuzzy Logic Control). The stabilization time of suggested S-PI control improve 20% of existing PI and 8% of FLC. The error constant of normal condition improved 71% of existing PI and 62% of FLC in steady speed and 80% of existing PI and 67% of FLC in load change. Also the error constant about velocity variance improve 45% of PI control. It is prove the suggested S-PI control technique. When use long time vacuum pressure of cupping cup regulated the suggested S-PI control technique, can loosen knotted muscles.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.41-45
• /
• 2018

Objectives : To investigate minimum pressure by verifying changes in pressure due to bleeding amount during bloodletting-cupping therapy. Methods : (1) We compared adhesion performance of four different cupping cups of same size: two disposable cupping cups(A, B) and two reusable cupping cups(A, B) each were vacuumed three times and kept in place for 10 minutes. (2) We vacuumed two different sized disposable cupping cups(A), size.1(InnerDiameter 48.8 mm) and size.3(InnerDiameter 39.1 mm), twice each(-200 mmHg) on silicon plate. We injected water and air at regular intervals in cupping cups by using a syringe, and then measured change of pressure in cupping cups and pressure at the time of dropout. Results : (1) Pressure reduction was $4.75{\pm}2.78%$ on average in the order of 'Disposable[A]>reusable[B]>Disposable[B]>reusable[A]', so that pressure retention performance of disposable cups can't be regarded as inferior to that of reusable cups. (2) Pressure of disposable cupping B(size.1) decreased by an average of -40.08 mmHg per 5 ml of water. At -24.8 mmHg, when 22 ml of water has been injected, cup has come off. Pressure of disposable cupping B(size. 3) decreased by an average of -99.4 mmHg per 5 ml of water. At -48.6 mmHg, when 13 ml of water was injected, cupping came off. Conclusions : Considering reduction rate of pressure due to water injection, in case of bleeding more than 15 ml, size.3 cup always comes off, therefore it needs to be re-operated at least once. Meanwhile, size.1 cup does not always come off in the same condition, depending on the initial pressure and therefore, re-operation may be considered.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.207-217
• /
• 2015

A multi-cup electric cupping system (MECS) was proposed, based on the ancient cupping method. MECS consisted of several cups that could be used simultaneously to treat 85 lumbago patients. Each cup was equipped with its own pump and pressure-monitoring system. The vacuum pressure of the cups was controlled using fuzzy logic. Through automated control of the vacuum pressure, long-term relief of muscle tightness was achieved. To develop a scientific foundation for this alternative treatment, we compared the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores from conventional basic cupping to the ODI scores for our proposed MECS. The ODI scores using MECS decreased from $11.71{\pm}1.61$ before treatment to $4.81{\pm}1.48$ and $1.87{\pm}1.61$ after three and five treatments, respectively. The improvement rate in the ODI scores using MECS after three treatments was higher than that achieved by basic cupping. These results, combined with the convenience offered by enhanced information technology and fuzzy logic capabilities, should increase the efficiency of this device, and facilitate the opportunity to further explore the potential of Oriental medical practices.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
• /
• v.17 no.11
• /
• pp.1363-1373
• /
• 2014

In this study, a hybrid multi-cup electric cupping system (HMECS) was proposed, based on the ancient cupping method. HMECS consisted of several cups that could be used simultaneously to treat different areas of the patient's body. Each cup was equipped with its own pump and pressure-monitoring system. Moreover, the vacuum pressure of the cups was controlled using fuzzy logic. Through automated control of the vacuum pressure, long-term relief of muscle tightness was achieved. To develop a scientific foundation for this alternative treatment, we compared the VAS(Visual Analog Scale) and ODI(Oswestry Disability Index) scores from conventional basic cupping to the VAS and ODI scores for our proposed HMECS. The improvement rate in the VAS and ODI scores using HMECS after three treatments was higher than that achieved by basic cupping. These results, combined with the convenience offered by enhanced IT capabilities, should increase the popularity of this device among an aging society, and facilitate the opportunity to further explore the potential of Oriental medical practices.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.169-191
• /
• 2008

Objectives : This study was performed to report the present situation of the cupping treatment to make standardization of cupping treatment in Korea. Methods : We searched relevant case reports, surveys, and review articles using a databases of online bibliography. And we had research to oriental medical doctor with questionnaire about the cupping treatment. Results : 1. Cupping treatment is used for diagnoisis, protection and treatment for many kinds of diseases such as musculoskeletal diseases, internal diseases, sequela of cerebral attacks and so on in Korea. 2. Adequate cupping area is the area of lesion. 3. Cupping time and pressure are various. 4. Adequate amount of venesection is 10cc. 5. Adequate dry cupping term is 1 time/day and adequate wet cupping term is 1 time/2~3days. 6. Cognition of adverse reaction of cupping treatment is different among the doctors. 7. Method of disinfection of cup is different among the doctors. Conclusions : The result of this study will help to make the a guideline of cupping treatment. And we have to go ahead studying to make standardization of cupping treatment.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2010

Objectives : The mechanical properties of Korean electric cupping systems are studied via experimental measurements. The study aimed at establishing the fundamentals of industrialization and systemization of oriental medicine device industry, as well as improving the quality of life for many Koreans. Methods : We reviewed the studies on traditional cupping as well as modern one to fine necessary factors for electric cupping systems. To characterize the mechanical properties of Korean electric cupping systems, we measured the pressure characteristics of commercially available electric cupping system by using an automatic pressure acquisition system and a standard cup. The pumping capability was checked at 40 seconds, and the stability of the suction cup was checked at 600 seconds. We also acquired the noise level of each system in clinical setting. To check the portability of each system, we also measured its physical dimensions. We scrutinized system manuals provided by the system manufacturers. Results : It took less than 5 second to reach the pressure if the connection between the air hose and the vacuum valve of the cupping system was secure. Pressure diminished to no more than 10% for 600s for all systems. Noise levels were 55~70 dB. Increase in pressure was too fast to control for a designated vacuum level except for one product. Conclusions : The Pumping ability of the systems is impressive and reliable. Pressure retention ability of each cup is quite reliable and reproducible. Therefore, their mechanical performances were worthy of recommendation. Some of them had noise level higher than 60 dB and they were bothersome. It was also suggested that the control for low to middle pressure needed to be accomplished by the cupping system.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.38 no.1
• /
• pp.41-46
• /
• 2021

Background: Pressure changes related to temperature variation during cupping may lead to dropout. This study aimed to investigate pressure changes related to temperature variations in the cup during the cupping procedure. Methods: Changes in temperature and pressure were measured for 15 minutes after the procedure was performed using the alcohol rub method with glass cups and with the addition of infrared irradiation. Changes in temperature and pressure were also measured for 15 minutes after pumping 3 times using the valve suction method, and with the addition of infrared irradiation. Results: In a comparison between the alcohol rub method with glass cups and with the addition of infrared irradiation, the negative pressure increased over time in the absence of infrared irradiation, whereas it decreased when performed with infrared irradiation p = 0.094. However, in a comparison between pumping 3 times using the valve suction method, and with the addition of infrared irradiation, the negative pressure decreased in both cases, but this was more significant with infrared irradiation p = 0.172. There was a significantly higher temperature in the glass cups (p = 0.004) and the valve cups (p = 0.001) exposed to infrared radiation, compared with no infrared irradiation. Conclusion: The reduction in negative pressure inside the cups exposed to infrared radiation was greater than without infrared irradiation. Temperature increases inside the cup can lead to the risk of dropout.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.250-259
• /
• 2012

Objectives : In this study, it has aimed to search cupping therapy standardization research course by reviewing former studies. Methods : It has reviewed articles about cupping therapy, published in South Korea. Review focused on cupping therapy treating methods. Results : Articles about cupping therapy is slightly increasing. Clinical study was the most popular study method. It has most used non-bleeding cupping therapy, and bleeding cupping therapy is next. Treating time was very various and there were no tendency or trends about treating time. Pressure inside cup has used from 30 mmHg to 600 mmHg, and pressure of 600 mmHg used mostly. Conclusions : As a result of this study, it is considered that data and standard about pressure and treating time is required. And it should be focus on pressure and treating time to standardizing cupping therapy.