CHP Hijama Cupping Theory & History 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of cupping uses heat—such as a burning cotton ball briefly inserted into the cup—to create suction before application?
- Mechanical pump cupping
- Flash cupping
- Fire cupping (Correct answer)
- Magnetic cupping
Correct answer: Fire cupping
Fire cupping uses a brief flame inside the cup to consume oxygen, creating a vacuum so the cup adheres to the skin by suction.
Question 2: In hijama theory, what is the primary purpose of making superficial incisions on the skin before applying the cup for the second time?
- To sterilize the area
- To allow stagnant or 'toxic' blood and fluids to be drawn out (Correct answer)
- To stimulate nerve endings for pain relief
- To mark acupoints permanently
Correct answer: To allow stagnant or 'toxic' blood and fluids to be drawn out
The incisions allow the negative pressure of the cup to extract stagnant blood and interstitial fluids believed to carry metabolic waste.
Question 3: The concept of 'sliding cupping' or 'massage cupping' differs from stationary cupping in that the practitioner:
- Uses deeper incisions before sliding
- Moves the cup across lubricated skin to cover a broader area (Correct answer)
- Applies cups for less than 30 seconds at each site
- Stacks multiple cups directly on top of each other
Correct answer: Moves the cup across lubricated skin to cover a broader area
In sliding cupping, oil is applied to the skin and the practitioner glides the cup along muscle groups to create a broader massage-like effect.
Question 4: According to hijama theory, which moon phase is traditionally considered optimal for treatment, particularly for preventive sessions?
- New moon (1st of the lunar month)
- The middle of the lunar month (15th–17th) (Correct answer)
- The last quarter of the lunar month
- Any phase is equally effective
Correct answer: The middle of the lunar month (15th–17th)
Prophetic traditions and classical hijama texts recommend the 17th, 19th, or 21st of the lunar month when blood is believed to be most active and closer to the skin surface.
Question 5: In TCM-influenced cupping practice, the color and appearance of the cup mark (ecchymosis) is used diagnostically. A very dark purple mark is generally interpreted as indicating:
- Healthy circulation with no stagnation
- Significant blood or Qi stagnation in that area (Correct answer)
- Excess cold in the body only
- Proper lymphatic drainage
Correct answer: Significant blood or Qi stagnation in that area
In TCM theory, dark purple marks suggest pronounced blood stagnation, while lighter pink marks indicate better circulation with less pathology.
Question 6: Which physiological mechanism is cited in modern research as potentially explaining the analgesic effect of cupping therapy?
- Direct antibiotic effect on pathogens
- Release of endorphins and activation of the gate control theory of pain (Correct answer)
- Neutralization of stomach acid
- Stimulation of bone marrow production
Correct answer: Release of endorphins and activation of the gate control theory of pain
Research suggests cupping may trigger endorphin release and stimulate large-diameter nerve fibers, consistent with the gate control theory of pain modulation.
Question 7: Flash cupping is a technique in which cups are applied and removed rapidly in succession. Its primary traditional purpose is to:
- Create deep bruising for diagnostic purposes
- Stimulate superficial Qi and Blood flow and treat numbness or paralysis (Correct answer)
- Perform deep tissue wet cupping
- Replace fire cupping entirely
Correct answer: Stimulate superficial Qi and Blood flow and treat numbness or paralysis
Flash cupping is used to invigorate superficial circulation, warm the area, and is particularly indicated for skin numbness or mild paralysis conditions in TCM.
CHP Hijama Cupping Theory & History 3
Which type of cupping uses heat—such as a burning cotton ball briefly inserted into the cup—to create suction before application?