[The change of negative pressure in the cupping-cup and its influence on the depth of filiform-needle insertion].

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to observe the negative pressure in the cup during cupping, and to investigate the influence of negative pressure on the depth of filiform-needle inserted and retained. In the beginning, the change of pressure after cupping on acupoint BL23 for a span of 20 minutes was recorded. Acupuncture on acupoint BL23 was performed; the filiform-needle was retained and followed by cupping at different levels of negative pressure, and the changes of the depth of needle insertion was measured. The results showed the absolute value of the negative pressure in the cup goes down with time and is significantly lower after 20 minutes (P < 0.05); the negative pressure in the cup causes the retreat of the inserted needle; and under the same pressure, there is a greater length measurement in needle retreat for male than for female (P < 0.01). The length of needle retreat is related to the pressure in the cupping-cup and to gender.