Alternative Therapy for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Moving Cupping Along Meridians

The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of moving cupping along meridians therapy in treating AECOPD and demonstrate its efficacy, improving quality of life and alleviating symptoms. This protocol addresses the gap by providing a detailed description of the special technique of moving cupping therapy, enhancing treatment reproducibility, and offering a clear guide for researchers who don't have deep understanding of TCM. Compared to static cupping, moving cupping along meridians offers broader coverage and can stimulate multiple ac points, combining the benefits of cupping, gua sha and massage therapy.

To begin, ask the patient to take a prone position and fully expose the treatment site, including the waist and back. Evaluate the patient's skin condition. Stop the procedure immediately if any skin damage is observed.

Position the treatment site along the first sideline of the bladder meridian from Dazhu to Guanyuanshu. After cleaning hands thoroughly, using forceps, dip a cotton ball in saline solution and cleanse the patient's skin from top to bottom along the direction of the meridians. Then apply an appropriate amount of medicinal glycerin on the patient's back's skin.

Grasp the cup with one hand, keeping the opening facing downward. Use hemostatic forceps with the other hand to grip a cotton ball saturated with 95%ethanol. Now ignite the cotton ball.

Swiftly insert it through the cup's opening. Perform a few rotations in gentle agitations and then remove it. Quickly press the cup onto the skin of the treatment area and allow it to be adsorbed by the skin due to the negative pressure.

Monitor the patient's response by questioning them about any sensations experienced. Swiftly address and relieve any discomfort. After the cup is adsorbed, place one hand on the surrounding skin and stretch it taut.

Stabilize the cup with the other hand, using appropriate force. Exert a modest amount of force to smoothly move the cup down the first sideline of the bladder meridian, starting from Dazhu and ending at Guanyuanshu. Move the cup in an upward and downward motion, dragging it back and forth to effectively stimulate the meridian.

To lift the cup, firmly hold the lower portion with one hand. Use either the thumb or fingers of the other hand to apply pressure on the skin around the rim of the cup. Once the suction is reduced, remove the cup.

After lifting the cup, use sterilized cotton balls or gauze to gently wipe away the small water droplets on the purplish red spots at the cupping site. Ask the patient to lie flat for 30 minutes and observe them for any adverse reactions. If the spots are slightly painful and itchy, advise the patient not to scratch them to avoid infection.

Use paired T-tests for self before and after comparisons with a P value of less than 0.05 indicating statistically significant differences.