Modern Cupping Vessels
Examples of Devices for Cupping
These are examples of different modern cupping vessels.
Chinese Style Molded Glass Cup
This is a Chinese style molded glass cup. Note the wide rolled rim which softens the impact of cupping on the skin. These cups are fairly ubiquitous in the cupping world, due to the fact that they work well, are very durable (have dropped several on a tile floor and they bounce, not break) and are relatively cheap. This mold is also used for vacuum gun cups because you can drill the small resting point on the top of the dome to fit a seal, but glass vacuum gun cups are comparatively expensive.
Different Sized Glass Cups
The glass cups come in different sizes for different parts of the body. I usually use the smallest for arm work and for the acupressure point/trigger point in the center of the subscapularis muscle.
Maltese Art Glass Cup
This is an art glass cup from Malta (Mtarfa/Valletta Glass). Note that it has a more vase like shape.
Set of Art Glass Cups
A set of art glass cups from Malta. Note the variance in shape since these are hand blown and not molded.
Plastic Cups
A set of plastic vacuum gun cups and the gun. Note that the rubber "lips" at the top are sometimes difficult to maintain a seal with and the rims are much smaller and apt to "cut" into the skin.
Bamboo Cups
A set of bamboo cups. These cups are used with fire cupping and with the more traditional form of cupping where they were boiled with a set of herbs for a specific remedy. The lip of these cups is very thin and usually are a bit uncomfortable. The bamboo also tends to split and crack in dry environments, sabotaging any attempt at a seal.