CUPPING APPARATUS

Abstract

The apparatus for cupping includes a cupping bell, a suction chamber, and a piston member with a handle and piston skirt. The suction chamber connects to the cupping bell, and actuation of the piston member through the suction chamber creates a vacuum in the cupping bell. Skin and soft tissue adjacent to the opened end of the cupping bell is suctioned into the cupping bell for cupping therapy of the treatment area. The suction chamber has a locking device cooperative with a locking notch on the piston so that dimensions of the piston member correspond to set levels of suction in the cupping bell with continuous pressure when increasing suction during a treatment. The cupping bell has a flared portion for engaging the treatment area with less trauma and pain for the patient.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cupping, comprising: a cupping bell having a generally cylindrical body having a closed end and an opened end; a suction chamber being in fluid connection to said closed end and having a generally tubular body having a bottom end and a top end, said suction chambering being comprised of a locking means at said top end; and a piston member being housed in said suction chamber and movable within said suction chamber between said bottom end and said top end, wherein said piston member is comprised of a piston skirt in sealing engagement to said suction chamber, a handle extending out of said top end of said suction chamber, and a locking notch cooperative with said locking means, said locking notch being positioned between said piston skirt and said handle.

2. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 1, wherein said piston member is further comprised of a shaft and a first plurality of ribs radially mounted around said shaft, wherein said piston member has a first configuration with said locking means aligned with said locking notch so as to pass said shaft through said locking means when creating a first vacuum, and wherein said piston member has a second configuration with said locking means engaged to said locking notch so as to hold said first plurality of ribs relative to said locking means after passing through said locking means, said first vacuum being set in said cupping bell.

3. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 2, wherein said locking means is comprised of a slot corresponding to a cross-section of said shaft and said first plurality of ribs, said shaft and said first plurality of ribs being aligned with said slot in said first configuration, said first plurality of ribs being in friction fit engagement to said slot by rotation of said shaft in said second configuration.

4. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 2, wherein said locking means is comprised of a switch and an insert, said shaft and said first plurality of ribs being aligned with said locking means in said first configuration, said insert being in a retracted position, said first plurality of ribs being in friction fit engagement to said locking means by actuation of said switch in said second configuration, said insert being in an extended position so as to engage said first plurality of ribs.

5. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 2, wherein each of said ribs of said first plurality of ribs is comprised of a flange of said first plurality of ribs, each flange of said first plurality of ribs having a first length extending along said shaft.

6. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 2, wherein said piston member is further comprised of a second plurality of ribs radially mounted around said shaft, said second plurality of ribs being positioned between said locking notch and said piston skirt, wherein said piston member has a third configuration with said locking means aligned with said locking notch so as to pass said shaft through said locking means when creating a second vacuum, and wherein said piston member has a fourth configuration with said locking means engaged to said locking notch so as to hold said second plurality of ribs relative to said locking means after passing through said locking means, said second vacuum being set in said cupping bell.

7. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 6, wherein said locking means is comprised of a slot corresponding to a cross-section of said shaft and said first plurality of ribs, said shaft and said first plurality of ribs being aligned with said slot in said first configuration, said first plurality of ribs being in friction fit engagement to said slot by rotation of said shaft from said first configuration to said second configuration, said shaft and said second plurality of ribs being aligned with said slot in said third configuration by rotation of said shaft from said second configuration to said third configuration, said second plurality of ribs being in friction fit engagement to said slot by rotation of said shaft from said third configuration to said fourth configuration.

8. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 6, wherein said locking means is comprised of a switch and an insert, said shaft and said first plurality of ribs being aligned with said locking means in said first configuration, said insert being in a retracted position, said first plurality of ribs being in friction fit engagement to said locking means by actuation of said switch in said second configuration, said insert being in an extended position so as to engage said first plurality of ribs said shaft and said second plurality of ribs being aligned with said locking means by actuation of said switch in said third configuration, said insert being in said retracted position, said second plurality of ribs being in friction fit engagement to said locking means 38 by actuation of said switch in said fourth configuration, said insert being in said extended position so as to engage said second plurality of ribs.

9. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 6, wherein each of said ribs of said first plurality of ribs is comprised of a flange of said first plurality of ribs, each flange of said first plurality of ribs having a first length extending along said shaft, and wherein each of said ribs of said second plurality of ribs is comprised of a flange of said second plurality of ribs, each flange of said second plurality of ribs having a second length extending along said shaft.

10. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 6, wherein suction of said second vacuum is greater than suction of said first vacuum.

11. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 9, wherein said first length of each flange of said first plurality of ribs determines said first vacuum, and wherein said second length of each flange of said second plurality of ribs determines said second vacuum.

12. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 1, wherein said bottom end of said suction chamber extends into said cupping bell below said closed end of said cupping bell.

13. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 1, further comprising: a spring means between said locking means and said piston skirt.

14. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 1, further comprising: a flared portion on said opened end of said cupping bell, said flared portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of said cupping bell.

15. The apparatus for cupping, according to claim 14, said flared portion having an angled surface less than 90 degrees relative to said cylindrical body of said cupping bell.

16. A method for cupping, comprising the step of: assembling a cupping apparatus 10 comprised of: a cupping bell having a generally cylindrical body having a closed end and an opened end; a suction chamber being in fluid connection to said closed end and having a generally tubular body having a bottom end and a top end, said suction chambering being comprised of a locking means at said top end; and a piston member being housed in said suction chamber and movable within said suction chamber between said bottom end and said top end, wherein said piston member is comprised of a piston skirt in sealing engagement to said suction chamber, a handle extending out of said top end of said suction chamber, and a locking notch cooperative with said locking means, said locking notch being positioned between said piston skirt and said handle. setting said opened end of said cupping bell against a treatment area of a patient; actuating said piston member from said bottom end toward said top end; engaging said locking means with said locking notch so as to create an initial vacuum with said treatment area and said cupping bell.

17. The method for cupping, according to claim 16, wherein said piston member means is comprised of a shaft and a first plurality of ribs radially mounted around said shaft, wherein said piston member has a first configuration with said locking means aligned with said locking notch so as to pass said shaft through said locking means when creating a first vacuum, and wherein said piston member has a second configuration with said locking means engaged to said locking notch so as to hold said first plurality of ribs relative to said locking means after passing through said locking means, said first vacuum being set in said cupping bell, wherein said step of actuating said piston member comprises: pulling said shaft and said first plurality of ribs through said locking means, and wherein said step of engaging said locking means comprises: changing said piston member from said first configuration to said second configuration, said first vacuum being said initial vacuum.

18. The method for cupping, according to claim 17, wherein said piston member is further comprised of a second plurality of ribs radially mounted around said shaft, said second plurality of ribs being positioned between said locking notch and said piston skirt, wherein said piston member has a third configuration with said locking means aligned with said locking notch so as to pass said shaft through said locking means when creating a second vacuum, and wherein said piston member has a fourth configuration with said locking means engaged to said locking notch so as to hold said second plurality of ribs relative to said locking means after passing through said locking means, said second vacuum being set in said cupping bell, said method further comprising the steps of: changing said piston member from said second configuration to said third configuration; pulling said shaft and said second plurality of ribs through said locking means; and changing said piston member from said third configuration to said fourth configuration, said second vacuum being different from said initial vacuum and said first vacuum.

19. The method for cupping, according to claim 16, wherein said cupping bell has a continuous vacuum when said piston member moves from said second configuration to said fourth configuration.

20. The method for cupping, according to claim 16, wherein said cupping apparatus further comprises a spring means between said locking means and said piston skirt, the method further comprising the step of: releasing said initial vacuum by actuation of said spring means.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus for cupping according to the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus for cupping according to the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view along a longitudinal axis of the piston member, showing an embodiment of the apparatus with a spring.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view along a longitudinal axis of the piston member, showing a first configuration with the shaft passing through the locking means and another embodiment of the flared portion.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view along a longitudinal axis of the piston member, showing a second configuration with the first plurality of ribs locked relative to the locking means.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-section view along a longitudinal axis of the piston member, showing a third configuration with the second plurality of ribs passing through the locking means.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view along a longitudinal axis of the piston member, showing a fourth configuration with the second plurality of ribs held relative to the locking means, consistent with FIG. 2 and still another embodiment of the flared portion.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view along a longitudinal axis of the piston member, showing a second configuration with the first plurality of ribs locked relative to another embodiment of a locking means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Cupping therapy previously relied upon expertise and dexterity of the individual therapist to control the amount of suction of each cup. The skill in managing ignition by open flame to heat air within each cup required practice and experience. As a result, mechanically creating the suction developed to increase accessibility of safe cupping therapy. The known mechanical cupping systems have relied on threaded engagement and pulling action, but lack control and consistency. Just as heating to the correct amount for the correct vacuum required expertise, mechanically creating a consistent vacuum required expertise.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, the present invention includes embodiments of an apparatus 10 for cupping. The apparatus 10 allows for consistent pre-determined vacuum levels to be created by mechanical action. Less training is required, and a patient may be able to operate the apparatus 10 on himself or herself, depending upon the location of the treatment area on the body. The apparatus 10 includes a cupping bell 20, a suction chamber 30, and a piston member 40. The cupping bell 20 has a generally cylindrical body 22, and there is a closed end 24 and an opened end 26. The opened end 26 faces the treatment area on the body of the patient. The suction chamber 30 is in fluid connection with the closed end 24 so that a vacuum created by in the suction chamber corresponds to a vacuum in the cupping bell 20. The suction chamber 30 has a generally tubular body 32 with a bottom end 34 and a top end 36. In some embodiment, the bottom end 34 can extend below the closed end 24 and into the volume of the cupping bell 20. FIGS. 1-7 also show one embodiment of a locking means 38 of the suction chamber 30 between the bottom end 34 and the top end 36. FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of another locking means 38. The piston member 40 is housed in the suction chamber 30 and movable back and forth between the bottom end 34 and the top end 36. There is a locking notch 50 on the piston member 40 between the handle 44 and the piston skirt 42. The locking means 38, 38 of the suction chamber 30 is cooperative with the locking notch 50 of the piston member 40.

[0033] FIGS. 1-8 show an embodiment of the piston member 40 comprising a piston skirt 42, a handle 44, and a locking notch 50 between the piston skirt 42 and the handle 44. The piston skirt 42 is in sealing engagement to walls of the suction chamber 30. Suction is created by increasing the volume for the air in the cupping bell 20. Embodiments of the piston skirt 42 include at least one 0-ring for the seal against the tubular body 32 of the suction chamber 30. FIGS. 1-8 show two 0-rings around an end of the piston member 40 at the bottom end 34. The handle 44 is shown extending out of the top end 36 of the suction chamber 30. The handle 44 can be gripped by the hand of the user, and the shape and dimensions facilitate grasping for pulling and rotating the piston member 40. FIGS. 1-2 show a polygonal shape with sides for grasping by hand.

[0034] Embodiments of the locking notch 50 include a mechanical interaction for the position of the piston member 40 relative to the bottom end 34 of the suction chamber 30. In one embodiment, the piston member 40 includes the locking notch 50 between the piston skirt 42 and the handle, a shaft 52 and a first plurality 54 of ribs radially mounted around the shaft 52. The first plurality 54 of ribs is between the locking notch 50 and the handle 44. FIG. 4 shows the piston member 40 in a first configuration with the locking means 38 aligned with the locking notch 50 so as to pass the shaft 52 through the locking means 38. Pulling action on the piston member 40 creates a first vacuum in the cupping bell 20. FIG. 5 shows the piston member 40 in a second configuration with the locking means 38 engaged to the locking notch 50 to hold the first plurality 54 of ribs relative to the locking means 50. FIG. 5 shows the ribs friction fit against the locking means 38. The pulling action for the first vacuum set in the cupping bell 20 is now controlled. The pulling action is no longer variable. The amount of pulling action is determined by the size of the first plurality 54 of ribs. The first vacuum with a set amount of suction is standardized.

[0035] FIGS. 2 and 4-5 show an embodiment of the locking means 38 comprised of a slot 39 corresponding to a cross-section 56 of the shaft and the first plurality of ribs. The first configuration has the shaft 52 and first plurality 54 of ribs aligned with the slot 39 (FIG. 4). The second configuration has the first plurality 54 of ribs in friction fit engagement to the slot 39 by rotation of the shaft 52 (FIG. 5). Action on the piston member 40, after the initial pulling action, holds the first plurality 54 of ribs against the locking means 38 after passing through the slot 39. The ribs are friction fit against the locking means 38 because the slot 39 and ribs are no longer aligned.

[0036] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the locking means 38 comprised of a switch 39 and an insert 39. The first configuration has insert 39 in the retracted position so that the shaft 52 and first plurality 54 of ribs align with the locking means 38. The second configuration has the first plurality 54 of ribs in friction fit engagement to the insert 39 in the extended position by actuation of the switch 39 (FIG. 8). Triggering the switch 39 to actuate the insert 39 relative to the piston member 40, after the initial pulling action, holds the first plurality 54 of ribs against the locking means 38 after passing through the locking means 38. The ribs are still friction fit against the locking plate 38 because insert 39 blocks the ribs. Other known mechanical locks can be the locking means 38, 38 of the present invention, including spring loaded triggers, lever, and other switches to hold the piston member 40 in placed relative to the suction chamber 30.

[0037] FIGS. 2-8 show embodiments of each of the ribs of the first plurality 54 of ribs as a flange 64. Each flange 64 of the first plurality 54 of ribs has set dimensions, including a first length extending along the shaft 52. The first length allows for mechanical control of the pulling action. The first vacuum is consistently determined by a displacement of the piston member 40 according to the first length. In this manner, each apparatus 10 can be uniformly and consistently applied to treatment areas on the body.

[0038] Another embodiment of the piston member 40 includes a second plurality 56 of ribs radially mounted around the shaft 52, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-7. The second plurality 56 of ribs is positioned between the first plurality 54 of ribs and the piston skirt 42. The third configuration has the shaft 52 and second plurality 56 of ribs aligned with the slot 39 (FIG. 6). The fourth configuration has the second plurality 56 of ribs in friction fit engagement to the slot 39 by rotation of the shaft 52 (FIG. 7). Action on the piston member 40, after another pulling action, holds the second plurality 54 of ribs against the locking means 38 after passing through the slot 39. The ribs are friction fit against the locking means 38 because the slot 39 and ribs are no longer aligned.

[0039] When the embodiment of the locking means 38 is the slot 39 of FIGS. 4-7, another twisting action and another pulling action pass the shaft 52 and second plurality 56 of ribs through the slot 39 so as to create a second vacuum in the cupping bell 20. FIGS. 2 and 7 show the piston member 40 in a fourth configuration with the locking notch 50 misaligned with the slot 39. In this embodiment, an additional twisting action on the piston member 40, after the other twisting action and the other pulling action, holds the second plurality 56 of ribs against the locking means 38 after passing through the slot 39. The ribs are friction fit against the locking means 38 because slot 39 and ribs are no longer aligned. The additional pulling action for the second vacuum set in the cupping bell 20 is also controlled. The additional pulling action is no longer variable, similar to the pulling action to set the first vacuum. The amount of the additional pulling action is determined by the size of the second plurality 56 of ribs. The second vacuum with a set amount of suction is also standardized. The suction of the second vacuum is greater than the suction of the first vacuum because the amount of volume created for the air in the cupping bell 2 is increased. In the embodiments of FIGS. 4-7, the slot 39 also corresponds to a cross-section of the shaft 52 and the second plurality 56 of ribs. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the insert 39 would be able to engage the second plurality 56 of ribs for a friction fit hold.

[0040] FIGS. 2-8 show embodiments of each of the ribs of the second plurality 56 of ribs as a flange 66. Each flange 66 of the second plurality 54 of ribs has set dimensions, including a second length extending along the shaft 52. The second length also allows for mechanical control of the additional pulling action. The second vacuum is consistently determined by a displacement of the piston member 40 according to the second length. The first length of each flange 64 of the first plurality 54 of ribs determines the first vacuum, and the second length of each flange 66 of the second plurality 56 of ribs determines the second vacuum.

[0041] FIGS. 2 and 4-7 show an embodiment of the locking means 38 with the cross-section of the shaft and the first plurality of ribs identical to the cross-section of the shaft and the second plurality of ribs, such that the second configuration corresponds to the fourth configuration. Similar twisting action controls the transition between the first configuration to the second configuration and the transition between the third configuration to the fourth configuration. When identical, the same amount of rotation of the shaft 52 can be used to lock and unlock the piston member 40 between configurations. However, other relationships between cross-sections are possible within the scope of the invention. The cross-section of the shaft and the first plurality of ribs can be different than the cross-section of the shaft and the second plurality of ribs. Different twisting action can differentiate between the configurations of the piston member 40 relative to the cupping bell 20. In the embodiment with each rib being a flange 64, 66, each flange 64 of the first plurality 54 of ribs is evenly distributed around the shaft 52, and each flange 66 of the second plurality 56 of ribs is also evenly distributed around the shaft 52. When evenly distributed, the direction of rotation can be either clockwise or counterclockwise. There can also be different patterns so that the twisting action may need to be in a particular direction to correspond to the proper cross-section and slot for the pre-determined vacuum and level of suction.

[0042] Additional pluralities of ribs can be set on the shaft 52 in other embodiments. The apparatus can have a third vacuum, fourth vacuum, etc., according to the number of pluralities. An apparatus can be specialized from beginner to advanced levels of suction. Additionally, the dimensions of the ribs can be different, such as different lengths of flanges. The increase in suction from the first vacuum to the second vacuum can be adjusted for beginner and advanced increases in levels of suction. There can be incremental increases as the treatment is suited to the user.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment with a spring means 60 between the locking means 38 and the piston skirt 42. When releasing either the first vacuum or the second vacuum, the spring means 60 can exert a force against the piston skirt 42. The additional force can trigger the release of the treatment area from the cupping bell 20. The force from the spring means 60 releases pressure by reducing the volume for the air of the cupping bell 20. The cupping bell 20 no longer holds the treatment area as tightly and can release each other. The release can be quicker than the existing threaded pistons, which depend on the size of threads and speed of rotation around the threads. The spring means 60 can be a coiled spring or other known tensioned element with stored potential energy. FIG. 3 shows a coiled spring extended in the first configuration and compressed in the second configuration. To unlock from the second configuration, the piston member 20 is twisted to align with the slot 39, and the first plurality 54 of ribs can pass back through the slot 39 of the locking means 38, instead of being pulled further to the fourth configuration for the second vacuum. FIG. 3 further shows the cupping bell 20 with the opened end 26 with a rim. In other embodiments, such as FIG. 8, the spring means 60 can be triggered by a switch or other mechanical action.

[0044] The embodiment of the opened end 26 in FIGS. 1-8 show embodiments of a flared portion 28, 28, 28 made integral with the cupping bell 20. The flared portion 28 has a diameter greater than a diameter of the cylindrical body 22 of the cupping bell 20. Embodiments of opened end 26 include a generally conical flared portion. There can be an angled surface less than 90 degrees relative to the cylindrical body 22 of the cupping bell 20. The diameter of the flared portion 28 is greater, and the amount of being greater is gradual along the angled surface. The flared portion 28 engages the skin of the treatment area instead of the rim of FIG. 3. FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 show the flared portion 28 for the whole cylindrical body. FIG. 3 shows the flared portion above the rim. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the flared portion 28 about one third of the cylindrical member 22 away from the suction chamber 30. FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the flared portion 28 about one fifth of the cylindrical member 22 away from the suction chamber 30. The flared portions 28, 28, 28 can have various proportions relative to the cylindrical body 22. The sealing engagement allows for less trauma to the skin with a more gradual increase of pressure.

[0045] The present invention includes the method for cupping with the apparatus 10. The cupping bell 20, the suction chamber 30, and the piston member 40 are assembled according to the invention. The opened end 26 of the cupping bell 20 is set against a treatment area of a patient. The treatment area is soft tissue, including skin. The blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the treatment area are the targets of the cupping therapy. The piston member 40 actuates from the bottom end 34 toward the top end 36 with the piston member 40. Then, the locking means 38 engages with the locking notch 50. The volume of air of the cupping bell 20 is increased to create an initial vacuum with the treatment area and the cupping bell 20.

[0046] In the embodiments of the method with the apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 4-7, the step of actuating the piston member 40 includes pulling the shaft 52 and the first plurality 54 of ribs through the locking means 38. The piston member 40 is in the first configuration shown in FIG. 4. The first plurality 54 of ribs is aligned with the locking means 38 to pass through the locking means 38. The step of engaging the locking means 38 can include changing the piston member 40 from the first configuration to the second configuration. For embodiments with the locking means 38 as a slot 39 of FIGS. 4-7, the shaft 52 is rotated. The cross-section of the shaft 52 and the first plurality 54 of ribs is no longer aligned so that the piston member 40 is locked in position relative to the cupping bell 20. For other embodiments, the switch can be flipped to change from the first configuration to the second configuration of the piston member 40. The initial vacuum is the first vacuum associated with the second configuration of FIG. 5.

[0047] With embodiments of the apparatus 10 with the second plurality 56 of ribs, the method includes changing the piston member 40 from the second configuration to the third configuration, pulling the shaft 52 and the second plurality 56 of ribs through the locking means 38, and changing the piston member 40 from the third configuration to the fourth configuration. For embodiments with the locking means 38 as a slot 39 of FIGS. 4-7, the shaft 52 is rotated. The cross-section of the shaft 52 and the second plurality 56 of ribs is no longer aligned so that the piston member 40 is locked in position relative to the cupping bell 20. For other embodiments, the switch can be flipped to change from the first configuration to the second configuration of the piston member 40. The fourth configuration corresponds to another locked position of the piston member 40 relative to the cupping bell 20 and the second vacuum. The second vacuum is different from the initial vacuum and the first vacuum. In particular, the second vacuum is stronger than the first vacuum because the volume for the air in the cupping bell 20 is increased.

[0048] In the present invention, there is a continuous vacuum when the piston member 40 moves from the second configuration to the fourth configuration. There is no gap or release to preserve suction on the treatment area. The method can increase suction by adjusting the apparatus without releasing and starting over. When the cupping therapy needs to end, either in the normal course of treatment or in an emergency, the method can include releasing the initial vacuum or first vacuum by actuation of a spring means 60. The method can also include releasing the second vacuum by actuation of the spring means 60. The spring means 60 facilitates the separation of the cupping bell 20 and the treatment area.

[0049] The present invention provides an embodiment of an apparatus for cupping with a mechanically created vacuum. A piston member moves through a suction chamber in fluid connection with the cupping bell of an apparatus, such that the piston member increases the volume for the air initially in the cupping bell. Since the cupping bell is sealed to a treatment area, the treatment area is exposed to a vacuum created in the cupping bell. The amount of suction in the cupping bell is set at pre-determined levels. These predetermined levels correspond to the physical structures of the piston member. The size of the ribs on the piston member set the levels of suction so that pulling action of the piston member through the suction chamber can be mechanically limited and mechanically locked. The pulling action is made simple and standard so that users with different skill levels can achieve the same functionality of the apparatus. Additionally, levels of suction can be repeated for consistent treatments. Levels of suction can be consistently increased so that treatments can be advanced according to patient needs and preferences.

[0050] Embodiments of an apparatus for cupping with a suction chamber can also reduce trauma to the skin around the treatment area. An opened end of the cupping bell with a flared portion gradually grips the skin to create a vacuum in a cupping bell. The skin around the treatment area is less severely damaged because the change in pressure around the cupping bell is no longer as extreme. The present invention provides a safe and consistent mechanically induced vacuum for reliable and controlled cupping therapy.

[0051] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated structures, construction and method can be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention.