Suction cups placed at various points on the body create a vacuum that draws toxins to the surface of the skin. This stimulates the person's protective energy and consequently their immune system. The skin is the body's largest organ, and because it has the richest circulation it clears toxins quickly and efficiently.

A vacuum is created inside the cup by burning a taper for a moment in the cup, then immediately placing the cup down over the selected area. The taper flame exhausts all the oxygen in the cup thus creating a vacuum that has the effect of drawing the skin up beneath the cup. The effect of this is to encourage the flow of Chi and Blood in the area beneath the cup. By moving the Chi and Blood, local stagnation and pain can be cleared, Chi flows more smoothly, enhancing its function. In the case of Protective Chi this is to fight disease.