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What is Cupping Therapy? What Should You Pay Attention To?
Cupping therapy has a long history in China, with records of the “Jiao Method” found in the Fifty-Two Diseases Formulas written during the Western Han Dynasty, which is similar to the later fire cupping therapy.
1: Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy uses cups as tools, utilizing heat to expel air from the cups, creating negative pressure that adheres to acupuncture points (腧穴, shùxué) or the surface of the body to promote local blood congestion and bruising, aiming to prevent and treat diseases. It is commonly used for conditions such as colds, headaches, insomnia, shoulder stiffness, low back pain, neck pain, stomach pain, dysmenorrhea, and herpes zoster.
Currently, there are many types of cupping devices, such as bamboo cups, ceramic cups, glass cups, and suction cups. The methods of cupping include fire cupping, boiling cupping, and suction cupping.
1. Retained Cupping: This method is often used for wind-cold-damp obstruction and pain in the neck, shoulders, waist, and legs.
2. Moving Cupping: This is commonly used for colds, coughs, and other symptoms.
3. Flash Cupping: Flash cupping is often used to treat muscle atrophy, local skin numbness, soreness, or some weaker conditions.
4. Needling Cupping: This method is often used for skin disorders such as acne.
2: What Are the Benefits of Cupping?1. Relieves Muscle Pain:
One of the most common effects of cupping is the relief of muscle pain. Through negative pressure suction, cupping can promote local blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate muscle soreness. It is an effective therapy for muscle pain caused by prolonged sitting, excessive exercise, or poor posture.
2. Improves Blood Circulation:
Cupping creates negative pressure that dilates local capillaries, increases blood flow, and improves circulation. This helps accelerate metabolism and aids the body in expelling toxins and waste.
3. Promotes Lymphatic Detoxification
The lymphatic system is an important detoxification system in the body. Cupping stimulates the lymphatic system, promoting lymph fluid flow, which helps accelerate the expulsion of toxins from the body, enhances immunity, and improves resistance.
4. Alleviates Cold Symptoms
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cupping is often used to alleviate cold symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and fever. Cupping on the back or chest can help clear meridians (经络, jīngluò) and expel cold from the body, relieving discomfort caused by colds.
5. Reduces Joint Pain
Cupping can also provide relief for joint pain such as arthritis and rheumatism. It can reduce inflammation around the joints, alleviate pain, and improve joint mobility.
6. Promotes Digestion
Cupping can stimulate specific acupuncture points on the back and abdomen, promoting the secretion of digestive juices, enhancing gastrointestinal motility, and helping to improve digestive function, alleviating issues such as indigestion and bloating.
7. Regulates Endocrine Function
Cupping can help regulate the body’s endocrine system, balance hormone levels, alleviate menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, and menopausal symptoms, benefiting women’s health.
3: Contraindications
1. Patients with severe heart disease.
2. Individuals with bleeding disorders.
3. Cancer patients.
4. Individuals with active pulmonary tuberculosis.
5. Pregnant women.
6. Individuals with high fever and convulsions.
Special Reminder!!!
Although cupping therapy is generally safe, if you experience dizziness, chest tightness, or nausea during the cupping process, be sure to communicate with your physician promptly.
