Shan Guàn (Flash Cupping) therapy is a unique external treatment method in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cupping therapy, playing an important role in alleviating various disease symptoms and promoting health recovery. It is favored by patients for its simplicity and significant efficacy.
As the name suggests, Shan Guàn refers to the repeated lifting and dropping (i.e., cupping and releasing) at the same site to achieve specific therapeutic goals. This therapy generates strong stimulation through the rapid suction and release of the cupping vessel on the skin, meridians, and acupuncture points, promoting local blood circulation and regulating the balance of Qi and blood, thereby achieving therapeutic effects such as unblocking meridians, dispelling wind and dampness, invigorating blood circulation, and reducing swelling and pain.
Shan Guàn can also be used to treat facial paralysis. During the acute phase of facial paralysis, especially peripheral facial paralysis, Shan Guàn therapy can effectively promote local blood circulation of the facial nerve and improve symptoms of facial nerve dysfunction.
During Shan Guàn treatment, a smaller diameter fire cupping vessel is generally selected. A burning cotton ball is held in the cupping vessel for 1-2 seconds, then quickly applied to the facial acupuncture points, held for one second, and then quickly removed. This process is repeated, gradually moving from the corners of the mouth upwards on the face. At the same time, Shan Guàn therapy can be combined with other treatment methods, such as neuro-nourishing medications, medications to reduce facial nerve edema, herbal treatments, acupuncture, and facial massage, to achieve better therapeutic effects. Common acupuncture points for patients with facial paralysis include Si Bai (Sibai), Di Cang (Dicang), Jia Che (Jia Che), and Yin Tang (Yintang), all of which can promote the recovery of the peripheral facial nerve.
Other Indications for Flash Cupping Therapy 1. Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome: For joint pain and muscle soreness caused by invasion of wind, cold, and dampness, Shan Guàn therapy can effectively dispel wind and dampness, alleviating pain. 2. Soft Tissue Injuries:Such as sprains and contusions, Shan Guàn can promote the dissipation of local bruising and accelerate tissue repair. 3. Cough and Cold:Performing Shan Guàn on the back along the Bladder Meridian and at the Fei Shu (Pulu) point can help disperse lung Qi and relieve cough, alleviating cold symptoms. 4. Skin Diseases:Such as urticaria and eczema, Shan Guàn can improve local microcirculation, promote inflammation resolution, and relieve skin itching.Advantages of Flash Cupping 1. During Shan Guàn, the air inside the cupping vessel is evacuated to create negative pressure, allowing the vessel to tightly adhere to the skin surface, exerting a pulling effect on the skin and superficial muscles, which helps improve local blood circulation and promote metabolism. 2. Thermal Effect: Although the cupping vessel does not maintain a long-term negative pressure state, the frequent suction and release can still raise the local tissue temperature, promoting capillary dilation, enhancing local tissue nutrient supply, and accelerating waste elimination. 3. Meridian Regulation: Shan Guàn therapy can stimulate meridian acupuncture points, invigorating Qi flow and regulating organ functions, achieving the therapeutic effect of “where there is flow, there is no pain.”
Precautions 1. Pregnant women, areas with skin lesions, regions with dense distribution of large blood vessels and nerves, and those with high fever and convulsions should not undergo Shan Guàn therapy. 2. Keep Warm and Avoid Wind: After Shan Guàn, the skin pores are open and susceptible to wind and cold invasion, so it is important to keep warm and avoid direct wind exposure. 3. Observe Reactions: During and after Shan Guàn, closely monitor the patient’s reactions. If any discomfort occurs, immediately stop the procedure and manage appropriately. 4. Avoid Frequent Operations: Repeated Shan Guàn on the same area should be avoided to prevent skin and tissue damage. Shan Guàn therapy, as a safe and effective external rehabilitation method in TCM, plays an important role in alleviating various disease symptoms and promoting health recovery. However, its application must follow professional guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness. Our hospital’s Neurology Rehabilitation Center offers various specialized rehabilitation treatments for patients with facial paralysis, soft tissue injuries, neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain, including Shan Guàn therapy, acupuncture, facial massage, herbal treatments, exercise therapy, and physical factor therapy, with significant efficacy. We welcome patients to consult and receive treatment, and we will provide personalized rehabilitation plans tailored to patients with our exquisite techniques and professional equipment, offering more professional, precise, and effective treatments, becoming your health guardian on the road to recovery!
Rehabilitation Department Location: Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Hongqi District, 4th Floor, Area ARehabilitation Outpatient: Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Hongqi District, 4th Floor, C Area, Room 426Department Phone: 0431-86178398
Source: Neurology Rehabilitation CenterInitial Review: Bi HangqiRe-review: Wang Shuang
Final Review: Guo Jiajun
Hospital Address Hongqi District: 1478 Gongnong Dalu, Changchun City 0431-86178018 Children’s Treatment Center: 185 Shenzhen Street, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Changchun City 0431-81953838 Obstetrics and Gynecology Treatment Center: 2 Shenzhen Street, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Changchun City 0431-80568666 Preventive Health (Chronic Disease Management Center), Acupuncture and Massage Center: 177 Gongnong Nan Hutong, Gongnong Dalu, Changchun City Nongan Branch: Intersection of Changbai Highway and Dongsheng Road, Shaoguo Town, Nongan County 0431-81877999 Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital Baishan Hospital: 3052 Changbai Mountain Avenue, Hunchun District, Baishan City, Jilin Province 0439-5080906 Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital Dingxi Hospital: 31 Jiefang Road, Anding District, Dingxi City, Gansu Province 0932-8213301
