Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Symptoms

The main manifestation is headache, which may occur suddenly or develop slowly, with recurrent episodes that can be intermittent. The pain can be located in the forehead, temples, vertex, nape, or throughout the entire head. The duration of the pain can vary from minutes to hours, days, or even weeks, and in severe cases, it may persist for a long time.

Causes

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the main causes of headaches include invasion by external pathogens such as wind, cold, dampness, and heat, stagnation of blood obstructing the brain meridians, and phlegm turbidity clouding the brain orifices.

1. Retention Cupping Method

The patient should lie supine, and the retention cupping method is applied at the Yintang (印堂) point, Taiyang (太阳) point, and Yangbai (阳白) point. The cups should be left in place for 10 minutes. This can be done daily or every other day, with 3 sessions constituting one treatment course.

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Then, the patient should lie on their side with the affected side up, and the retention cupping method is applied at the Fengchi (风池) point for 10 to 15 minutes. This can also be done daily or every other day, with 3 sessions constituting one treatment course.

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

2. Moving Cupping Method

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

The moving cupping method is applied along the Du Mai (督脉) on the back and the inner pathway of the Bladder Meridian (足太阳膀胱经). This can be done daily or every other day, with 3 sessions constituting one treatment course.

3. Bloodletting Cupping Method

The bloodletting cupping method is applied at the Yintang (印堂) and Taiyang (太阳) points. This can be done daily or every other day, with 3 sessions constituting one treatment course.

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Cupping Therapy for Headaches

Note:

Ensure adequate rest and maintain a quiet environment with appropriate lighting.

Adapt to seasonal changes, maintain suitable temperature, keep a regular schedule, and engage in physical exercise to strengthen the body and resist external pathogens.

For headaches caused by internal injuries, it is advisable to maintain a pleasant mood, avoid nerve stimulation, and ensure rest.

Patients with liver yang rising headaches should avoid rich, greasy, and spicy foods to prevent heat and wind from worsening the condition.

All headache patients should refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol.

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Cupping Therapy for Headaches

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