In autumn, the climate is dry and temperatures are moderate. These weather characteristics make cupping therapy particularly beneficial for expelling cold and dampness, thereby alleviating discomfort caused by cold and damp pathogens. If the cold and dampness are not dispelled early, they may linger, and the gathering of dampness during winter can lead to the combination of wind, cold, and dampness, resulting in wind-cold-damp syndrome. “Preventing disease before it occurs” is essential to manage wind-cold-damp syndrome at its onset; “preventing transformation of existing disease” is crucial to stop dampness from combining with other pathogens, which could lead to other illnesses.
1. Historical Origins of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy, as an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a history of thousands of years. It is recorded in the “Huangdi Neijing” (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine): “For treating cold, use fire to attack it.” The wisdom of ancient people utilized the power of fire to heat the air inside the cup, which is then quickly applied to the skin, creating negative pressure to unblock meridians and dispel cold and dampness. Cupping therapy is not only widely practiced in China but has also spread globally, becoming one of the recognized natural therapies.
2. Unique Benefits of Cupping Therapy in Autumn
1. Expelling Cold and DampnessIn autumn, due to the drop in temperature and increase in humidity, the body is susceptible to invasion by cold and damp pathogens. Cupping therapy can expel these internal cold and dampness through its negative pressure effect, thereby improving overall health.2. Alleviating PainWhen the cupping device adheres to the skin, it causes local congestion, stimulating white blood cells to engulf viruses while accelerating blood circulation, which helps eliminate toxins from the blood, thus alleviating pain. It is suitable for various pain symptoms, such as neck and shoulder pain, and lower back pain.3. Accelerating MetabolismCupping therapy can dilate blood vessels, increasing the speed of blood flow within the body and promoting metabolic rates. When metabolism is normalized, the body’s nutritional needs are met, enhancing immune function.4. Regulating Organ FunctionCupping can stimulate acupoints on the back, which correspond to internal organs. By stimulating these acupoints, cupping can enhance the efficiency and physiological functions of the organs.
3. Indications for Cupping Therapy
1. Internal diseases such as colds, coughs, stomach pain, and indigestion;2. Orthopedic conditions such as cervical spondylosis, stiff neck, lumbar disc herniation, lumbar muscle strain, shoulder periarthritis, and rheumatic pain;3. Gynecological issues such as menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, and mastitis;4. Dermatological conditions such as shingles and eczema;5. ENT disorders such as toothache, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and sore throat.
4. Post-Cupping Care
After cupping, the skin may show red or purple marks, which is a normal phenomenon and should not cause excessive concern. However, to avoid infection, do not scratch the cupping marks. Additionally, it is important to keep warm after cupping, avoiding exposure to wind and cold. It is best not to bathe on the day of cupping to prevent cold pathogens from invading through open pores.
The Hejin City Maternal and Child Health Care Center offers TCM therapies, including the following services:
Address: Fifth Floor, Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Center, Hejin City Maternal and Child Health Care Center
Phone: 0359—5357522 13393595183
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