Cupping therapy, also known as zǒu guàn (走罐), is a treatment method that involves applying a vacuum cup to the skin over areas with more muscle, after applying petroleum jelly or essential oil, and moving the cup back and forth until the skin becomes red.
Effects:
The cupping therapy can dispel cold and dampness, unblock the meridians, eliminate stagnation, promote qi and blood circulation, and has the function of adjusting the balance of yin and yang in the body, relieving fatigue, and enhancing physical strength.
Pre-treatment Preparation:
1. Patients should wear loose clothing for ease of treatment.
2. Jewelry should be removed before the procedure to prevent scratches.
Indications:
1. Pain: For rheumatic pain and acute or chronic pain, it can help to unblock the meridians and invigorate blood circulation, thereby alleviating pain;
2. Heat symptoms: For symptoms caused by excess heat such as sore throat, constipation, and oral ulcers, it has a cooling and detoxifying effect;
3. Exogenous diseases: For conditions like colds, coughs, and digestive disorders, it can help regulate and relieve symptoms;
4. Skin diseases: For skin conditions like acne and herpes zoster without open ulcers, it can help expel toxins;
5. Others: It can also have therapeutic effects on insomnia, menopausal syndrome, and weight loss.
Contraindications:
1. Individuals with acute diseases.
2. Those with contact allergies or allergies to moxa smoke.
3. Individuals with unexplained internal bleeding.
4. Pregnant women, especially in the waist and abdomen.
5. Individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
6. Areas with severe unhealed wounds.
7. Individuals with infectious diseases.
8. Individuals with emotional agitation, mental illness, intoxication, or drug use.
Precautions:
1. Avoid performing the procedure immediately after excessive fatigue, hunger, fullness, extreme thirst, intoxication, etc.; wait until recovery before proceeding.
2. After treatment, drink a moderate amount of warm water.
3. Avoid direct exposure of the treated area to air conditioning or fans.
4. Do not bathe immediately after cupping; wait about 4-6 hours before showering.
5. Do not leave the cups on for too long to avoid blisters.
6. If small blisters appear, disinfect with iodine and cover with gauze; for larger blisters, puncture them, disinfect the skin with iodine, and then cover with gauze.
