Cupping therapy, known in ancient times as “Jiao Fa,” originated from the use of animal horns as therapeutic tools. Many animal horns, such as those from cattle and sheep, are hollow, and when cut from the animal, they become natural cups. Although the classic TCM text “Huang Di Nei Jing” does not directly discuss cupping therapy, its principles align with the ideas that “wind and cold are the beginnings of all diseases, which must first invade the skin” and “a good practitioner treats the skin and hair.” The statement “when the stagnation is removed, the evil blood is expelled” serves as the theoretical foundation for the method of pricking and cupping. Through the exploration of generations of physicians, the technique has evolved into a relatively complete therapeutic system.
Cupping therapy is a popular health and treatment method in China, which involves creating a negative pressure by removing air from the cup, allowing it to adhere to specific areas on the body, such as meridians, acupoints, or painful areas. This causes the skin in the cupped area to become congested and bruised, promoting the smooth flow of qi and blood, thereby achieving the goal of disease prevention and treatment. Its simplicity, wide applicability, significant effects, and lack of toxic side effects have made it favored by many.
Fire cupping is the most commonly used cupping method
There are various methods and tools for cupping therapy. In simple terms, based on the method of air removal, cupping can be categorized into fire cupping, water cupping, suction cupping, and compression cupping. Based on the suction technique, it can be divided into flash cupping, retained cupping, sliding cupping, pricking cupping, needle cupping, and medicinal cupping. Depending on the material of the cups, they can be made from animal horns, bamboo, wood, ceramic, glass, rubber, or plastic. Among these, fire cupping is the most commonly used method, with glass cups being the most popular due to their transparency, allowing easy observation of the skin’s reaction. The most common suction techniques are flash cupping, retained cupping, and sliding cupping.
Flash cupping: This method involves applying the fire cup to the target area and then immediately removing it, repeating this process. Generally, it should be done multiple times until the skin at the cupped area becomes red and warm. During the procedure, the temperature of the cup should be monitored; if it feels too hot, another cup can be used. Flash cupping is relatively gentle and provides a strong warming sensation, making it particularly suitable for the elderly.
Retained cupping: This method involves leaving the fire cup on the target area for a period of time. Typically, the retention time should be between 5 to 15 minutes; too short a time may yield poor results, while too long may cause blisters and unnecessary damage to the skin. Retained cupping is the most widely used cupping method.
Sliding cupping: This method involves moving the cup back and forth after it has adhered to the skin, thereby expanding the treatment area. The specific procedure involves applying a lubricant, such as water, petroleum jelly, massage lotion, or herbal liquid, to the treatment area (often on the bladder meridian along the shoulder and lower back). A smooth glass cup is then applied to the skin, and while holding the base of the cup, it is slowly pushed and pulled up and down or side to side until the skin appears red, deep red, or develops petechiae. Flash cupping provides a strong stimulus, helping to expel stagnant cold and dampness from the internal organs and meridians, while also providing a massage effect. Due to its significant results, it is commonly used in clinical practice.
Common ailments treatable with cupping therapy
Common cold and fever The common cold is a frequent ailment, especially during seasonal transitions in spring and autumn. Cupping therapy is notably effective for this condition, often providing significant symptom relief after just one session. The method involves performing flash cupping on the neck and shoulders for 3-5 minutes, followed by sliding cupping from the Dazhui (大椎) point to the Jianjing (肩井) point, and from the Fengmen (风门) point to the Feishu (肺俞) point, finishing with retained cupping at the Dazhui, Jianjing, and Fengmen points for 5-10 minutes.
Neck and shoulder pain The incidence of neck and shoulder pain has significantly increased among modern individuals. Cupping therapy can greatly alleviate pain symptoms. The method involves performing flash cupping on the painful areas of the neck and shoulders, followed by sliding cupping from the Dazhui to the Jianjing, from the Dazhu (大杼) to the Ge Shu (膈俞), and at the Tianzong (天宗) point, concluding with retained cupping at the Dazhui, Jianjing, Fengmen, Gaohuang (膏肓俞), Ge Shu, and Tianzong points for 5-10 minutes.
Low back pain Low back pain is one of the most common clinical symptoms, with 60%-80% of adults experiencing it at some point in their lives. Cupping therapy can achieve satisfactory results for most cases of low back pain. The method involves sliding cupping along the kidney shu (肾俞) and bladder shu (膀胱俞) points on either side of the lumbar vertebrae, followed by retained cupping at the kidney shu, large intestine shu (大肠俞), bladder shu, Zhizian (秩边), and Huantiao (环跳) points for 5-10 minutes, and optionally at the Weizhong (委中) point for 3-5 minutes.
Chronic fatigue syndrome This syndrome is characterized by fatigue, low-grade fever (or subjective fever), sore throat, muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory decline, sleep disturbances, and depression. Cupping therapy can improve the function of the internal organs and regulate the nervous system, thereby alleviating symptoms. The method involves sliding cupping along the Du meridian and the bladder meridian, from the Dazhui to the Yaoyangguan (腰阳关) point, and from the Dazhu to the bladder shu, using a moderate suction force that the patient can tolerate, resulting in red or dark red cupping marks, ideally performed once or twice a week.
Herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia Herpes zoster is a common viral skin disease, particularly prevalent among middle-aged and elderly individuals. TCM believes that the main cause of this condition is damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder affecting the skin. The pricking and cupping method can help clear damp-heat and expel pathogens, significantly reducing pain, shortening the course of the disease, and decreasing the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia. For this treatment, the ends of the herpes lesions and the clustered areas should be disinfected and pricked with a three-edged needle or blood collection needle to release blood, followed by cupping. Each cup should draw out 3-5 ml of blood before being removed. Acupuncture should target the corresponding Jiaji (夹脊) points, Qimen (期门), and Taichong (太冲), while herbal medicine should focus on clearing damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder and dispersing pathogens from the lungs.
Precautions for cupping therapy
1. Pregnant women, individuals with severe heart disease, bleeding disorders, and skin diseases should use caution; those with excessively weak constitutions should also be cautious.
2. When performing cupping at home, care should be taken to prevent burns and ignition of flammable materials.
3. The cupping duration should not be too long; the retention time should be between 5-15 minutes, and the interval between sessions should be 2-5 days.
4. After cupping, one should not take a shower immediately, as the skin is in a “damaged” state, making it sensitive and vulnerable. Showering at this time can easily lead to wind-cold exposure, and even cause skin damage or inflammation.
5. If there is itching in the cupped area after treatment, do not scratch, as this may lead to skin damage and infection.
6. After cupping, it is advisable to rest and drink a cup of warm water; keep warm and avoid direct exposure to cold wind.