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What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a type of cupping method.Cupping therapy uses cups as tools, applying an appropriate amount of lubricant to the cup rim and the affected area, using heat to expel air inside, creating negative pressure that adheres to the skin. Then, the cup is moved back and forth over the affected area, causing the skin to become flushed or congested, serving as a method for preventing and treating diseases.
What are the benefits of Cupping Therapy?
Based on the theory from the “Shang Han Lun” that “Tai Yang governs the exterior” and the idea that “the five zang organs are connected to the back,” as well as the folk practice of tapping the back to treat external pathogens, the use of back cupping therapy has shown good efficacy in treating acute rheumatic pain, dysentery, diarrhea, and colds.
Cupping can unblock meridians, promote Qi and blood circulation, relieve fatigue, and enhance physical strength. At the same time, cupping can improve skin, enhance muscle endurance, and promote gastrointestinal motility, alleviating constipation.
For individuals with low immunity and poor digestive function, it is advisable to perform cupping at home for health maintenance.
How to Perform Cupping Therapy
Before cupping, apply a layer of lubricant on the skin or the rim of the cup, then place the cup on the skin.
Then, hold the bottom of the cup with your right hand, slightly tilt it, applying pressure to the back half of the cup while lifting the front half slightly, moving it up, down, left, and right, or in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction until the skin in the cupping area becomes red, congested, or shows signs of bruising, at which point the cup can be removed.
Cupping therapy is generally divided into local cupping and meridian cupping:
Local Cupping: Focuses on the affected area, performing small circular movements up, down, left, and right. For example, in cases of shoulder periarthritis, slow circular movements can be performed on the shoulder.
Meridian Cupping: Focuses on the meridians related to the affected area, performing larger range cupping treatments. For instance, for lumbar muscle strain, cupping can be performed along the Du Meridian and Bladder Meridian with up and down movements.
When performing cupping, generally follow the order from top to bottom and from right to left, starting with the Yang meridians before the Yin meridians;
Do not apply too much suction initially; keep it loose enough for the recipient to feel a stimulating amount of pressure that is bearable, then gradually increase the pressure as the skin reddens;
During the process of pushing and pulling the cup, apply force to ensure the vacuum cup is pressed tightly before moving it, which will make the process less painful;
After cupping, use a tissue to absorb the lubricant on the skin, pressing it against the skin rather than wiping it off;
After absorbing the lubricant, quickly dress to maintain warmth, which is also very important.
Perform Qi restoration, which is very important and should not be overlooked.
Who Should Avoid Cupping?
1. Individuals with skin allergies, ulcers, edema, or in areas with major blood vessel distribution should not use this method.
2. Elderly individuals with multiple health issues should use this method with caution.
Precautions for Cupping Therapy
1. This therapy should be applied to larger areas with thick muscles. Before cupping, apply a lubricant like petroleum jelly on the cup rim or skin to facilitate movement and reduce pain; it also helps prevent skin damage.
2. When pushing the cup, the movements should be slow and the force should be even, ensuring the cup is tilted at a certain angle. The back half should bear the weight while the front half is slightly lifted, allowing for greater resistance during movement.
3. It is advisable to use larger diameter cups, with the rim being round, thick, and smooth, preferably glass cups.
1. Cupping marks that are dark purple: Generally indicate insufficient blood supply and poor circulation with blood stasis.
2. Cupping marks that are purple with spots: Generally indicate cold congealing and blood stasis.
3. Cupping marks that are scattered purple dots of varying shades: Indicate Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
4. Cupping marks that are bright red: Generally indicate Yin deficiency, Qi and blood deficiency, or excessive Yin deficiency heat.
5. Cupping marks that are red and dark: Indicate high blood lipids and the presence of heat pathogens.
6. Cupping marks that are grayish-white and feel cool to the touch: Often indicate Yang deficiency or damp pathogens.
7. Cupping marks with skin texture or slight itching: Indicate wind pathogens or damp conditions.
8. Water vapor on the inner wall of the cup: Indicates dampness in that area.
9. Cupping marks with blisters: Indicate internal dampness.
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