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What is Balance Cupping?
Balance cupping therapy is a form of cupping therapy based on the theory of Yin and Yang, utilizing the principles of neuro-conduction, and focusing on self-balance. It employs various cupping techniques to act on the human body as a non-pharmacological natural balance therapy.
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Mechanism of Action of Balance Cupping
Balance cupping therapy primarily utilizes techniques such as flash cupping, kneading cupping, moving cupping, shaking cupping, and retaining cupping. Specific points corresponding to the condition are selected to achieve a reparative balance effect, implementing gentle stimulation through methods like kneading, pulling, squeezing, and plucking. The thermal effect of the cupping continuously feeds back information to the central nervous system, helping the body restore to a balanced state, thereby achieving the effects of unblocking meridians, regulating internal organs, balancing Yin and Yang, and treating chronic diseases.
Application Areas: The back Du Meridian and the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. The Du Meridian is the main channel connecting the brain and spinal cord, governing all Yang Qi and Yang meridians, serving as the sea of Yang meridians; the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian has the most acupoints among the fourteen meridians and is one of the key meridians governing Qi and blood in the body.
Effects of Balance Cupping Therapy:
According to TCM: Balance cupping has various effects such as warming the meridians and dispersing cold, promoting blood circulation, dispelling wind and dampness, clearing heat and draining fire, and regulating Qi and unblocking meridians.
According to Western medicine: It has effects such as invigorating blood circulation, expanding blood vessels, adjusting peripheral nerves, improving microcirculation, enhancing immune function, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, and reducing fever and pain.3
Differences Between Balance Cupping and Traditional Cupping
Balance cupping is more systematic in treating diseases, primarily focusing on the lumbar and back areas, mainly using the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and the Du Meridian. Different treatment techniques are selected based on the disease, incorporating various methods such as flash cupping, kneading cupping, moving cupping, shaking cupping, and retaining cupping, with no side effects, treating and preventing diseases simultaneously.Based on traditional cupping’s draining method, specific warming and supplementing techniques are used to achieve a balance of Yin and Yang in the body.4
Techniques and Effects of Balance Cupping
1. Flash Cupping: It has the effect of warming the meridians and dispersing cold.
2. Kneading Cupping: Relaxes muscles and unblocks meridians, significantly alleviating pain symptoms of myofascial inflammation.
3. Moving Cupping: Enhances nerve and muscle excitability, accelerates blood circulation, and promotes metabolism, showing good efficacy in improving issues related to central and peripheral nervous systems after stroke..
4. Shaking Cupping: A typical draining method, often used for heat-type diseases, with effects of clearing heat and draining fire, invigorating blood, and resolving stasis.
5. Retaining Cupping: Warms the meridians and disperses cold, relaxes muscles, and dispels dampness.
What Do Different Cupping Marks Indicate?
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Indications for Balance Cupping
Patients with colds, insomnia, obesity, shoulder periarthritis, individuals with damp-heat constitution, patients with neck and back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, and acute gastroenteritis and other digestive system diseases.6
Contraindications for Balance Cupping
Patients with tumors, blood disorders, pregnant women; individuals with skin lesions or diseases; and those with mental disorders who cannot cooperate should avoid this treatment.7
Precautions for Balance Cupping
1. The alcohol cotton ball used for ignition should be held tightly, and the alcohol should be wrung out to prevent it from falling and burning the patient’s skin.
2. During operation, movements should be gentle, and the patient’s condition should be observed. Various techniques should be adjusted based on the patient’s skin condition and tolerance.
3. After cupping, the local skin may show purple-red bruises the size of the cup, which is a normal response and will disappear in a few days.
4. If small blisters appear, they can be absorbed naturally. For large blisters, disinfect the local skin, use a sterile syringe to extract the blister, and cover with sterile gauze.
5. After cupping, it is advisable to drink a cup of warm water.
6. In summer, avoid direct blowing from fans or air conditioning on the cupping area:
7. Keep warm; avoid bathing for 4-6 hours after cupping.
The Acupuncture Rehabilitation Department of Dongxiang District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital offers over 20 unique TCM therapies, including acupuncture, tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage), floating needles, Long’s bone-setting, heat-sensitive moxibustion, fire dragon cupping, Du Meridian moxibustion, copper scraping with tiger talisman, balance cupping, warm moxibustion scraping, acupoint application, auricular point pressure, and Chinese herbal fumigation.
Contact: 0794—4220709
Nurse Zhou: 18702684788
Address: 3rd Floor of Outpatient Department or 3rd Floor of Inpatient Department, Acupuncture Rehabilitation Department, Dongxiang District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
Written by: Zhou Huamei
Formatted by: Xu Cuiling
Edited by: Huang ZhiqiangReviewed by: Zhu XiantaoFinal Review: Wang Qinfeng
Dongxiang District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital 24-hour emergency phone: 0794–4288120
