Summer Heat Prevention Techniques in TCM: Cupping Therapy

As summer temperatures rise, individuals exposed to high heat environments may experience symptoms such as excessive sweating, weakness in the limbs, dizziness, thirst, headaches, lack of concentration, blurred vision, tinnitus, and uncoordinated movements, with or without an increase in body temperature. These are signs of heat stroke.

Individuals prone to heat stroke often exhibit the following characteristics: oily skin on the face, obesity, sticky stools, excessive and sticky sweating, a preference for rich and fatty foods, a large tongue with a white greasy coating, and a feeling of heaviness in the limbs.

Technique Overview

Moving cupping therapy is a form of cupping therapy. It involves using a cup as a tool, applying an appropriate amount of cupping oil to the area of the body where cupping will be performed, removing the air to create negative pressure, and attaching it to the skin. The cup is then moved back and forth over the area, causing the skin to become reddened or bruised, which is a method used to prevent and treat diseases.

Operational Steps

1. Positioning. After conducting a differential diagnosis, arrange the patient in a suitable sitting or lying position according to the requirements for moving cupping, exposing the local skin, locating the acupuncture points, and disinfecting the area before applying a small amount of liquid paraffin oil to lubricate the skin.

2. Cupping. Select a cup that is appropriate in size and has a smooth rim (transparent glass cups are preferred).

Generally, strong stimulation is indicated by deep red or slightly purple skin color, suitable for cases of excess; while light stimulation is indicated by pale red or red skin color, suitable for cases of deficiency.

Treatment Duration and Course

Generally, moving cupping is performed once every 7 days, with a course of 3-5 treatments, followed by a 4-week rest before continuing.

Contraindications

1. Contact infectious diseases;

2. Severe heart disease, heart failure, bleeding disorders;

3. Acute traumatic fractures;

4. Schizophrenia, highly manic non-cooperative patients;

5. Skin that is easily irritated, allergic, infectious skin diseases, or severe local skin ulceration;

6. Cupping is not allowed over major arteries, eyes, mouth, nose, ears, or facial areas;

7. Pregnant women should avoid cupping on the abdomen and lower back;

8. Cupping is contraindicated after alcohol consumption, on an empty stomach, or during excessive sweating.

Effects

Promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, invigorates qi and blood, eliminates toxins, relaxes muscles and opens meridians, adjusts yin and yang, alleviates muscle tension, regulates gastrointestinal function, relieves fatigue, and enhances physical strength.

END

Contributed by | Acupuncture Department

Reviewed by | Party and Government Office

Wuyi County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital

Integrity and Precision in Medicine

United in Heart and Aspiration

Wuyi County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Media MatrixSubscription AccountService AccountVideo Account

One-stop Service Center Phone: 89076114

Health Check Center Phone: 89076099

Please follow us!