The Role of Cupping TherapyDue to its ability to promote qi and blood circulation, dispel wind and cold, reduce swelling and alleviate pain, cupping therapy has certain therapeutic effects on lumbar muscle strain and lumbar disc herniation. Cupping can also be applied to acupuncture points on the body to treat conditions such as headaches, dizziness, eye swelling, cough, asthma, and abdominal pain, and multiple cups can be used simultaneously. Cupping can expel cold and dampness, unblock meridians, eliminate stagnation, promote qi and blood circulation, reduce swelling and alleviate pain, and detoxify and clear heat, thus adjusting the body’s yin-yang balance, relieving fatigue, and enhancing physical strength, ultimately achieving the goal of strengthening the body and eliminating pathogens. Therefore, many diseases can be treated with cupping therapy. The specific effects are as follows:1. Balancing Yin and YangExcess yang leads to heat, while excess yin leads to cold. Fever is a manifestation of excess yang, while chills and aversion to cold are symptoms of excess yin. Cupping at the Dazhui (大椎) point can treat febrile diseases, while cupping at the Guanyuan (关元) point can treat cold-related diseases.2. Harmonizing the OrgansCupping therapy creates a negative pressure suction effect at the local acupuncture points, causing changes such as congestion and bruising at the skin surface. These acupuncture points are connected to the internal organs through the meridians, thus treating various organ diseases.
3. Unblocking MeridiansCupping therapy stimulates the surface acupuncture points and meridians through its thermal mechanical stimulation and negative pressure suction effect. The acupuncture points and meridians are closely connected. Therefore, cupping can unblock the meridians, harmonize the defensive and nutritive qi, eliminate various pathogenic factors in the meridians, promote smooth qi and blood flow, and nourish the muscles and joints, thus treating various diseases.4. Assisting DiagnosisBy observing the changes on the skin surface after cupping, one can infer the nature of the disease, its location, and its relationship with the internal organs.5. Eliminating Pathogenic FactorsCupping therapy, by using negative pressure to suction the acupuncture points on the body surface, not only opens the pores and disperses wind and cold but also adjusts the functions of the organs and meridians, invigorating the body’s righteous qi and aiding in the expulsion of internal pathogenic factors.
6. Bidirectional RegulationUnder the condition that the acupuncture points and cupping methods remain unchanged, cupping therapy has a bidirectional beneficial regulatory effect.Benefits of Cupping TherapyCupping therapy, also known as “fire cupping” or “suction therapy,” was historically referred to as “horn method.” This therapy uses cups to create a negative pressure by removing air through heat, causing suction on the skin and resulting in blood stasis.1. Cupping can help expel dampness and cold from the body through the skin, thus eliminating pathogenic factors and revitalizing the spirit.
2. Since the meridians, acupuncture points, and the five internal organs are interconnected, the external suction stimulates the acupuncture points on the body surface, which in turn regulates the internal organs through the meridians, promoting smooth qi and blood flow and strengthening the body.3. For local tissue injuries, lumbar disc herniation, and other symptoms, cupping therapy can also be effective. Regular cupping can alleviate pain and relieve symptoms.4. Stress relief: Cupping therapy promotes qi and blood circulation, relaxes muscles and joints, reduces swelling and alleviates pain, and provides beneficial stimulation to restore normal function. 
5. Thermal effect: Cupping therapy provides thermal stimulation to the local skin, with the effects being most pronounced with large fire cups, water cups, and medicinal cups.6. Regulating the body’s yin-yang balance: Due to the hemolysis phenomenon after cupping, a substance similar to histamine is produced, circulating throughout the body and stimulating various organs, enhancing their functional vitality, which aids in the recovery of bodily functions.Benefits of Foot CuppingThe soles of the feet contain many acupuncture points that reflect the body’s condition. Previously, many people used foot massage to treat diseases. Now, many people utilize foot cupping to regulate the body. So, what are the benefits of foot cupping? Below is a detailed introduction. The soles of the feet have many acupuncture points, and regularly cupping the feet is beneficial for the body. The main acupuncture points on the feet include Yongquan (涌泉) and Shimin (失眠). Regular foot cupping has excellent preventive health effects for regulating blood pressure, insomnia, heart disease, asthma, constipation, and soreness in the waist and legs. Additionally, regular foot cupping can unblock the meridians and enhance physical strength.1. Cupping MethodsFlash fire method operation points: Use tweezers to hold an alcohol cotton ball and ignite it, circling it inside the cup before removing it; quickly place the cup over the area to be cupped to create suction.
2. Applications of Cupping(1) Retaining the cup: After suctioning the cup onto the skin, leave it in place for 5-10 minutes; this is commonly used for wind-cold-damp obstruction, neck, shoulder, and lower back pain. (2) Moving cupping: Apply oil to the rim of the cup, suction it onto the skin, and then hold the bottom of the cup to push and pull it back and forth several times until the skin turns red; this is used for larger areas with thick muscles, such as the lower back, and is often used for colds and coughs. (3) Flash cupping: After suctioning the cup, immediately remove it and repeat the suction several times until the skin turns red; this is commonly used for facial paralysis.
(4) Bloodletting cupping: First, use a plum blossom needle or three-edged needle to prick or puncture the area to draw blood; then apply cupping to draw out 3-5 ml of blood; this is commonly used for acne and other skin disorders.3. Cupping Precautions(1) Operational contraindications: Avoid burning the rim of the cup during cupping, as this can cause skin burns; do not leave the cup on for more than 20 minutes, as this can damage the skin. (2) Site contraindications: Avoid cupping on areas with skin allergies, ulcers, edema, and on the heart and major blood vessels, as well as on the lower back and abdomen of pregnant women.
