Today, let us explorethe unique techniques of Traditional Chinese MedicineBuffalo Horn Cupping Therapy
Image | Source: Orthopedics Department
Buffalo Horn is a precious Chinese medicinal material, with a pungent, salty, and cold nature. The pungent property can disperse and promote Qi circulation, invigorate blood and nourish; the salty property can soften hardness and moisten; the cold property can clear heat and detoxify. Buffalo horn has pharmacological effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and stopping bleeding, calming the spirit and relieving anxiety, nourishing Yin and subduing Yang, reducing heart fire and lowering blood pressure, and dispelling wind,promoting blood circulation, cooling the brain and blood, relieving pain and itching. Therefore, it is also the first choice for Gua Sha massage.
The Therapeutic Principle of Buffalo Horn Cupping Therapy
This therapy uses the white horns of buffalo or yellow cattle to create cups, which, when heated, create a negative pressure that is applied to specific areas of the body. Various treatment techniques such as Gua Sha, acupressure, and Tui Na can be applied simultaneously to achieve the treatment of diseases or preventive health care, making it a highly adaptable technique.
It has the functions and purposes of eliminating stagnation, promoting Qi and blood circulation, reducing swelling and pain, expelling toxins and heat, achieving balance of Yin and Yang in the body, relieving fatigue, enhancing physical strength, supporting the righteous Qi and expelling evil, and curing diseases. Therefore, many diseases can be treated with Buffalo Horn Cupping Therapy. The cups can also be applied to acupuncture points to treat headaches, dizziness, eye swelling, cough, asthma, abdominal pain, and more, and multiple cups can be used simultaneously.
Effects of Buffalo Horn Cupping Therapy
Regulate——Adjust the balance of Yin and Yang, balance the Qi of the organs
Unblock——Promote the flow of Qi and blood, open meridians and collaterals
Warm——Heat therapy, dispel wind and cold
Supplement——Support the righteous Qi and expel evil, tonify and strengthen the body
What diseases can Buffalo Horn Cupping Therapy primarily treat?
1. Low back pain, lumbar muscle strain, degenerative joint disease, shoulder periarthritis, tenosynovitis, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylosis, soft tissue strain, neck and shoulder pain, etc.
2. Upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, headaches, asthma, etc.
3. Gastric pain, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, toxic sores, stroke sequelae, etc.
4. Sub-healthy populations.
Common Techniques for Treating Low Back and Leg Pain with Buffalo Horn
1. Horn Pushing Method
Push outward along the erector spinae muscles, with the practitioner using the convex surface of the buffalo horn cup tilted at 60° to push outward from the sides of the spine, combined with kneading techniques to achieve the purpose of loosening adhesions, for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Horn Kneading Method
The patient lies face down, and the practitioner uses the convex surface of the buffalo horn cup tilted at 60° to knead from the distal bladder meridian to the proximal bladder meridian, performing three cycles.
3. Horn Pressing Method
The practitioner uses the convex surface of the buffalo horn cup tilted at 60° to press from the distal bladder meridian to the proximal bladder meridian, performing three cycles.
4. Acupoint Pressing
The patient lies face down, and the practitioner tilts the tip of the buffalo horn cup at 30° to 45° to insert it into the corresponding acupoint. After asking the patient if they feel soreness, the cup is pressed vertically at 90°. During the operation, techniques of pressing, kneading, and corresponding methods are used for 3-5 minutes.
5. Gua Sha Method
Apply a topical oil for injuries on the lower back, using one-third of the arc surface of the buffalo horn cup to contact the skin, scraping along the bladder meridian on both sides of the spine in a downward direction. The technique should start lightly and increase in intensity. Depending on the specific situation, use tonifying, draining, or balanced methods, for about 3 minutes.
What conditions are not suitable for Buffalo Horn Cupping Therapy?
Buffalo Horn Cupping Therapy is suitable for the vast majority of people, but the following individuals should avoid it:
Those with heart disease, blood disorders, skin diseases, skin injuries, mental illness or neurosis, tuberculosis, infectious diseases, fractures, extreme weakness, pregnant women, women during menstruation, excessive fullness, hunger, thirst, or intoxication should avoid or use cupping therapy with caution. Extremely thin individuals should also avoid fire cupping. Caution should be exercised around the head and heart, and cupping should not be used on external injuries or internal muscle tears, as it may have adverse effects.
1. Pregnant women’s abdomens and women’s nipples should not be cupped;
2. Individuals with bleeding tendencies such as leukemia or thrombocytopenia should use caution;
3. Individuals with severe skin allergies or skin diseases should avoid cupping;
4. Elderly individuals with chronic illnesses or extreme weakness should use caution;
5. Intoxicated individuals, those who are overly hungry, full, thirsty, or excessively fatigued should avoid cupping.
Precautions for Buffalo Horn Cupping
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During cupping therapy, ensure the indoor environment is warm, especially avoiding cold and windy areas. In summer, avoid direct air conditioning or fan blowing on the cupped area.
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After Gua Sha, pay attention to keeping the pores open and strictly maintain warmth. Do not take a shower immediately, especially avoid cold showers within 4-6 hours to prevent cold invasion and worsening of the condition.
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After cupping, it is best to drink a cup of warm water (preferably saline), and rest for 15-20 minutes.
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Do not perform cupping again on the same area until the bruises from the previous cupping have faded. The interval for repeated cupping should be 3-6 days, based on the fading of the skin bruises.
Source: Orthopedics Department of Shanshui Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital and Zhongshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
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