More and more people are experiencing the benefits of “moving cupping,” with even foreign athletes beginning to try this therapy for body maintenance. So, what exactly is moving cupping? What role does it play?
[Definition of Moving Cupping]
Moving cupping is somewhat similar to the ancient cupping therapy, sometimes referred to as “sliding cupping therapy.” It involves using a cup as a tool, applying an appropriate amount of lubricant to the area where cupping is needed and the rim of the cup. Then, by utilizing thermal expansion and contraction to remove the air inside the cup, a negative pressure is created that adheres to the affected area. The cup is then slowly moved back and forth over the affected area, causing the skin to become reddened or bruised, thereby achieving therapeutic effects.
[Principle of Moving Cupping]
1. The negative pressure generated by the cup opens the sweat pores and capillaries, expelling some impurities and toxins from the body.
2. Fresh blood is drawn to the surface through the negative pressure created by the cup, and when moving cupping is completed, the blood returns, carrying some impurities and toxins back to be expelled through bodily fluids.
[Mechanism of Moving Cupping]
Moving cupping exerts strong negative pressure on the affected area, producing traction and compression stimuli that facilitate rapid unblocking of meridians, balance yin and yang, regulate the internal organs, promote blood circulation, and enhance endocrine function through the nervous system’s conduction, activating immune cells to improve the body’s immune function and disease resistance, thereby reducing the occurrence of diseases.
[Benefits of Moving Cupping]
1. Muscle detoxification; 2. Relieving stiffness and adhesions in muscles; 3. Dispersing localized hyperplasia.
After cupping, the skin may show marks of different colors such as red, yellow, black, white, and purple-black, which we refer to as “sha toxins”; white indicates heavy dampness, yellow indicates heavy toxins, and red or purple indicates significant blood stasis.
[Indications for Moving Cupping]
Children’s anorexia, colds, coughs; cervical spondylosis, lumbar muscle strain, shoulder periarthritis; acne, alopecia areata; insomnia, fatigue syndrome; dysmenorrhea, endometriosis; allergic rhinitis, etc.
[Contraindications for Moving Cupping]
1. Not suitable for areas with large blood vessel distribution;
2. Skin with allergies, ulcers, or edema;
3. Contraindicated for conditions such as thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, leukemia, and bleeding disorders;
4. Patients with malignant tumors in the middle to late stages should avoid cupping;
5. Pregnant women should avoid cupping on the lower abdomen and chest;
6. Elderly individuals with multiple health issues should use caution.
[Benefits of Back Cupping]
The back is a major component of the human torso. In TCM theory, it is the gathering place of the body’s major meridians; in Western medicine, the back is an important area for the nervous system, meridian system, and immune system. Therefore, the back is a significant health maintenance zone in the body.
The spine is the main structure of the back, housing the central nervous system, with many paired nerves distributed alongside it, transmitting excitatory and inhibitory information between the brain and various tissues and organs. TCM also believes that the spine in the center of the back plays a crucial role in commanding, regulating, and connecting other yang meridians, and the bladder meridian on either side of the spine connects throughout the body, with the “shu points” reflecting any pathological changes in the functions of the internal organs. Additionally, the back contains important health points, such as Huatuojiaji points, and points like Gaohuang, Dazhui, and Mingmen. Its importance is evident.
Moreover, modern medical research has proven that beneath the skin of the back lies a large number of “sleeping” immune cells, which remain dormant and undetectable without stimulation. Once they receive beneficial stimulation, they become activated, participating in blood circulation and transforming into phagocytic reticular cells capable of eliminating harmful bacteria, thereby enhancing the body’s immune capacity.
Moving cupping therapy is now widely accepted, and its availability should exist. However, it is important to note that not just anyone who has read a few books can teach it. Those who truly need to use “moving cupping therapy” for therapeutic purposes should choose a qualified practitioner to avoid unnecessary harm.
