Tell me more about cupping treatment

Cupping is a therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin surface to cause local congestion through the negative pressure created by introducing heat in the form of an ignited material.

Since the cupping method is simple and the therapeutic effect is good, so it is used as an auxiliary method of acupuncture and moxibustion.

There are a great variety of jars, but the commonly used clinically are bamboo jar or glass cup.

What are the functions and indications for cupping method?

The cupping method has the function of warming and promoting the free flow of Qi and blood in the meridians, dispelling cold dampness, diminishing swellings and pains.

In clinics, the cupping method is mainly used to treat bi syndrome caused by wind dampness, such as pain of the low back, shoulders, and leg. Gastrointestinal disorders such as stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea. And the lung disease such as cough and asthma.

What are precautions with the cupping method?

It is not suitable to apply cupping to the patient susceptible to spontaneous bleeding or endless bleeding after trauma.

It is not advisable to apply cupping to the patient with skin ulcer, edema, or on an area overlying large blood vessels, to the patient with high fever and convulsion; or to the abdominal and sacral regions of pregnant women.

Generally, the cup is in place for ten minutes. The skin becomes congested with violet colored blood stasis formation.

What may I see after cupping?

After cupping, there is a blood stasis or bruise at the local area. Generally, it will disappear several days later. Small blisters occurring on the skin will absorb naturally several days later.