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Cupping
Table of contents
CuppingCupping therapy is a traditional Chinese medicine external treatment method that uses negative pressure to draw the skin into a cup, promoting blood circulation, dispelling cold and dampness, and relieving pain. Modern versions combine silicone and a vacuum gun, making it safe to use at home. The following is from...Principles, types, operation, contraindications, and common problemsExplain it thoroughly in one go.
Cupping therapy(Cupping therapy; sometimes simply called "Cupping" in Western newspapers) is a type of...Alternative therapyBy creating negative pressure through a heated "jar," it adheres to the local skin, causing congestion and...Blood stasisOrfoamingBecause cupping artificially causes blood to leave the body's fluid circulation and accumulate under the skin, it is sometimes considered a method that does not damage the skin.Bloodletting therapy.
This treatment method is mainly popular inAsiaRegions, but in Eastern Europe,middle EastandLatin AmericaIt can also be seen that, like other alternative therapies, cupping is sometimes criticized as a form of...PseudoscienceThe method used, allegedly cupping, is...quack.
According to traditional medical books from various regions, cupping is used for the following symptoms.Alternative therapyFever, chroniclower back pain,Loss of appetite,indigestion,hypertension,Acne,Atopic dermatitis,psoriasis,anemia,strokePost-rehabilitation, nasal congestionInfertilityandMenstrual crampswait
The principle and function of cupping
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, its effects are mainly based on the following points:
Unblocking Meridians and Activating Collaterals: Meridians are the channels through which Qi and blood circulate. The negative pressure of cupping can unblock the meridians, restoring the smooth flow of Qi and blood. Promoting Qi and Blood Circulation: The negative pressure promotes local blood circulation and improves the nutritional status of tissues; "where there is no flow, there is pain; where there is flow, there is no pain." Dispelling Wind and Cold: Through suction, wind, cold, dampness, and other pathogenic factors can be drawn out of the body. Reducing Swelling and Relieving Pain: Promoting local blood circulation helps relieve muscle tension and inflammation, thereby reducing swelling and pain.From a modern medical perspective, the negative pressure from cupping can lead to:
Local congestion: This causes capillaries to dilate or even rupture, forming subcutaneous bruising (cupping marks), which stimulates the body's immune system. Promotes circulation: Accelerates local blood circulation and metabolism. Relieves discomfort: As a strong stimulus, it can relieve tension and pain in deep muscles.
Types of cupping therapy (mainstream in 2025)
| type | Material/Features | Advantages and disadvantages | Recommendation Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass fire cup | Igniting with an alcohol swab is a traditional method. | Strong suction, transparent and observable; requires an open flame. | ★★★ (Professional) |
| Vacuum plastic container | Includes a vacuum gun for one-button air extraction. | Flameless, safe, and adjustable pressure | ★★★★★ (First choice for beginners) |
| Silicone massage jar | Squeeze by hand, no tools required | Portable and can be used on the face; weak suction. | ★★★★ |
| Magnetic needle cup | The jar contains magnetic needles; you can pull and prick simultaneously. | Enhances acupoint stimulation; use with caution if you have thin skin. | ★★★ |
| Electric cupping device | USB charging, automatic negative pressure | Effortless and timer functions; expensive | ★★★★ |
What is the procedure for cupping?
Preparation: The patient chooses a comfortable position (prone, supine, or sitting) and exposes the area to be cupped. The operator prepares the cups, alcohol, cotton balls, etc. Ignition and Adsorption: Apply the cups to the skin using the chosen method (e.g., flash fire). Cupping: Leave the cups on the skin for a period of time, usually 10-15 minutes. Observation: During the cupping period, observe changes in skin color and the patient's reaction. Removing the Cups: Hold the cup with one hand and press the skin around the rim with your fingers to allow air to enter the cup, causing it to detach naturally. Do not pull or rotate the cup.
The principles of cupping (explained by both traditional Chinese and Western medicine)
| Opinion | explain |
|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese Medicine | Cupping → creates negative pressure → opens skin pores → expels wind, cold, and dampness → unblocks meridians |
| Western medicine | Negative pressure → local congestion → microvascular rupture (purple-red marks) → release of histamine → promotes metabolism and reduces inflammation |
Judging the color of the mark(For reference only)
- Pale red: Normal blood and qi.
- Dark purple-black: Severe blood stasis
- Blisters: due to high humidity (must be punctured to drain fluid)
- Bright red: Acidity accumulated in a short period of time indicates heat.
- Purple-red: An acidic constitution that has been accumulating for a long time and has been deeply oxygen-deficient for a long time.
- Dark purple floating: Small, black bean-shaped particles float on the surface of the skin. This indicates toxins due to dampness in the body, often caused by spleen dampness or is more common in people who take Western medicine for a long time.
- When one side has color and the other side has no color, the Qi flows in a single direction, leading to an imbalance of Qi and blood.
6 Steps to Home Cupping (Quick 10 Minutes)
| step | operate |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Take a warm bath → dry off → apply a thin layerVaseline/Essential Oil(Anti-slip) |
| 2. Acupoint selection | Commonly used acupoints: Dazhui (GV14), Jianjing (GB21), Feishu (BL13), Zusanli (ST36) (see table below for details). |
| 3. Top the can | Apply the vacuum gun 2–3 times until the skin bulges 1–2 cm. |
| 4. Leave the container in place. | 5–15 minutes (5 minutes for beginners, less time for those with thin skin) |
| 5. Take the can | Gently press the opening of the can onto the skin → air enters → easy to remove |
| 6. Finishing touches | Wipe with a warm towel → Drink warm water →Keep warm for 30 minutes |
Common acupoints map (back + limbs)
| Part | acupoints | Indications |
|---|---|---|
| back | Dazhui (the center of the back of the neck) | Cold, neck pain |
| Feishu (3 finger widths below the scapula) | Cough, wheezing | |
| Kidney Shu (lower back area) | Lower back pain, fatigue | |
| shoulder and neck | Jianjing (the highest point of the shoulder) | stiff neck and shoulders |
| Legs | Zusanli (3 cun below the knee) | Gastrointestinal discomfort, immunity |
| face | Silicone canister with gentle suction | Firms and reduces puffiness (only 1–2 minutes) |
Contraindications
| Condition | reason |
|---|---|
| Skin damage, ulcers | Risk of infection |
| pregnant woman's abdomen and lumbosacral region | Affects fetal development |
| Hemophilia, low platelets | Easy to bleed |
| High fever, heart disease | Negative pressure increases the burden |
| Within 30 minutes after a full meal | Affects digestion |
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
| question | answer |
|---|---|
| How many days will it take for the marks to fade? | Normal duration: 3–7 days; Dark purple: up to 10 days |
| What to do about blisters? | Disinfection → Acupuncture and drainage → Iodine application → Breathable dressing |
| Can I pull it out every day? | No! Intervals in the same area 3–5 days |
| Can I take a shower after the extraction? | Take a warm shower 4 hours later, avoiding cold water. |
| Can a child have it pulled? | For children over 6 years old, leave the cupping device on for 3–5 minutes. |
Advanced Techniques
| Skill | practice |
|---|---|
| Canning | Apply a thick layer of essential oil → slide the jar along the meridian (bladder meridian on the back). |
| Flash Can | Quickly apply and remove cups 5-10 times to promote blood circulation without leaving marks. |
| Needle cupping combination | Acupuncture first, then cupping, to enhance the effect (requires professional expertise). |
Precautions for cupping
When performing cupping, choose an appropriate body position and a muscular area. Cupping should not be used on areas with improper positioning, shifting, uneven bone surfaces, excessive hair, or skin problems (rashes/sores). Choose cups of appropriate size according to the area to be treated. When using fire cupping, be careful not to burn or scald the skin. If burns occur or blisters form due to prolonged cupping, small blisters do not require treatment; simply apply sterile gauze to prevent them from breaking. For larger blisters, puncture them with a sterile needle to release the fluid, apply gentian violet solution, or cover with sterile gauze to prevent infection. When using multiple cups, the distance between them should generally not be too close; otherwise, the skin will be pulled and painful, and the cups will not stay in place due to mutual pressure. Patients who have just undergone cupping are advised to avoid activities that cause pore dilation and congestion, such as swimming and bathing. If bathing or soaking is necessary to cleanse the body, it should be done 2 to 3 hours after cupping. It is generally advisable to wait 7 to 10 days before cupping marks on the same area fade before receiving cupping treatment again. Cupping is an auxiliary therapy; please seek medical attention if pain persists.
Further reading:
