What are the benefits of cupping therapy?

In Chinese medicine, cupping is often applied to promote Qi and blood circulation, warm up and dispel “wind” (a pathogenic factor in TCM views), dehumidify the body, dredge the meridian system, stimulate acupressure points, detumesce and relieve pain.

Since tropical suction of cupping usually covers acupressure points, cupping therapy can be carried out separately or in conjunction with Acupuncture. Cupping can treat a number of diseases and physical conditions, such as:

• Common cold
• Flu
• Oedema
• High blood pressure
• Varicose vein
• Low back pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Adhesive capsulitis
• Tenosynovitis
• Any kind of muscle strain
• Other soft tissue strain

Apart from the above conditions, a placebo effect of cupping is also suggested to relieve anxiety, depression, eczema and acne.

Side effects of cupping therapy

While local red marks are typically left as traces after cupping, they normally go away in a few days. Side effects are not common for cupping therapy, but some individuals may experience rare side effects like:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain: There may be mild discomfort or pain sensation around the cupping area.
• Bruise: Minor bruises may occur at the cupping area after the treatment. They usually go away in a few days.
• Burns: Burns only occur when the cupping procedure goes wrong. When the cups remain on the skin for too long (more than 15 minutes) or the cups are placed on the skin with fire or hot alcohol inside, it may cause burns.
• Skin infection: Skin infection is uncommon. It may occur when the cupping procedure is not taken properly, for example when the cups or your skin surface are not sanitized properly.
• Increased heart rate: Certain heart conditions, such as increased heart rate, atrial fibrillation and increased blood pressure, may occur in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
• Coma: People who are over-stressed or tired, over-eaten or consumed alcohol may feel dizzy or even pass out during cupping.

Precautions for cupping therapy

Cupping therapy is a treatment method that should only be conducted by registered Chinese medicine practitioners or qualified health professionals. Here are some reminders for people who are taking cupping therapy:

Groups that must not receive cupping therapy

• Children under 4 years old.
• Bleeding diathesis: Patients with bleeding tendency should not receive cupping therapy to prevent uncontrolled bleeding.
• Dermatosis: People with skin problems, especially infectious skin diseases, cannot receive cupping.
• Heart Failure: Atrial fibrillation patients or people with a high risk of heart failure should avoid cupping.
• Epilepsy: Patients with epilepsy history are not recommended to try cupping therapy.
• Fever: People under high fever or even heat stroke must not use any cupping.

Here are some conditions to be assessed before cupping

• Elderly: Elderly aged 60 or above should consult medical professionals before cupping.
• Chronic diseases: For patients with chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, etc., please ask for doctors’ or TCM practitioners’ advice before cupping.

Some body parts should be kept away from cupping

• Pregnant women: Cupping therapy at the abdomen and lower back area must be avoided during pregnancy.
• Hairy areas: To prevent hurting hair follicles, do not apply cupping at hairy areas.
• Ulcer: Body parts with ulceration should avoid cupping.
• Allergic areas: Body parts in allergy, especially those with local inflammation, should be avoided.
• Fracture: Body parts with bone fractures are not suitable for cupping therapy.

Precautions after cupping therapy

• Shower after 2 hours: As cupping therapy facilitates local blood flows and promotes sweating, shower right after cupping may make one susceptible to cold. Please do not shower within 2 hours post-cupping.
• Besides, cupping therapy should not be taken consecutively within a short period (2 days consecutively). Wait until the bruises and marks of the previous course fade away before taking the next course.