Cupping is a method of treating diseases and preserving health in traditional Chinese medicine, also known as cupping gas or straw therapy. The canister is used as a container, and the air in the canister is exhausted by using the principle of combustion heat or straw, thereby generating negative pressure, so that the canister can be sucked on the skin, and the extracted part is congested, thereby achieving the purpose of treating diseases and preserving health.
Cupping is to bring out the dampness, cold, dryness or ethos in the body through the blood stasis in the cupping area. Cupping has the effects of relieving swelling and pain, dredging meridians, expelling wind and cold, promoting qi and blood circulation, expelling toxin and caring skin. Cupping therapy is suitable for all kinds of nerve paralysis and some acute and chronic pains, and can also be used for diseases with physical dysfunction such as cold, cough, indigestion, stomachache and dizziness. In addition, surgical diseases such as snake bites can also be treated with cupping.
With the progress of science and technology, there are more and more types of cupping, among which the most commonly used ones are bamboo pots, pottery pots, glass pots and gas tanks. There are six common cupping methods, namely, retaining cupping, moving cupping, flashing cupping, retaining needle cupping, pricking blood cupping and medicine cupping. According to different situations, different cupping methods can be selected.
Cupping is very effective, but there are also some precautions. Cupping position should choose the part with full muscles and try to keep the posture unchanged. If leaving the jar for too long causes blisters on the skin, the small ones don't need treatment, just apply sterile gauze to prevent skin inflammation. When the blister is large, it is necessary to puncture the blister with a sterile needle to release water, and then wrap it with sterile gauze to prevent infection. In addition, after cupping, be sure to keep warm and avoid eating cold food or taking a bath.