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Cupping


1.  What is cupping?

Cupping is a therapeutic technique that involves creating a vacuum in a cup, typically made of glass or plastic, by either using fire or suction. This negative pressure causes the cup to adhere to acupuncture points or the surface of the body. The cups are left in place for 10-15 minutes. The longer the cups are left, the darker the cupping marks appear when removed, but this is temporary and usually fades within a few days.


2.  What is cupping used for?

Cupping is commonly used to alleviate pain and can also be employed in treating conditions such as the flu, discomfort in the back and shoulders, or sports injuries. Additionally, cupping is utilized for weight loss, as improved blood circulation in the skin and muscles can enhance metabolic functions for fat burning.


3.  What is the principle behind cupping?

When muscles or ligaments are damaged, local bruising occurs, hindering the flow of Qi and blood in the meridians, resulting in pain. Cupping at the corresponding local area helps dispel stagnation, promote circulation, and enhance blood flow, ensuring better nourishment to the muscles and skin for overall relaxation.


4.  How often should cupping be done?

There should be a 3 to 6-day interval between two cupping sessions. Furthermore, cupping should not be repeated on the same area until the cupping marks from the previous session have completely faded.


5.  Who should avoid cupping?

① Cupping is not advisable on areas with ulcers or open wounds, as it may lead to infection, blistering, or worsen the condition.

② Cupping should be avoided on areas with skin abnormalities, such as sores, tumors, or unidentified lumps, to prevent exacerbating the situation.

③ Severe emphysema patients should avoid cupping on the back or chest.

④ Individuals with a tendency to bleed excessively.

⑤ Pregnant women should avoid cupping on the abdomen, lower back, and breasts to prevent potential complications.

⑥ Cupping during menstruation has blood-activating effects. However, cupping on the lower abdomen and lower back may lead to excessive menstrual bleeding.


6.  What precautions should be taken after cupping?

① After scraping, the patient needs to keep warm and avoid getting cold, wipe off any sweat immediately, and avoid blowing cold wind.

② Drinking some warm water or ginger tea is recommended. Avoid consuming ice-cold water immediately.

③ Avoid taking a cold shower within 2 hours after cupping.


Common Questions And Answers

Avoid eating too full or with an empty stomach. Avoid drinking alcohol and take the intense exercise one hour before acupuncture. When you arrive at the clinic, please take a seat for 5 minutes. Make the body relax, have emotional stability, natural Qi and blood flow, and better curative effect.


Normally, each acupuncture time is about 45 minutes. For young and strong patients and acute injury patients, the curative effect progresses rapidly; old and frail patients and chronic disease patients usually require long-term treatment, please cooperate with the doctor to consolidate the curative effect.

Acupuncture needles are very thin, some patients won’t even feel them, but some experience slightly soreness, numbness or a feeling of distension, electricity or ants walking around the point after the needle is inserted to a certain depth. The sensation is called the “Arrival of Qi” (De Qi), which has been described as a vital part of the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment.

Deep respiration and relaxation help you to relieve the needle sensation.

If there is any discomfort during the acupuncture treatment: such as dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, palpitations, dry mouth, tingling in front of the eyes, shortness of breath, or difficulty in breathing., this is a sign of fainting, please inform the practitioner

Yes, it’s advisable that you take them apart for a minimum of one hour. You may also discuss your concerns with the doctor who prescribed you the medication.

To be honest, it does not taste like juice.

Since every formula is customized to your pattern of symptoms. The herbal tea is mixed with several kinds of herbs. Normally it tastes a little bitter. But most patients can accept it. Some patients say their formula tastes like coffee. Others say theirs taste herbaceous. A few say the taste was too strong and they could not continue.

Since everyone’s palate is different, so it’s hard to say how your herbal formula will taste to you. But if you know how each flavor is helping you heal, maybe you’ll have a better appreciation for the taste.


After the needle is removed, do not rub the needle hole to avoid bruising or bleeding or infection.

After acupuncture, if there is still soreness, numbness or swelling, it may remain for several hours, or even one to two days. This is a normal phenomenon, and there is no need to panic.