Fire cupping (cupping therapy) is one of the traditional Chinese medical treatments. It works by creating negative pressure on the skin surface to adsorb cups, stimulating specific acupoints or areas to achieve the purpose of regulating the body and preventing and treating diseases. Its effects are mainly achieved through a combination of physical stimulation and traditional Chinese medicine theory, as detailed below:
1. Promoting Blood Circulation
Principle: The negative pressure generated by cupping can dilate local capillaries, accelerate blood flow, and improve tissue oxygenation and nutrient metabolism.
Effect: Alleviate muscle stiffness, resolve local blood stasis, and is commonly used for recovery after sports injuries or chronic overuse.
2. Activating Blood and Resolving Stasis
Principle: Through negative pressure suction, it helps to disperse locally stagnant blood or body fluids.
Effect: Alleviate pain caused by contusions, dysmenorrhea, rheumatic pain, etc., due to “blood stasis.”
3. Unblocking and Activating Meridians
Principle:According to traditional Chinese medicine, cupping can stimulate meridian points, regulate the flow of qi and blood, and restore the smooth flow of meridians.
Effect: Ease shoulder and neck pain, lower back pain, and headaches caused by blocked meridians.
4. Dispelling Wind, Cold, and Dampness
Principle: Negative pressure suction can open pores and promote the expulsion of “wind-cold-dampness pathogens” from the body.
Effect: Commonly used for early-stage colds, joint cold pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and other cold-dampness conditions.
5. Regulating Immune Function
Modern Research: Cupping may activate immune responses by stimulating the skin and acupoints, enhancing the body's disease resistance.
Application: Assists in treating chronic fatigue, recurrent colds, and other immune system deficiencies.
6. Relieving Muscle Fatigue
Effect: Relax tense muscles, reduce lactic acid buildup after exercise, and relieve lumbar muscle strain, cervical spondylosis, etc.
7. Detoxification and Metabolic Regulation
Traditional Explanation: Facilitate the elimination of “toxins” through skin adsorption (the concept of “toxins” in TCM includes metabolic waste and dampness).
Modern Perspective: May enhance lymphatic circulation and expedite the removal of metabolic waste.
Supplementary Modern Research
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some studies suggest that cupping may inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and mitigate chronic inflammation.
Neuromodulation: Stimulates skin receptors, affecting the nervous system, and relieves pain (similar to the “gate control theory”).
Precautions and Contraindications
1.Contraindicated Populations:
Areas with skin damage, infection, or ulcers;
Individuals with bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia) or those taking anticoagulants;
Patients with severe heart disease or hypertension;
Pregnant women should avoid cupping on the lumbar-sacral region and abdomen.
2.Operational Risks:
Prolonged cupping can cause blisters or bruising;
Improper use of alcohol-soaked cotton balls can cause burns.
3.Recommendations:
Operated by professional practitioners, combined with constitutional diagnosis, and avoid self-administering cupping without professional guidance.
Summary
Fire cupping therapy combines physical stimulation and traditional Chinese medicine theory, showing certain effects in pain relief and regulation of suboptimal health conditions. However, it should be viewed as a complementary therapy. Modern medicine is still exploring its mechanisms, and it is recommended to use it in conjunction with traditional Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and under professional guidance.
