Cupping: Myth and Reality of a Millennial Therapy Analyzing Bruising, Efficacy, and Contraindications

Cupping: Myth and Reality of a Millennial Therapy Analyzing Bruising, Efficacy, and ContraindicationsThose who have experienced cupping know that deep reddish bruises are left on the skin afterward. Many believe that the deeper the marks, the better the effect, as the bruising represents the expulsion of toxins from the body

Cupping: Myth and Reality of a Millennial Therapy Analyzing Bruising, Efficacy, and Contraindications

Those who have experienced cupping know that deep reddish bruises are left on the skin afterward. Many believe that the deeper the marks, the better the effect, as the bruising represents the expulsion of toxins from the body. Is this truly accurate? If the bruising isn't toxins, where does it come from? Are its effects on health positive or negative? This article will delve into the history, principles, efficacy, and contraindications of cupping, unveiling the mysteries of this ancient therapy.

I. Misconception: The Truth About Bruising Not Being Toxins

• Cupping has a long history in China, dating back to the Warring States, Qin, and Han dynasties. The Fifty-Two Diseases Prescriptions (Wsh'rbngfng) records a form of cupping called "horn method" (jiof), primarily used in the ligation and excision of external hemorrhoids. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the use of cupping became increasingly widespread. Tao Hongjing's Supplement to the Elbow Posterior Hundred Prescriptions (Bqu zhuhu biyfng) describes a method of using acupuncture needles in conjunction with the horn method to drain pus. Ge Hong's Emergency Prescriptions at the Elbow (Zhuhu bijfng) from the Eastern Jin Dynasty also mentions cupping for the treatment of abscesses, carbuncles, and tumors, but also points out its risks.

Throughout history, cupping has been accompanied by reddish bruising on the skin. Many consider this evidence of toxins being drawn out, with more bruising indicating better detoxification. However, this is a complete misconception.

Ancient Chinese medical texts contain very little information about cupping, and there is a lack of works specifically discussing its mechanism of action. Therefore, cupping remained on the periphery of traditional medicine for a long time, only becoming widely popular during the Qing Dynasty. At that time, the complex cupping theory was interpreted as "regulating Yin and Yang, dredging meridians, activating Qi and blood, and expelling evil toxins." People often focused only on the "evil toxins," leading to the misconception that cupping detoxifies the body.

In fact, traditional Chinese medicine has never explicitly claimed that cupping detoxifies. Modern medicine has also confirmed that the bruising produced by cupping is not toxins, but rather the result of negative pressure causing local blood circulation to be obstructed, leading to a build-up of red blood cells. A large number of red blood cells accumulate at the cupping site, resulting in the reddish appearance. The body's true detoxification organs are the liver and kidneys; cupping acts on the surface of the body and cannot directly affect the detoxification function of these organs.

II. Profound Principles and Remarkable Efficacy: A Scientific Interpretation of Cupping

Since the bruising left by cupping is not toxins and it does not detoxify, is cupping truly without benefit? The answer is no. If cupping were completely useless, it would not have survived for millennia, nor would it have attracted the attention of numerous international athletes.

In 2016, the cupping marks on Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps sparked global attention. The Associated Press reported that Phelps used cupping to relax his muscles and relieve pain. Many top athletes, such as American gymnast Alex Naddour, Lithuanian athlete Ruta Meilutyt, Belarusian athlete Viktar Zubkou, and British tennis player Andy Murray, have used cupping as an adjunctive therapy. These athletes are highly trained and knowledgeable; their choices are testament to the practical value of cupping.

So, what are the benefits of cupping?

First, cupping can promote blood circulation and relieve muscle soreness. Traditional Chinese medicine theory states that "patent channels do not hurt; obstructed channels do hurt." After exercise, lactic acid buildup can cause muscle soreness and fatigue. The negative pressure of cupping can dilate blood vessels, accelerate blood circulation, and promote the removal of metabolic waste products such as lactic acidthis is the main reason many athletes choose cupping.

Second, cupping can dilate pores and enhance the secretory function of sweat glands and sebaceous glands. While large pores may be aesthetically undesirable, they facilitate sweating and sebum secretion. Poor sweating can lead to increased body temperature and even heatstroke; insufficient sebum secretion can cause dry, easily damaged skin. Cupping, through its negative pressure, dilates pores, enhancing sweating and sebum secretion, thereby protecting skin health.

Finally, cupping can accelerate the recovery of bodily lesions. Local warming from cupping can dilate blood vessels, increase blood volume, and bring more nutrients to the lesion site, promoting repair. Furthermore, cupping can increase vascular wall permeability and cellular phagocytic capacity, accelerate lymphatic circulation, and enhance the immune system's ability to fight viruses, thereby accelerating lesion recovery.

It is important to note that the benefits of cupping are not immediate; a continuous course of treatment is needed to see results. For those who have never tried cupping, it may be difficult to immediately feel its benefits.

III. Six Contraindications: Precautions for Safe Cupping

While cupping has many benefits, it is not suitable for everyone, nor can it be performed arbitrarily. Incorrect procedures not only fail to achieve health benefits but can also harm health. The following six contraindications must be remembered by cupping novices:

1. Appropriate Site Selection: Cupping should not be performed on areas with thin, frail skin, excessive hair, or emaciated areas. Plump, elastic areas should be chosen.

2. Appropriate Body Position: When cupping, it is best to lie prone to facilitate treatment of the back, spine, and posterior lower limbs. Once the position is chosen, it should be maintained to avoid the cups falling off and causing burns.

3. Controlled Cupping Time: Cupping time should not be too long, generally around 10-15 minutes. Too short a time is ineffective, while too long a time can cause low-temperature burns.

4. Avoid Repeated Cupping on the Same Site: Do not repeatedly cup the same location to avoid skin damage and infection.

5. Cupping Does Not Cure All Illnesses: Cupping is primarily used to relieve symptoms such as rheumatic pain, muscle strain, abdominal pain, headache, and asthma. People with heart disease, anemia, skin diseases, ulcers, tuberculosis, osteoporosis, etc., should not undergo cupping.

6. Keep Warm After Cupping: After cupping, the body is more sensitive to external stimuli. Avoid chilling; bathing should ideally be done after two hours, using warm water, and ensuring warmth.

Conclusion

In summary, the bruising produced by cupping is not toxins, and cupping itself does not detoxify. However, this does not mean it has no benefits. Cupping can promote blood circulation, open pores, and accelerate lesion recovery, but it must be performed cautiously to avoid adverse consequences. This article aims to help readers understand cupping correctly and safely enjoy its benefits.

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References:

• The Paper, August 10, 2016: Cupping is Hot! The Whole World is Paying Attention to Michael Phelps' "Little Dots"

• Zhihu (Lin Meng), March 11, 2018: Does Cupping Really Work? What Does Michael Phelps' Cupping Indicate?

• People's Daily, August 16, 2016: Cupping, Loved by People Worldwide

• Zhihu, April 14, 2021: The Principles and Effects of Cupping

• People's Daily, October 8, 2021: Cupping: There's a Method to It (Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Preservation)

• Baidu Encyclopedia: Cupping

• Youlai Doctor, August 25, 2023: Is Cupping Effective for Wind-Cold Colds?

• The Paper, May 14, 2024: Is the Bruising Sucked Out by Cupping Toxins from the Body?

(Note: The word count of the provided text was significantly over 5163 words, and I have condensed it for clarity and conciseness while retaining the core information.)