The therapeutic mechanism of cupping therapy can be explained from the perspectives of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine.
In traditional Chinese medicine, cupping is believed to promote the flow of qi and blood, and to balance yin and yang. Diseases are caused by imbalances of yin and yang in the body, as well as disruptions in the ascending and descending of qi. When the body is invaded by external factors such as wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, fire, toxins, or internal factors such as emotional disturbances, it can lead to functional disorders of the organs and the production of pathological substances, such as blood stasis, qi stagnation, phlegm, food stagnation, turbid fluids, and pathogenic fire. These pathological substances, in turn, circulate through the meridians and acupoints, disturbing the flow of qi and stagnating the organs. Cupping, with its vacuum suction, can open the pores, cause hyperemia of the skin, and draw out the pathological substances through the pores, thus promoting the flow of qi and blood in the meridians and regulating organ function, achieving the goal of preventing and treating diseases.
In traditional Chinese medicine, cupping is also believed to clear the meridians and adjust qi and blood circulation. The meridians have the physiological functions of promoting the flow of qi and blood, nourishing yin and yang, connecting tendons and bones, and facilitating joint activities. When the meridians are blocked, it can lead to various problems, such as poor circulation of qi and blood, stagnation of blood flow, and lack of nourishment to the skin, muscles, tendons, veins, and joints. Cupping, by exerting a suction on the skin, pores, meridians, and acupoints, can stimulate the flow of qi and blood in the meridians, nourish the organs and tissues, warm the skin and hair, and revitalize weakened organ functions. It can also regulate the balance of yin and yang, adjust the circulation of qi and blood, and achieve the goal of promoting health and treating diseases.
In modern medicine, the negative pressure created by cupping therapy causes congestion and even rupture of local capillaries, leading to the release of substances such as histamine and histamine-like substances. These substances circulate throughout the body, stimulating various organs and enhancing their functional activities, thereby improving the body's resistance.
In modern medicine, the stimulation of negative pressure during cupping can cause local blood vessels to dilate, promote local blood circulation, improve congestion, enhance metabolism, alter the nutrition status of local tissues, increase vascular permeability, and enhance phagocytic activity of white blood cells, thereby strengthening the body's physical fitness and immune function.
In modern medicine, the suction and release of pressure during cupping can accelerate blood and lymph circulation, promote gastrointestinal motility, improve digestion, and speed up the elimination of metabolic waste products by muscles and organs.
