We all know that massaging the soles of our feet can relieve physical and mental fatigue when we are tired, because the soles of our feet have many acupoints. Some people also choose to use cupping therapy on their feet, with the commonly used acupoint being Yongquan (Kidney 1), to eliminate dampness and toxins from the body.
【Common Cupping Methods】
1. Single Cupping Method
Cupping method: Clean the treatment area with a hot towel. Hold the cup with your right hand and use a surgical forceps with your left hand to hold a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. After igniting the cotton ball, put it into the cup, rotate it once, and immediately remove it. Then quickly place the cup on the treatment area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
2. Multiple Cupping Method
Cupping method: Clean the treatment area with a hot towel. Hold the cup with your right hand and use a surgical forceps with your left hand to hold a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. After igniting the cotton ball, put it into the cup, rotate it once, and immediately remove it. Then quickly place multiple cups successively on the treatment area and leave them on for 10-15 minutes.
The specific benefits of multiple cupping include treating diseases that have a wide range of lesions.
【Common Acupoints for Cupping on the Soles of the Feet】
1. Zusanli (Stomach 36)
Zusanli is one of the acupoints for health preservation in the human body, also known as the "longevity acupoint" in ancient times. The theory of meridians related to Zusanli has been confirmed by a large number of modern studies. Zusanli has a regulating effect on the cerebral cortex function and has a good promoting effect on cardiovascular function, gastrointestinal peristalsis, endocrine function, and immune system. According to traditional Chinese meridian theory, Zusanli is located on the Stomach meridian of Foot Yangming, which is a meridian of abundant qi and blood that runs from head to foot and is distributed mainly on the front edge of the head, chest and abdomen, and the outer side of the lower limbs. Therefore, Zusanli can not only regulate the function of the digestive system but also treat lesions in the areas that the Stomach meridian passes through, as well as various systemic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and diabetes. Regular cupping on Zusanli can have a health-preserving effect.
2. Yongquan (Kidney 1)
Yongquan is the first acupoint on the Kidney meridian of Foot Shaoyin. It is located at the center of the sole of the foot, where dampness and toxins in the body tend to accumulate and are difficult to eliminate. Over time, this can block the meridians and cause various diseases. Cupping on Yongquan can help eliminate dampness and toxins from the body and regulate the meridian qi of the Kidney meridian of Foot Shaoyin. When the Kidney qi is abundant, the body will have strong vitality, with dark and shiny hair, keen hearing and clear vision, and delayed aging.
【Benefits of Cupping on the Soles of the Feet】
1. Promotes Blood Circulation and Qi Flow in the Feet
As we know, the purpose of cupping is to stimulate the meridians and acupoints locally through negative pressure and heat, in order to regulate and treat diseases. The soles of the feet are where the Kidney meridian is located, and cupping can help invigorate the Kidney yang, promote qi circulation, and eliminate dampness.
2. Prevents Diseases and Enhances Physical Fitness
The soles of the feet have many acupoints, such as Yongquan and Shenmai. Regular cupping on the soles of the feet has a good preventive and health-preserving effect on various diseases such as high blood pressure, insomnia, heart disease, asthma, constipation, and lumbar and leg weakness. It can also promote meridian circulation and enhance physical fitness.
3. Boosts Kidney Qi
"The Kidneys are the foundation of innate essence." The Kidneys are important organs responsible for growth and development. When the Kidney essence is abundant, normal development, sharp hearing and clear vision, clear mind, quick thinking, black and shiny hair, and strong sexual function can be maintained. On the contrary, if the Kidney essence is deficient, memory loss, weakness in the waist and knees, decreased sexual function, and premature aging may occur.
The Yongquan acupoint on the soles of the feet is a key acupoint of the Kidney meridian and is closely related to human life. Regular cupping on this point can tonify the Kidneys, nourish the vitality, and maintain the health of the five Zang organs and six Fu organs. Yongquan is located in the front one-third of the sole of the foot, where it sinks when the toes are flexed. It is the lowest point of the whole-body Yu (transporting) acupuncture points and is the first acupoint of the Kidney meridian.
【Contraindications for Cupping on the Soles of the Feet】
1. Cupping on the soles of the feet should not be done too frequently to avoid excessive leakage of Kidney qi and physical weakness.
2. It is not suitable for people with deficiency of qi and blood, as it may lead to inadequate blood supply to the heart and increase the risk of sudden death.
3. It is not recommended for children and pregnant women, especially during menstruation.
4. It is not suitable for patients with tuberculosis, various infectious diseases, and cancer.
5. It is not suitable for people with fractures or extreme weakness, as it may cause ligament rupture.
