Common Misconceptions About Traditional Chinese Cupping: Debunked

January 7, 2024

Traditional Chinese Cupping is a common method of health preservation, with the effects of relaxing tendons and promoting blood circulation, as well as relieving pain and eliminating dampness. Although cupping is a very good health method, there are also many misconceptions about it. Let's take a look at some of the misconceptions about traditional Chinese cupping.


1. Frequent cupping

Although cupping has the effect of preventing and treating diseases, like any treatment method, it is generally recommended to use it only when necessary. In other words, if the body is healthy and strong, it is not recommended to cupping frequently for no reason.

If used for health preservation, it is generally used to help restore physical strength and eliminate fatigue after exertion. It is best not to exceed three times a week.

2. Taking a shower immediately after cupping

Many people like to take a shower immediately after cupping, thinking that it is very comfortable. However, this is actually very incorrect. At this time, the skin is in a very fragile state, and taking a shower at this time can easily cause skin cracking and inflammation.

The correct time to take a shower is 1-2 hours after cupping. After cupping, pay attention to keeping warm, and the temperature of the shower water should be slightly higher.

3. Cupping on the chest or abdomen

Many people think: "If I'm uncomfortable in a certain area, I'll cup that area." If the stomach is painful or the chest is uncomfortable, I'll cup the stomach or chest. However, this is also incorrect. It is generally not recommended to cup the chest and abdomen when using cupping, as there is no scientific basis for cupping in these areas.

When using cupping, it is necessary to determine the cause of the pain. Some pain is caused by chronic diseases or fatigue and tension, such as lumbar muscle strain. If you experience chest or abdominal pain, you should go to the hospital for examination and then cupping under the guidance of a doctor to avoid accidents.


4. Cupping as a cure-all

Scientific research has proven that cupping can indeed treat various diseases, such as asthma, herpes zoster, neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain, colds, as well as the current popular anti-wrinkle and weight loss effects of cupping. However, claiming that cupping can cure all diseases is definitely an exaggeration of its effectiveness. When there is an illness, it is necessary to find a good treatment method based on the symptoms.

5. The longer the cupping, the better

Many people believe that the longer the cupping, the better the effect, and even believe that blisters must be formed to demonstrate the effectiveness of cupping. However, this is also incorrect. If the cupping time is too long, blisters may appear, which not only harm the skin but may also cause skin infections.

Suggestion: The correct cupping time should be 10-15 minutes. If it is an elderly person or a child who is not in good health, the time should be reduced by half.

6. No dietary restrictions after cupping

Generally speaking, there are not many dietary taboos after cupping. However, if there is bloodletting cupping, it is still recommended to avoid eating beans and greasy meats on the same day, as the skin is damaged.

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