Cupping for Dampness: Acupoints and Showering Guidelines

The air in summer is usually more humid, and with the recent high temperatures, it is inevitable that humidity will invade. Once the body is invaded by dampness, it can bring about many diseases. Cupping is the best way to get rid of dampness, and we can do it at home ourselves. So how do we find the acupoints for cupping?

Best Acupoints for Cupping to Remove Dampness

1. Zusanli Acupoint on the Lower Leg

Zusanli is the combination point of the stomach meridian of the Foot Yangming. It is located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the calf's nose. Stimulating this acupoint with cupping can regulate the function of the digestive system and have a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal motility and endocrine function. The restoration of the spleen and stomach's function in transforming and transporting water and dampness is important for eliminating internal dampness.

2. Yongquan Acupoint on the Sole

Yongquan is one of the commonly used acupoints of the Kidney Meridian of the Foot Shaoyin. It is located on the sole, at the depression in the front part of the foot when curling the toes, at the intersection of the front 1/3 and the back 2/3 of the line connecting the head of the second and third metatarsal bones with the heel. The kidney is the organ of water in the body. Abnormal physiological functions of the kidney can easily cause disorders in water and fluid metabolism. Cupping on the Yongquan acupoint can promote the smooth flow of qi and blood, invigorate the kidney qi, and remove dampness and turbidity from the body.

3. Both Sides of the Spine on the Back

The most commonly used location for cupping to remove dampness is the thick muscles on both sides of the spine on the back. This area not only has thick muscles and a relatively flat surface, but it is also the path of the bladder meridian. Stimulating this area with cupping can accelerate microcirculation, promote metabolism, and improve the damp constitution.

How Long After Cupping Can You Take a Shower?

Generally, it is absolutely not allowed to take a shower within 3 hours after cupping, and it is best to take a shower after 24 hours. However, the specific time to take a shower after cupping mainly depends on the condition of the skin lesions after cupping, as cupping can cause different degrees of skin damage, such as redness, purple discoloration, black-purple discoloration, and blisters:

1. Avoid Taking Cold Showers

Remember, you should not take a cold shower after cupping to avoid internal stagnation of yang qi. However, taking a hot shower after a few days is fine. However, it is generally recommended to take a warm shower and not use water that is too hot.

You can take a shower 3 to 8 hours after cupping if there is no skin damage after cupping.

The skin does not show obvious color changes after cupping, so you can wipe yourself with a dry towel 3 to 8 hours after cupping.

Specific method: Wipe yourself with a dry towel to avoid excessive moisture and bacteria entering the body.

2. Take a Shower 48 Hours After Cupping if There are Blisters

If blisters appear after cupping, it is a more serious skin lesion. It is best to take a shower 48 hours after cupping, and during this period, you should try to avoid direct contact with water, as it will be more beneficial for the recovery of the condition.

3. Treat Skin Damage Before Taking a Shower

If the skin is visibly cracked after cupping, not only should you not take a shower, but you should also avoid getting it wet. You should disinfect and apply medication first, and in severe cases, you should use medication under the guidance of a doctor. After the wound has completely healed, you can take a shower.

Precautions for Cupping to Remove Dampness

1. Do Not Repeat Cupping at the Same Spot Until the Purple Mark Disappears

Some people, after cupping once and the pain has not completely disappeared, continue to cup at the painful spot, hoping to cure the disease through this strong method. However, this is a mistake.

If the purple mark from the previous cupping has not completely disappeared, you should not cup continuously at the purple spot. Instead, you should change to related acupoints. Otherwise, it will not only fail to alleviate the pain, but may also cause more problems.

2. Do Not Cup Repeatedly at the Same Location

Many patients, after getting sick, often cup repeatedly at the same location. This can cause damage to the skin, such as redness and skin breakage.

Recommendation: When cupping, you can cup at multiple locations to increase the therapeutic effect.

3. Choose the Right Position for Cupping

When cupping, choose a suitable position with full muscles, smooth skin, and no hair. Select different sizes of cups according to the desired cupping location.

If cupping is really needed in an uneven or hairy area, you can use a well-fitted face collar under the cupping site to prevent air leakage or use a special-shaped cupping set. If the skin is dry, you can moisten it before cupping.