In some parts of our country, it is inevitable to have dampness. Once dampness invades the body, it can cause many diseases. Cupping is the best way to get rid of dampness, and we can do it at home. But how do we find the acupoints for cupping?
[Best Acupoints for Cupping to Remove Dampness]
1. Zusanli Acupoint (ST36) on the Lower Leg
Zusanli is the confluent point of the Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming. It is located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the knee. By stimulating this acupoint with cupping, it can regulate the functions of the digestive system and promote gastric and intestinal peristalsis and endocrine function. The restoration of the function of spleen and stomach in transforming and transporting water and dampness is crucial for eliminating internal dampness.
2. Yongquan Acupoint (KI1) on the Sole
Yongquan is one of the commonly used acupoints of the Kidney Meridian of Foot Shaoyin. It is located on the sole, in the depression when the foot is curled, at the intersection of the anterior 1/3 and the posterior 2/3 of the line connecting the head of the second and third metatarsal bones and the heel. The kidneys are the main organ for regulating water in the body. Any abnormality in their physiological function can easily lead to disorders in water metabolism. Cupping at the Yongquan acupoint can promote the smooth flow of qi and blood, invigorate kidney qi, and eliminate dampness and toxins from the body.
3. Muscles on Both Sides of the Spine
The most commonly used position for cupping to remove dampness is the muscular area on both sides of the spine. This area is not only muscular and relatively flat, but also the location where the bladder meridian passes through. By stimulating this area with cupping, microcirculation can be accelerated, metabolism can be promoted, and damp constitutions can be improved.
[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 wait 24 hours before taking a shower. 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 varying degrees of skin lesions, such as redness, purple discoloration, dark purple discoloration, and blisters:
1. Avoid Taking Cold Showers
Remember, you cannot take a cold shower after cupping, as it may cause stagnation of yang qi. However, it is okay to take a hot shower after a few days. It is generally recommended to take a warm shower without using excessively hot water.
You can take a shower 3 to 8 hours after cupping if there are no skin lesions.
If there are no obvious color changes on the skin after cupping, you can take a shower 3 to 8 hours later.
Specific method: Wipe with a dry towel to avoid excessive moisture and bacterial invasion into the body.
2. Wait 48 Hours After Blistering Before Taking a Shower
If blisters appear after cupping, it indicates more severe skin lesions. It is best to wait 48 hours before taking a shower, and during this period, it is advisable to minimize direct contact with water, as it is more conducive to recovery.
3. Treat Skin Breaks Before Taking a Shower
If the skin is visibly broken 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. In severe cases, you should consult a doctor for medication and wait until the wound is completely healed before taking a shower.
[Taboos for Cupping to Remove Dampness]
1. Do Not Repeat Cupping in the Same Area Before the Purple Mark Has Disappeared
Some people, after cupping once, still experience pain that has not completely disappeared, and they continue to cup in the painful area, hoping to cure the disease through this powerful method. However, this is a mistake.
If the purplish mark from the previous cupping has not completely disappeared, you cannot cup repeatedly in the same area. You should change to related acupoints instead. Otherwise, not only will the pain not be relieved, but more problems may arise.
2. Do Not Cup Repeatedly in the Same Position
Many patients, after getting sick, often cup repeatedly in the same position, which can cause damage to the skin, such as redness and broken skin.
Recommendation: When cupping, you can cup at multiple positions to increase the therapeutic effect.
3. Choose the Appropriate Posture for Cupping
Choose the appropriate posture for cupping and the areas with ample muscles, smooth skin, and no hair. Select different sizes of cups according to the areas to be cupped.
If cupping is really necessary in uneven or hairy areas, you can use a well-fitted face ring under the cupping mouth to prevent air leakage or use special-shaped cups. If the skin is dry, you can moisten it before cupping.
