Both fire therapy and cupping scraping are external treatment methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that utilize the principles of meridians. They can both regulate diseases, and some people even think that fire therapy and cupping scraping are the same. So, what are the differences between fire therapy and cupping scraping, and which one is more effective?
Different Applicable Scope
Fire therapy, cupping scraping, and gua sha can all promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, regulate the flow of Qi and blood, dispel evil and toxins, and remove dampness from the body. But fire therapy can be used on various parts of the body, while cupping scraping and gua sha have restricted areas. In other words, fire therapy has a wider range of applications, and most of the cases where cupping scraping and gua sha are applicable can also be treated with fire therapy.
Different Methods
Fire therapy: Herbal ropes soaked in Chinese herbal medicine are placed on the treatment area and covered with a layer of plastic wrap. The heat generated by burning alcohol, combined with the masseur's massage and manipulation, allows the medicinal properties to reach the affected area.
Cupping: By utilizing the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, the air in the cup is expelled, creating a negative pressure that causes the cup to adhere to the skin and cause local congestion. There are four types of cupping: stationary cupping, moving cupping, flash cupping, and pricking cupping, each with its own characteristics.
Gua sha: Based on the theory of TCM meridians and acupoints, gua sha tools and corresponding techniques are used to repeatedly rub and scrape the skin with a certain medium, causing the appearance of red or dark red blood spots and other signs of sha.
Different Effects
Fire therapy: It stimulates the surface acupoints and affected areas, activates the functions of the body's organs and meridians, promotes blood circulation, regulates Qi and blood, and enhances the body's vitality.
Cupping: It can promote blood circulation, dispel dampness, detoxify, relieve swelling and pain, and alleviate muscle fatigue.
Gua sha: It can promote blood circulation, dispel evil and toxins, and remove dampness from the body.
Which is More Effective: Fire Therapy or Cupping Scraping?
Fire therapy is more effective than cupping scraping.
Fire therapy covers a larger area in one treatment, stimulating multiple acupoints, so its therapeutic effect is faster than cupping scraping. Moreover, the intensity of stimulation in fire therapy is greater than that in cupping scraping, resulting in a better regulatory effect on the body.
