Cupping therapy

By: Shixi, Huang,Yu, Cao

Abstract

Cupping therapy is a special treatment within traditional Chinese medicine. Due to its characteristics of being easy to learn and apply and having no side effects, cupping therapy is widely used all over the world. This article introduces cupping materials, methods and manipulations.

It further outlines cupping treatment for eleven common diseases in detail: common cold, torticollis, sciatica, periarthritis of the shoulder, hemiplegia, epigastric pain, abdominal pain, lumbago, obesity, dysmenorrhoea and urticaria.

Keywords:

Cupping, acupuncture, needle, flash cupping, moving cupping

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Cupping is a therapy in which a hollow vessel is attached to the skin surface by suction in order to prevent and cure diseases. In ancient times it was also known as "horn cupping" and "bamboo jar therapy". There are many treatises on cupping therapy in the canon of Chinese medical literature, and it has always been popular and widely used. Cupping is easy to learn, quick, effective and safe. Historically the early focus of cupping was in treating haematomas and purulent swellings, but this was then later extended to hundreds of clinical diseases including internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology and paediatrics.

From a biomedical point of view, mechanical stimulation due to negative pressure in the jar activates local tissue metabolism, intensifies phagocytosis and promotes a healing response.

Abstract

Cupping therapy is a special treatment within traditional Chinese medicine. Due to its characteristics of being easy to learn and apply and having no side effects, cupping therapy is widely used all over the world. This article introduces cupping materials, methods and manipulations.
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It further outlines cupping treatment for eleven common diseases in detail: common cold, torticollis, sciatica, periarthritis of the shoulder, hemiplegia, epigastric pain, abdominal pain, lumbago, obesity, dysmenorrhoea and urticaria.

Keywords:

Cupping, acupuncture, needle, flash cupping, moving cupping

**********

Cupping is a therapy in which a hollow vessel is attached to the skin surface by suction in order to prevent and cure diseases. In ancient times it was also known as "horn cupping" and "bamboo jar therapy". There are many treatises on cupping therapy in the canon of Chinese medical literature, and it has always been popular and widely used. Cupping is easy to learn, quick, effective and safe. Historically the early focus of cupping was in treating haematomas and purulent swellings, but this was then later extended to hundreds of clinical diseases including internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology and paediatrics.

From a biomedical point of view, mechanical stimulation due to negative pressure in the jar activates local tissue metabolism, intensifies phagocytosis and promotes a healing response.

According to traditional Chinese medical theory, cupping therapy is guided by channel theory, and selecting the right points along the appropriate channel is essential. Internal diseases often manifest on the body surface as pain or sensitivity, typically at ashi points. Choosing the appropriate points for treatment can generate a significant and rapid treatment effect. At the same time, since surface petechiae and exudation caused by cupping need a few days to dissipate, this acts as a persistent stimulation of the cutaneous region which has the effect of balancing the ying and wei, circulating qi and blood, and dredging the channels. Generally, cupping has a variety of therapeutic functions including inducing sweating and dispelling exogenous pathogens, dredging the channels, relieving swelling and alleviating pain, warming the channels to expel cold, promoting qi and blood circulation, accelerating healing, and regulating body temperature.

Types of cupping jars

There are several different types of cups which may be used:

1. Horn cups. This ancient cupping tool used animal horn. It is economical and practical and can create good suction, but is not suitable for high temperature sterilisation.

2. Bamboo cups. Bamboo is light, economical and difficult to break. However it is easy to crack which will result in air leakage.

3. Metal cups. These are made from copper, iron or aluminium, but easily lead to scalding and so are seldom used.

4. Glass cups. These have a smooth mouth, and their transparency allows for greater observation. They are the most widely used in the clinical setting.

5. Vacuum cups. These are usually made of transparent plastic and are not easy to break. They are applied using a suction tube on the upper part of the jar and are commonly found in domestic settings.

Creating a vacuum

There are many ways of creating a vacuum, the most common being the fire method and the air suction method.

The fire method

The fire method creates a vacuum by inserting a naked flame into the cup so that the negative pressure attaches the jar to the skin. Common techniques used are:

1. The fire twinkling method

The fire twinkling method is the most commonly used fire method. Place the mouth of the jar downwards, clamp an alcohol soaked cotton ball (taking care that no alcohol is dripping from it) in a pair of forceps, light and quickly place the flame inside the cup and immediately take it out before rapidly placing the cup on the selected site. The vacuum that is created will make the cup attach to the skin.

2. The fire throwing method

Throw an ignited alcohol cotton ball or a piece of ignited paper into the cup, then rapidly place the cup firmly against the selected site. This method is suitable for cupping applied to the lateral aspect of the body where there is no risk of scalding the skin.

The air suction method

Place the cup on the skin, and fix the airbleeder tube on the valve of the jar. Extract the air to create a vacuum, which will then cause the cup to attach to the skin surface.

Common manipulations

Fire flash method

Usually used to treat wind diseases causing numbness, pain on the body surface, or a changeable disease location. This method uses the fire twinkling method and involves placing the jar on the selected site and immediately taking it off. Repeat this manipulation several times to expel the wind. Apply 15-30 times to the affected area, until the skin becomes red. Take care to avoid areas where the skin is broken.

Cup retaining method

Often used for diseases caused by cold when the location of the pain is fixed, clearly defined and deep, and also for problems caused by stagnation of qi and blood, channel blockage and long term dysfunction of the zangfu.

Place the cup on the selected site for five to 25 minutes to strengthen the effect of expelling the pathogenic factor. When treating children, the elderly and weak patients, the cups are usually only left in place for five to 15 minutes.

Moving cup method

Also known as the 'cup walking method', the 'cup pushing method', the 'cup pulling method', the 'cup shifting method' or the 'cup sliding method'. It is widely used and can be combined with the cup remaining method. Generally it is applied to a large and smooth area of the body surface. Firstly, put some lubricating oil on the skin, and spread it well with the mouth of cup. Secondly attach the cup to the skin (using one of the methods described above) and repeatedly push and pull the cup. Ensure that the mouth of cup is smooth without broken edges. This method combines the benefits of cupping with those of massage.

Cup with needle method

1. Sequential application: In this case acupuncture is used before or after cupping. It is especially suitable for patients with serious and complicated diseases. Needling is usually performed first and the needles are removed immediately after obtaining deqi. After removing the needles place the cup over the treated acupoints. Cupping can also take place before acupuncture. In both cases use the cup retaining method.

2. Simultaneous needling and cupping: Here the needle is inserted first, and after deqi is obtained the cup is applied over the needle. This combination of cupping and acupuncture increases the stimulation of the acupoints. This method is commonly applied in chronic diseases such as arthralgia.

Bleeding method

A commonly used method which combines cupping and bleeding treatment to produce a quick and powerful treatment effect. It has the function of promoting blood circulation and eliminating stasis, clearing heat, relieving pain and dredging the channels and is particularly suitable for excess heat patterns, for example apoplexy, coma, heat stroke, high fever, headache, sore throat, lumbago, carbuncles, erysipelas etc. Three-edged needles or plum-blossom needles are most often used for bleeding. Prick or tap on the selected site to make the skin red, weep or bleed, and then cup the area, retaining the cups for five to 15 minutes (the cup should not be retained for too long otherwise the healthy qi will be consumed).

After cupping

Withdrawing the cup

To withdraw the cup, tilt the cup with one hand and press the skin around the rim of the cup with the other, letting air in to break the vacuum. Take care not to pull the cup off roughly in order not to hurt the skin and cause pain.

Treatment after cupping

1. If there is local itching, avoid scratching, so as to prevent infection.

2. Some patients develop bruising, blisters or bleeding, all of which are considered a normal reaction. For yang, heat, and excess patterns, the bruising is bright red. For yin, cold patterns, the colour is purple/dark red. For deficiency conditions the bruising is pale. In cold and damp patterns blisters may form.

3. The bruising will be absorbed over time and light massage will facilitate the process. Any small blisters remaining after cupping do not require special management, but larger ones can be sterilised before puncturing with a sterile needle and then applying some gentian violet.

4. In the cup bleeding method, place gauze or absorbent cotton around the rim of cup before withdrawing the cup in order to absorb the blood, and then clean any pus and blood with a sterile gauze and cotton stick.

Precautions

Pay attention to the following precautions when cupping:

* Generally apply cups to areas with thick muscle, avoiding uneven sites and hairy areas of skin, since the cup will easily drop off here and these sites are therefore not suitable for cupping therapy.

* Choose a proper body position and a suitable size of cup.

* The time for retaining the cup should not be too long; generally five to ten minutes is appropriate for most cases.

* Pay attention not to burn or scald the skin by overheating the rim of the cup. If burning causes blisters, treat as discussed above.

* Do not cup over areas of skin with dermatitis, ulceration, swelling, or over an artery or the heart.

* It is not advisable to apply cupping to the abdominal, sacral and breast regions of a pregnant woman.

* Do not cup patients with bleeding disorders such as aplastic anaemia, haemophilia, leukaemia etc.

Cupping therapy for common diseases

1. The common cold

The common cold is a frequently occurring disease, characterised by fever, aversion to cold, headache, nasal obstruction, sneezing, runny nose etc. It is generally known as a wind attack and can be distinguished from the more severe manifestation of cold invasion which is influenza.

Prescription 1: Dazhui DU-14

Method: bleeding cup method. Firstly, sterilise Dazhui DU-14 with alcohol, then prick the point with a filiform needle or a three-edged needle two or three times. Apply cupping using the fire twinkling method described above and retain the cup for six to ten minutes to cause bleeding. Apply once a day for three consecutive days.

Prescription explanation: The Governing vessel is the sea of the yang channels and Dazhui DU-14 is a meeting point of the Governing vessel with the six yang channels of the hand and foot. Dazhui DU-14 has the function of regulating yang and yin, expelling exogenous pathogens and clearing heat. Cupping accompanied with bleeding can strengthen the action of dispersing the pathogens from the surface and dispel wind and heat.

Prescription 2: Dazhui DU-14, Fengchi GB-20, Taiyang (M-HN-9), Fengmen BL-12

Method: use the fire flash method on Taiyang (M-HN-9) until the skin becomes red. For the other three points apply cupping with fire twinkling method, and retain for ten minutes Apply once or twice a day.

Prescription explanation: Dazhui DU-14 is the convergence of the yang channels and has the function of expelling exogenous pathogens and clearing heat. Fengchi GB-20 is the convergence point of the Yang Linking vessel and the Gall Bladder channel, and also expels wind and exogeous pathogens. Taiyang (M-HN-9) can expel head wind and relieve pain. Fengmen BL-12 is used to expel exogenous pathogens, open the Lung qi and strengthen the wei qi.

2. Torticollis

Torticollis manifests as an acute neck spasm, associated with stiffness and pain in the neck and severe limitation of movement. Generally one side of the neck becomes painful after getting up, bending, lifting or turning the head. The pain can spread to the shoulders and the back, and is accompanied by muscle spasm on the affected side. Tenderness on the local site is obvious, but without redness, swelling or heat. According to Chinese medicine theory, such symptoms are mostly caused by an attack of wind and cold to the neck, which leads to channel obstruction and blockage of the qi and blood circulation.

Prescription 1: Dazhui DU-14, Ashi point, Jianwaishu SI-14

Method: grasp the cup with right hand, and using the top of the cup massage the painful area for ten minutes Then apply the cup with fire twinkling method and retain for ten minutes. Apply once a day.

Prescription explanation: massage to the local area can dredge the channels and circulate the qi and blood. Cupping on Dazhui DU-14, Ashi points and Jianwaishu SI-14 helps to warm the channels and expel cold, relax and activate the tendons, promote the circulation of qi and blood and relieve the pain.

Prescription 2: Ashi points, Jianjing GB-21, Fengmen BL-12

Method: light a moxa stick and warm the painful area for 10-20 minutes, then cup the above points with the fire twinkling method. Retain the cup for ten minutes and apply once a day.

Prescription explanation: moxibustion helps to warm the channels and expel cold; cupping on the affected area leads the exogenous pathogens out from the surface. Jianjing GB-21 and Fengmen BL-12 are used to expel wind and cold, and to relieve pain.

3. Sciatica

Sciatica refers to a radiating pain along the course of the sciatic nerve. Its main manifestation is a unilateral clonic pain of the lower back and legs, usually radiating from the lumbar region or buttock to the thigh, popliteal fossa, lateral side of the leg and lateral side of the dorsum of foot. The pain presents as a dull, distending, prickling or scorching pain, and the affected leg cannot be raised high. Coughing, sneezing, bending and squatting will aggravate the pain. Sciatica belongs to the category of arthralgia syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine.

Prescription 1: Ashi points (2-3 tender spots), Huantiao GB-30, Chengfu BL-36, Yinmen BL-37, Chengshan BL-57, Yanglingquan GB-34, Zhibian BL-54, Dachangshu BL-25 Method: First apply three to five cups on Huantiao GB-30, Chengfu BL-36 and ahshi points around the affected buttock. Then cup along the course of the affected channels. Retain the cups for 10-20 minutes and treat once a day, with ten treatments constituting a course.

Prescription explanation: the cups on the buttocks help to expel cold and circulate the blood, dredge the channels and relieve pain. Points along the affected channels play an important role in dredging the channels, expelling cold and relieving pain.

Prescription 2: ashi points along the sciatic nerve, Shenshu BL-23 and Yaoyangguan DU-3 as the main points; Huantiao GB-30, Weizhong BL-40, Chengshan BL-57, Tiaokou ST-38 as secondary points

Method: First cup on the ashi points along the sciatic nerve and then cup on the secondary points. Retain the cups for 10-20 minutes. Secondly apply moxibustion to the ashi points for 10-20 minutes. Treat once a day with ten treatments constituting a course.

Prescription explanation: cupping and moxibustion on the ashi points along the sciatic nerve help to warm the channel, expel cold and relieve pain. In association with Shenshu BL-23 and Yaoyangguan DU-3 this treatment can, in addition, activate the yang and warm the interior. Other points along the channel strengthen the function of dredging the channel, expelling cold and relieving pain.

4. Periarthritis of the shoulder

Periarthritis of shoulder is also called frozen shoulder, or 'fifty year old shoulder'. It mainly manifests as sore shoulder with limited movements of the joint. In modern medicine it is a chronic inflammatory disease, mostly due to injury and retrogression of the shoulder joint capsule and the soft tissue around it. It belongs to the category of bi syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine and frequently occurs in middle-aged people.

Prescription: Ashi points, Jianyu L.I.-15, Jianzhen SI-9, Tianzong SI-11

Method: cup the above points with the fire twinkling method. This condition demands powerful suction to produce a good effect. Retain the cups for 10-15 minutes and apply once a day with ten treatments as a course.

Prescription explanation: The selected local points have the function of expelling cold, dredging the channels and alleviating pain, expelling dampness, and relaxing and activating the tendons.

5. Hemiplegia (cerebrovascular accident)

Cerebrovascular accident is known as wind stroke in traditional Chinese medicine. It frequently occurs in middle-aged and elderly people. This disease presents as paralysis (hemiplegia) on one side of the body, or just on the upper or lower limb. This is usually accompanied by deviation of the mouth, slurred speech and sore limbs. It is primarily a condition of deficiency (of the Liver and Kidney, qi and blood) with secondary excess (stirring up of fire and wind, accumulation of phlegm and dampness, qi and blood stagnation).

Prescription

First group: Jianyu L.I.-15, Jianliao SJ-14, Quchi L.I.-11, Tianzong SI-11, Fengshi GB-31, Huantiao GB-30, Yanglingquan GB-34, Chengshan BL-57, Heding M-LE-27.

Second group: Feishu BL-13, Xinshu BL-15, Ganshu BL-18, Pishu BL-20, Shenshu BL-23, Dazhui DU-14, Yaoyangguan DU-3.

Method: Simple cupping or cupping with needle. Select from the above two groups. In cases of only upper limb paralysis cup on the upper limb, whilst for cases of only lower limb paralysis cup on the lower limb. Apply the moving cup method on the back-shu points before retaining the cups. Use a light manipulation method for relatively weak people. Retain the cups for six to ten minutes Use one group of points a day with 15 treatments as a course.

Prescription explanation: Jianyu L.I.-15, Jianliao SJ-14, Fengshi GB-31, Huantiao GB-30, Yanglingquan GB-34 and Chengshan BL-57 are essential points for hemiplegia and play an important role in dredging the channels and promoting the circulation of qi and blood. Jianyu L.I.-15, Jianliao SJ-14, Quchi L.I.-11, Tianzong SI-11 and Heding M-LE-27 encircle the joints, thus alleviating pain and relaxing the joints. The back-shu points help to regulate the function of the five zang and strengthen the healthy qi. Dazhui DU-14 and Yaoyangguan DU-3 activate yang, regulate qi and strengthen the Kidney and lumbar region.

Note: Cupping has an especially effective role in the treatment of paralysis and pain caused by stroke. It has a notable ability to help relax tendons and alleviate pain and spasm, in order to improve functional activity and independence.

6. Epigastric pain

Epigastric pain is mostly caused or aggravated by irregular diet and excessive intake of cold food. Usually it presents as a distending or dull pain, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, sighing etc. Sometimes strong emotional stress leads to stomach spasm.

Prescription: Zhongwan REN-12, Weishu BL-21, Liangqiu ST-34, Ganshu BL-18

Method: Apply cupping to Weishu BL-21 and Ganshu BL-18 and retain for ten minutes Then cup on Zhongwan REN-12 and Liangqiu ST-34 and retain for ten minutes. Treat once a day.

Prescription explanation: Zhongwan REN-12 is the front-mu point of the Stomach, as well as the hui-meeting point of the fu organs and Weishu BL-21 is the point where the Stomach qi infuses inwards, so these two points are very important for treating Stomach diseases. They have the function of regulating the Stomach qi, activating qi and alleviating pain. Liangqiu ST-34 is the xi-cleft point of the Stomach, and is especially useful for regulating the Stomach qi and alleviating pain. Ganshu BL-18 helps disperse depressed Liver qi, regulate Stomach qi and alleviate pain.

Note: If gastralgia is accompanied by vomiting blood or with blood in the stool, it should be combined with a referral to other appropriate treatment.

7. Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain refers to pain in the upper, lower and lateral abdomen. Abdominal pain can be caused by many organic diseases but in this case we are referring to discomfort caused by intestinal spasm and intestinal neurosis, mostly induced by invasion of cold, irregular diet or emotional stress.

Prescription

Main points: Shenque REN-8, Daheng SP-15, Shimen REN-5.

Associated points: Pishu BL-20, Dachangshu BL-25.

Method: Cupping with fire twinkling method. First cup on Shenque REN-8, Daheng SP-15 and Shimen REN-5 and retain for 10-20 minutes Then cup on Pishu BL-20 and Dachangshu BL-25 with the moving cup method.

Prescription explanation: Shenque REN-8 helps activate the yang and relax the bowels, regulates qi and alleviates pain. Daheng SP-15 clears the qi of the fu organs. Shimen REN-5 is the front-mu point of the Sanjiao, so it plays an important role in regulating qi, alleviating pain, and dredging the water passages. Pishu BL-20 can invigorate the Spleen and eliminate dampness, raise the clear yang and descend the turbid yin.

8. Lumbago

The affected area is along the spine itself or on one or both sides of the spine. In traditional Chinese medicine this disorder is divided into many different patterns such as cold-dampness lumbago, Kidney-deficiency lumbago, blood-stasis lumbago etc. It is usually seen in lumbar osteoarthropathy, lumbar muscle strain, soft tissue injury etc.

Prescription: Shenshu BL-23, Dachangshu BL-25, Ashi points, Weizhong BL-40

Method: Apply cups to all points and retain for 10-20 minutes.

Prescription explanation: the lumbar region is the 'mansion of the Kidney', and Shenshu BL-23 is the point where the Kidney qi moves inwards. It has the function of supplementing the Kidney and activating the yang, improving inspiration and dredging the water passages. Dachangshu BL-25 and Ashi points are local points and can regulate qi and expel cold, disperse blood stasis and alleviate pain. Weizhong BL-40 is the he-sea point of the foot taiyang channel and is an essential point for lumbago.

Note: Cupping is excellent for lumbago and the pain often disappears after cupping therapy.

9. Obesity

Obesity can be divided into two types, simple and secondary obesity. Simple obesity is mostly caused by an over-consumption of rich and sweet food; calorie intake exceeds calorie consumption which leads to the creation and storage of fat. In these cases there are no obvious endocrine dysfunctions. Secondary obesity is the result of cortisol hypersecretion from the diencephalon or pituitary gland, etc. It is usually accompanied by corresponding symptoms of nervous and endocrine dysfunction. According to Chinese medicine, obesity is mostly caused by the accumulation of water, phlegm and dampness.

Prescription

First group: Pishu BL-20, Sanjiaoshu BL-22, Dachangshu BL-25.

Second group: Jianyu L.I.-15, Fengmen BL-12, Jianjing GB-21, Quchi L.I.-11, Zhibian BL-54, Chengfu BL-36, Fengshi GB-31, Chengjin BL-56.

Third group: Daheng SP-15, Shuidao ST-28, Zhongwan REN-12, Qihai REN-6, Fenglong ST-40.

Method: Use the moving cup method on points from the first group once a week. Alternate with points from the second and third groups and retain for 15-25 minutes Apply once a day for the first month, and thereafter every other day.

Prescription explanation: the first group of points can invigorate the Spleen and eliminate dampness, digest fat and descend turbid yin, which together will promote the drainage of metabolites. The points in the second group are used as local points to help digest fat; cupping can break down local adipose tissue. The third group can regulate the Spleen and Stomach, inhibit gastrointestinal peristalsis, promote digestion and relieve dyspepsia, relax the bowels and eliminate dampness.

10. Dysmenorrhoea

Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs in patients without pathologic changes of the reproductive organs and is usually caused by endocrine dysfunction or emotional tension due to menarche. It frequently occurs in unmarried nullparous women not long after menarche. Secondary dysmenorrhoea is caused by pathologic changes of the reproductive organs such as endometriosis, acute or chronic pelvic inflammation, stenosis of the cervix etc. According to traditional Chinese medical theory it is the result of stagnation of qi and blood.

Prescription 1: Shiqizhuixia M-BW-25

Method: Apply cups and retain for 10-20 minutes.

Prescription explanation: Shiqizhuixia M-BW-25 is an extra point along the Governing vessel, which activates and regulates the yang. Selecting this point can quickly relieve painful uterine contractions and spasm.

Note: the pain usually disappears after cupping therapy.

Prescription 2: Guanyuan REN-4, Guilai ST-29, Sanyinjiao SP-6

Method: Cup and retain for 10-20 minutes Treat three days before menstruation and continue until the pain is alleviated. Cupping treatment can be combined with moxibustion.

Prescription explanation: Guanyuan REN-4 is the crossing point of the Conception vessel and three foot yin channels, and plays an important role in regulating the Penetrating and Conception vessels, activating qi and blood, expelling cold and dredging the channels. Guilai ST-29 helps to circulate qi and disperse depressed Liver qi. Sanyinjiao SP-6, the crossing point of the three foot yin channels, can invigorate Spleen qi, regulate Liver and Kidney qi, promote blood circulation and dredge the channels.

Note: Usually the pain disappears after cupping therapy. Continue treatment for three to five menstrual cycles after which time a complete cure of dysmenorrhoea is possible.

11. Urticaria

Urticaria is an allergic dermatosis known in traditional Chinese medicine as wind rash. It is characterised mainly by rapid onset and a bright red or pale rash of various sizes with a clear border, and often appears on the upper half of the body. Differentiation of patterns includes wind-cold, wind-heat, wind-dampness and deficiency of qi and blood. Cupping may be used for both acute and chronic urticaria, though it has a better effect for the former.

Prescription 1: Shenque REN-8, Xuehai SP-10, Quchi L.I.-11

Method: Cup and retain for 10-20 minutes; treat once or twice a day.

Prescription explanation: Shenque REN-8 helps to activate the yang, open the exterior, eliminate dampness and transform turbid yin. Xuehai SP-10 has the function of circulating blood, expelling wind and alleviating itching. Theis reflects the principle of resolving blood in the treatment of wind diseases (the wind will be expelled when the blood circulates smoothly). Quchi L.I.-11 can expel wind and clear heat.

Prescription 2: Dazhui DU-14, Fengmen BL-12, Geshu BL-17

Method: Cup and retain for 10-20 minutes; treat once or twice a day.

Prescription explanation: Dazhui DU-14 is the crossing point of the yang channels and can activate the yang and expel pathogens. Geshu BL-17 has the function of circulating blood, expelling wind and alleviating itching. Fengmen BL-12 can circulate the inhibited Lung qi and strengthen the exterior.

Note: Cupping can achieve a rapid and satisfactory effect in treating urticaria.

Conclusion

Cupping therapy has been widely applied and developed throughout the history of Chinese medicine. It has many advantages such as simple, inexpensive tools and an easy method of application, together with good clinical effects and virtually no side effects. It is suitable for people from all walks of life for a variety of conditions and can be used both in the hospital and at home to promote health and wellbeing.

Huang Shixi graduated from Guang Zhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has practised acupunture for 20 years. He is a Trustee of Beijing Rehabiliation Society of Chinese Medical Association, member of the Chinese Society of Acupuncture and vice-chief physician of Guang An Men Hospital affiliated to the China Academy of TCM.