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Cupping therapy (Ba Guan 拔罐) is a traditional technique used at Eastern Medicine Center that creates negative pressure on the skin to promote circulation, release myofascial tension, and support relaxation. The practice has deep roots in classical Chinese medicine and appears in early records from other cultures. Today, it is also used in sports recovery and pain management. At our clinic, cupping may be offered as a stand‑alone treatment or combined with acupuncture, heat therapy, and soft‑tissue work.
We tailor techniques and intensity to your constitution, sensitivity, and treatment goals. We use:
Common applications include retaining cups over specific points for 1- 5 minutes, or gliding cups along myofascial lines for 2 – 5 minutes. Duration and suction are adjusted in real time for comfort and effectiveness.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, cupping therapy is used to help move Qi and Blood, reduce stagnation, open the channels, and support warming of yang. This approach is commonly applied in patterns involving obstruction or constraint, often associated with muscle tension and discomfort.
From a modern perspective, cupping is thought to support local circulation, promote lymphatic movement, reduce myofascial tension, and engage the body’s natural pain-modulating responses, contributing to improved comfort and mobility.
The following applications are practitioner‑only due to anatomy and dosage considerations. They are offered when appropriate after evaluation.
Gentle, professionally applied cupping may help ease chest tightness and support breathing when used as part of a broader care plan. Common targets include:
Chest cupping must be conservative and is not appropriate for acute respiratory distress. Patients with persistent cough, fever, chest pain, or severe wheeze should seek medical evaluation. Cupping is complementary and does not replace prescribed medications.
At the very early stage of a common cold, some patients benefit from warming, light cupping at DU‑14 (Dazhui) and along the upper thoracic Back‑Shu region (e.g., BL‑12 Feng men, BL‑13 Fei shu). This is paired with rest, hydration, and, when appropriate, acupuncture or gentle moxibustion. Avoid cupping if you have high fever, severe sore throat, or systemic illness, seek medical advice instead.
For certain TCM patterns of itching, practitioners may use paraspinal and midline (Du channel) cupping to regulate defensive Qi and circulation, sometimes with adjunct points. A classic supportive point is BL‑40, DU‑14 (Dazhui), Ganshu (BL 18). Wei zhong at the back of the knee, which in TCM is used to help clear heat and benefit the skin. Cupping is never placed on broken or inflamed skin; dosing is conservative and individualized.
Disclaimer: Information provided here is for educational purposes and reflects integrative care at Eastern Medicine Center. Cupping should be performed by licensed professionals and used alongside appropriate medical evaluation when indicated.
Typically 3 – 7 days. In sensitive skin or with stronger suction, they may persist 7 – 10 days. The marks reflect superficial capillary changes rather than tissue injury. Contact us if you notice blistering or unusual discomfort.
For acute or subacute issues, 1 – 2 sessions per week for 2 – 3 weeks is common; for chronic concerns, shift to maintenance every 2 – 4 weeks. We often pair cupping with acupuncture and gentle mobility work for steadier results.
You may feel tightness, fullness, or warmth. It should not be a sharp or lingering pain. Tell your practitioner if you feel uncomfortable, we can reduce suction or shorten time.
Same day, avoid high‑intensity workouts, saunas, and long hot showers. For 24 hours, avoid strong sun or cold drafts on the treated area. Gentle walking and light stretching are encouraged.
Avoid on broken/infected skin, over large varicosities, fresh scars, or significant edema. Use caution with bleeding disorders or anticoagulants. In pregnancy, avoid abdomen and lumbosacral regions. Always follow a practitioner’s guidance.
At Eastern Medicine Center we primarily use rechargeable electronic cups because they allow precise control of suction and include gentle, adjustable warming without open flames or alcohol vapors. Multiple cup sizes let us treat both large and small areas. Traditional glass fire cups do not provide temperature control and rely on an alcohol flame to create suction; they can introduce combustion fumes and offer less consistent dosing. We keep them only for specific requests or scenarios after practitioner evaluation.
Blistering is uncommon and usually occurs with excessive suction or prolonged retention. We monitor closely and adjust technique to avoid this; if it occurs, we provide simple wound care guidance and follow‑up.
Yes and often to good effect. Cupping can relax superficial tissues so acupuncture can target deeper meridians and trigger points; sometimes we needle first and cup afterward. The sequence depends on your diagnosis and day‑of presentation.
Acute strains or “stiff neck” often improve in 1- 3 sessions. Chronic overuse patterns usually need 4 – 6 sessions to consolidate gains, plus home stretching and posture changes. Your practitioner will outline a personalized plan after the initial visit.
Drink warm water, keep the area covered and warm, avoid alcohol and late nights. Starting the next day, gentle mobility and heat can help, then resume normal training as advised.
Aftercare (first 24 hours)
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Moxa is generally safe when performed by trained professionals, but burns and skin irritation can occur without proper supervision. Because burning moxa can raise indoor particulates and volatile compounds, professional settings use smokeless options and/or ventilation to reduce exposure. (We use smokeless moxa and ventilated rooms.) PMC+1PubMed