The difference between cupping and fire cupping

When cupping, the doctor will always ask us whether to choose gas cupping or fire cupping. Gas cupping and fire cupping are two completely different methods. Fire cupping is a very traditional cupping method, but it must be removed within a specified time, otherwise it will become hot and swollen, and blisters will appear after a long time. No matter it is gas cupping or fire cupping, the efficacy and usage should be clearly understood.

The principles of gas cupping and fire cupping are the same. Both use the negative pressure of a vacuum to act on the human body, which has the effects of warming the meridians, promoting qi and blood circulation, removing dampness and cold, dispersing blood stasis, reducing swelling and relieving pain. The adsorption strength of the gas tank can be adjusted by the piston, so it is more convenient to operate and easier to control. The main reason why cupping is more prone to burns is that too much alcohol is used, which drips onto the skin inside the cup and causes blisters; the flame heats the mouth of the cup, which can easily cause a burn circle on the mouth of the cup. If the cup is left on for too long, white blisters may easily appear. Fire cupping has thermal penetration and a warming effect, which can dispel wind and cold, while gas cupping does not have this effect and is less effective in treating diseases caused by cold and wind.

Method/Steps : The person to be cupped takes off his shirt and lies flat on the bed.

First, do a simple back massage to relax and warm up the back muscles, and then apply a lubricant that can protect the skin, such as olive oil, on your back. Slowly place the cups from the middle of the back to both sides and from the top to the bottom to extract the air inside. The force and time should be to the degree that the person being cupped can tolerate. Note here that the place where the can is placed must be where the meat is thicker. The cupping time is generally 5 minutes. If it is too long, blisters may occur and the skin may be damaged. In addition to cupping on relevant acupoints, you can also cup on painful points to speed up blood circulation and thus dispel cold and relieve pain.

It is best not to use hair dryer or air conditioning on that day. The principle is the same as taking a shower. After cupping, special attention should be paid to the hygiene and dryness of the bed sheets when sleeping. Because the skin is in a very fragile state at this time, if the sheets are not hygienic and dry enough, it can easily cause skin allergies. I have personally experienced this pain.

I rented a house on the first floor, and the conditions were not very good, especially it was very humid. Although I changed the bed sheets on the day of the cupping, the humidity in the room was too high. When I woke up the next day, large red rashes appeared on my back. It was extremely itchy. At the worst time, I was shaking all over and breaking out in cold sweats. This situation lasted for more than half a month before I slowly recovered. What a painful realization this is.