Why does cupping cause itching?

Cupping is a very popular health care method. It can relax muscles and promote blood circulation, reduce swelling and relieve pain, and dispel wind and cold, so it is welcomed by many people. However, there are often some side effects after cupping, especially itching. So what is going on?

After cupping, the edges will feel tight and itchy due to local irritation and congestion at the cup mouth. This is a normal phenomenon. Traditional Chinese medicine indicates that there is wind evil and dampness, and the pain followed by itching indicates that there is fire poison in the body. Don't panic if you experience itchy skin, as it is an inevitable phenomenon of expelling pathogenic qi. Continuous treatment for a period of time, the reaction will disappear naturally. It usually won't take long, sometimes 1-2 days, and some serious cases may need about 1-2 weeks.

But some of them are caused by allergies to the material of the jars, most of which are porcelain jars or bamboo jars, especially bamboo medicine jars. Some patients will experience allergies due to the fumigation of the medicine. Generally, glass tubes will not cause allergic reactions, but if the mouth of the cup is too hot or the tube is pulled for a long time, it will cause poor local blood circulation, redness, swelling, blisters, and even ulcers.

After cupping, the marks from the cupping will generally fade away in 3-5 days. Many people will feel itchy on the second day. This is normal. It is the process of repairing the damaged tissues in the extremities. Don't worry. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to see a dermatologist and use some topical medication.