Tao Yao

Medicine——TCM: Cupping Therapy

Known in ancient times as the “horn method” (角法) for its use of animal horn cups, cupping is an ancient TCM physical therapy that prevents and treats diseases by creating negative pressure through cup adhesion on the body surface. Its origins trace back to the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). The Fifty-two Medical Formulas (五十二病方), unearthed at the tomb in Mawangdui(a region in Changsha), documents using animal horns to drain pus from sores (Harper, 1998). Ge Hong (283-343), a Taoist physician of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, recorded the earliest emergency cupping technique in Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies (肘后备急方): using heated bamboo cups to extract venom from snakebite wounds (Zhang Yu, 2017). By the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), Tao Hongjing systematically described bamboo cupping in Collected Commentaries on the Classic of Materia Medica (本草经集注), establishing it as an officially recognized TCM therapy (Wang Qi, Li Ming, 2015). During the Ming and Qing periods, the Golden Mirror of Medicine (医宗金鉴) detailed “medicated cupping” (药罐法), integrating herbal medicine with cupping, marking the technique’s maturity. It later evolved to include bamboo, ceramic, and modern glass cups (Yang Jinsheng, 1999).

Theoretical Basis

Cupping perfectly embodies the TCM pathological view: “Obstruction causes pain; free flow prevents pain” (不通则痛，通则不痛). As its mechanisms are scientifically elucidated, this ancient art bridges traditional wisdom with evidence-based medicine (Wang Meijuan et al, 2022). Based on the TCM theory of “negative pressure expelling pathogens” (负压引邪), cupping unblocks meridians, dispels wind-cold-damp pathogens, and regulates qi-blood circulation. Modern studies confirm that negative pressure dilates capillaries, enhances local blood-oxygen perfusion, and activates immune responses.

Practical Application

Cupping Tools

Cups vary widely, including bamboo, ceramic, glass, silicone, and pump-controlled types. Each material offers distinct advantages: bamboo cups are lightweight and affordable for home use; glass cups allow visual monitoring; pump cups enable easy, adjustable pressure. Selection depends on individual needs and preferences.

Cupping Techniques

1. Flash Fire Method: A cotton ball soaked in alcohol is clamped with forceps, ignited, swirled inside the cup, then quickly removed before placing the cup on the skin. Simple but requires fire safety awareness (Wang Fei, Li Ming, 2020).

2. Fire Insertion Method: A burning paper/alcool ball is dropped into the cup, which is then rapidly placed on the skin. Suitable for flame-resistant cups.

3. Pump Method: Air is extracted using a pump to create negative pressure. Safe, controllable, and ideal for sensitive skin or special groups like pregnant women.

4. Wet Cupping: Water is added to the cup; heating creates suction while providing warm stimulation to enhance efficacy.

Duration

Cupping typically lasts 15–30 minutes, adjusted based on the patient’s constitution, condition, treatment area, and cup type. Longer durations suit robust patients with severe conditions or thick-muscled areas; shorter sessions are advised for frail individuals or sensitive/thin-skinned areas.

Modern Applications and Development

Medical Use

Cupping is widely integrated into modern healthcare—both as standalone therapy or combined with acupuncture/massage for synergistic effects. For chronic fatigue syndrome, it alleviates exhaustion and improves function. In rehabilitation, it enhances blood flow, relieves muscle tension/pain, and accelerates recovery post-surgery or injury. A 2021 Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion study noted a 40% reduction in pain scores, emphasizing standardized protocols (Zeng Ke, Wang Jianwei, 2021).

Health and Aesthetics

Rising health consciousness has popularized cupping in beauty and wellness. By boosting skin circulation and metabolism, it enhances elasticity and radiance. Facial cupping tightens muscles, reduces wrinkles, and evens skin tone. It also regulates endocrine function and aids detoxification, supporting weight management. Spas and wellness centers globally now offer cupping services.

Global Recognition

As TCM gains international traction, cupping’s visibility has soared. Western medical institutions in the US, UK, and Germany employ it for musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain. Swimmer Michael Phelps’s purple cupping marks at the 2016 Rio Olympics spotlighted it as a cultural ambassador for TCM. The WHO included cupping in its 2019 Traditional Medicine Catalogue. Notably, post-treatment dark ecchymosis (紫黯色瘀斑) signifies normal “pathogenic factors being expelled” (病邪外泄), distinct from bruising (Zheng Rong, 2018).

Terms and Expressions

cupping therapy 拔罐疗法

horn method角法

medicated cupping药罐

meridians 经络

Qi 气

ecchymosis 瘀斑

stationary cupping 留罐

moving cupping 走罐

obstruction causes pain; free flow prevents pain 不通则痛，通则不痛

negative pressure expelling pathogens 负压引邪

pathogenic factors being expelled 病邪外泄

the Fifty-two Medical Formulas 《五十二病方》

Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies 《肘后备急方》

the Classic of Materia Medica 《本草经集注》

the Golden Mirror of Medicine 《医宗金鉴》

Questions

1. What are the three main techniques of cupping therapy?

2. How does cupping alleviate pain according to TCM theory?

3. What are the key benefits of cupping? Give examples of their practical uses.

4. List two safety innovations in modern cupping.

5. Which ancient text first documented cupping?

References

[1] Wang Fei & Li, Ming王菲, 李明. (2020) 拔罐技术的分类与操作规范[Classification and Operational Standards of Cupping Techniques]. 上海针灸杂志Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture, 39(2): 111-114.

[2] Wang Meijuan et al王美娟等. (2022) 从辨象论治探讨拔罐疗法的中医理论基础探析[Analysis of the Theoretical Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cupping Therapy from the Perspective of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment]. 中华中医药杂志China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, 37(8): 4822-4825.

[3] Yang Jinsheng杨金生. (1999) 拔罐疗法的历史沿革[Historical Evolution of Cupping Therapy]. 中华医史杂志Chinese Journal of Medical History, 29(2): 82-84.

[4] Zhang, Yu张瑜. (2017) 葛洪《肘后备急方》对拔罐疗法的贡献[Ge Hong’s Contributions to Cupping in Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies]. 中医文献杂志Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Literature, 35(5): 40-42.

[5] Zeng Ke & Wang Jianwei曾科, 王建伟. (2016) 拔罐疗法的临床应用与研究进展[Clinical Application and Research Progress of Cupping Therapy]. 针灸推拿医学Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 14(4): 300-304.

[6] Zheng, Rong郑蓉. (2018) 拔罐疗法的国际化传播与接受度研究[Internationalization and Acceptance of Cupping Therapy]. 环球中医药Global Traditional Chinese Medicine, 11(4): 28–31.

医药学：中医——拔罐疗法

拔罐疗法古称“角法”——因使用兽角罐得名，其是中医古老的物理疗法，通过罐具吸附体表产生负压以防治疾病。最早可追溯至战国时期（公元前475–221年）。马王堆出土的《五十二病方》记载用兽角吸拔脓疮。东晋道医葛洪（283–343）所著《肘后备急方》记载了最早的急救拔罐法：以热竹罐吸拔蛇咬伤口排毒。（张瑜，2017）至唐代（公元618–907年），陶弘景在《本草经集注》中系统描述竹罐拔罐法，使其成为官方认可的中医疗法。明清时期，《医宗金鉴》详述“药罐法”，将中药与拔罐结合，标志技术成熟。后逐渐发展出竹罐、陶罐与现代玻璃罐。（杨金生，1999） [1]

拔罐的理论基础

拔罐疗法完美诠释了中医“不通则痛，通则不痛”的病理观。随着作用机制被科学解析，这项古老技艺正架起传统智慧与现代循证医学的桥梁。（王美娟等，2022）基于中医“负压引邪”理论，拔罐通过吸拔力疏通经络、驱散风寒湿邪、调节气血运行。现代研究证实：负压可扩张毛细血管，增加局部血氧灌注，激活免疫应答。

拔罐的具体实践

拔罐器具

拔罐器具的种类繁多，常见的有竹罐、陶罐、玻璃罐、橡胶罐、抽气式拔罐器等。不同材质的拔罐器具各有特点，如竹罐轻便、廉价，适用于家庭使用；玻璃罐透明，便于观察罐内情况；抽气式拔罐器操作简便，容易控制负压强度等。在选择拔罐器具时，应根据实际需求和个人偏好进行选择。

拔罐方法

1. 闪火法：用镊子夹着酒精棉球，点燃后伸进罐内绕一圈再抽出，然后迅速将火罐扣在皮肤上。此方法操作简便，但需要注意防火安全。

2. 投火法：将燃烧的纸片或酒精棉球投入罐内，然后迅速将火罐扣在皮肤上。这种方法适用于不易燃烧的罐具。（王菲, 李明，2020）

3. 负压吸引法：利用抽气装置将罐内空气抽出，形成负压后吸附在皮肤上。这种方法操作简单、安全，容易控制负压强度，适用于各种人群，尤其是皮肤敏感者和孕妇等特殊人群。

4. 水罐法：先将罐内装入适量的水，然后通过加热或其他方式使罐内形成负压，吸附在皮肤上。水罐法具有温热刺激的作用，能够增强拔罐的疗效。

拔罐时间

拔罐时间通常是指从开始拔罐到结束拔罐的整个过程所持续的时间。一般情况下，拔罐时间应控制在 15 - 30 分钟左右，具体时间应根据患者的体质、病情、拔罐部位以及所选用的拔罐器具等因素灵活掌握。对于体质较好、病情较重、拔罐部位肌肉丰厚的患者，拔罐时间可适当延长；而对于体质虚弱、皮肤敏感、拔罐部位皮肤较薄的患者，则应相应缩短拔罐时间。

拔罐在现代社会中的应用与发展

医疗领域的应用

在现代医疗领域，拔罐疗法被广泛应用于多种疾病的治疗过程中。它不仅可以作为单一的治疗方法，还可以与其他医疗手段相结合，发挥协同作用，提高治疗效果。例如，在治疗慢性疲劳综合征时，拔罐疗法与针灸、按摩等疗法相结合，能够有效缓解患者的疲劳症状，改善身体机能。此外，拔罐疗法在康复医学中也发挥着重要作用。对于一些术后康复、运动损伤康复的患者，拔罐能够促进局部血液循环，缓解肌肉紧张和疼痛，加速康复进程。2021年《中国针灸》研究指出：拔罐可使疼痛评分降低40%，但需规范操作流程。（曾科,王建伟, 2016）

美容养生领域的应用

随着人们生活水平的提高和美容养生意识的增强，拔罐疗法在美容养生领域得到了广泛的应用。拔罐可以通过改善皮肤的血液循环，促进新陈代谢，增强皮肤的弹性和光泽，从而达到美容养颜的效果。例如，面部拔罐能够缓解面部肌肉的松弛，淡化皱纹，改善肤色不均等问题。同时，拔罐还能调节人体的内分泌系统，促进毒素的排出，对于减肥塑形、改善体质等方面也具有一定的作用。许多美容院和养生会所都推出了拔罐美容养生项目，受到了广大消费者的青睐。

国际交流与传播

随着中医文化的不断传播，拔罐疗法在国际上的知名度和影响力也日益增强。越来越多的外国人士开始了解和接受拔罐疗法，一些西方国家的医疗机构也开始将拔罐纳入其医疗体系中。例如，在美国、英国、德国等国家，拔罐疗法被用于治疗肌肉骨骼疾病、慢性疼痛等病症，并取得了一定的疗效。在2016年里约奥运会中，游泳名将菲尔普斯肩背的罐印引发全球关注，使拔罐成为“中医文化输出”的标志性符号。世卫组织2019年将其纳入传统医学名录。需澄清的是：治疗后紫黯色瘀斑属“病邪外泄”的正常反应，与普通淤青有本质区别。（郑蓉，2018）

术语对照表