How to differentiate between cold and dampness in cupping therapy

Apr 06, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. He Haochen

Introduction

Cupping can differentiate between cold and dampness by observing the appearance inside the cup, whether the local skin is moist, and the color of the local skin. If the patient's condition is due to invasion of cold, there is generally no obvious manifestation inside the cup after cupping. However, if cupping is performed due to excessive dampness, water droplets may condense on the cup wall or a damp condition may be present as dampness is expelled.

Cupping can help differentiate between cold and dampness based on manifestations inside the cup, whether the local skin is moist, and the color of the skin.

1. Manifestations inside the cup

If the patient's condition is due to invasion of cold pathogen, there is generally no obvious change inside the cup after cupping. However, if the condition results from excessive dampness, water droplets or moisture may appear on the inner surface of the cup as dampness is expelled.

2. Whether the local skin is moist

If cold pathogen is present in the body, after cupping expels the cold, touching the treated area may feel cold. If dampness is expelled through cupping, the local skin will feel noticeably moist and may also feel cool to the touch.

3. Local skin color

If cold is predominant, after cupping the skin may show varying depths of purple spots, mostly due to cold being expelled through pores. If dampness is predominant, the skin may display dark red patches after cupping.

Besides the above differences, cold and dampness can also be distinguished by other bodily symptoms. It is recommended to maintain warmth in daily life and avoid exposure to cold.

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What does it mean when yellow fluid comes out during cupping?

In general, yellow fluid discharge after cupping may be caused by factors such as exudation of skin tissue fluid, excessive temperature inside the cup, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or impaired lymphatic return. Appropriate measures can be taken based on the specific situation to improve the condition. During routine cupping, it's important to control the temperature and duration, and treatment should be performed at a qualified facility. If yellow fluid is accompanied by redness, swelling, or increased pain, cupping should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought. Keep the skin clean.

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What does it mean when cupping causes bleeding or fluid discharge?

Cupping-induced discharge of bloody fluid primarily results from the rupture of local capillaries due to negative pressure, leading to a mixture of blood and tissue fluid oozing out. A small amount of light red fluid is usually a normal physiological response; however, if there is excessive bleeding, dark red blood, or pus, it may indicate local inflammation, blood stasis, or skin damage. In cases of abnormal bleeding, prompt medical evaluation is necessary.

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What does it mean when cupping leaves a purple ring with a white center?

The purple ring with a white center after cupping results from the combined effects of local blood circulation and tissue fluid exudation. The central white area typically occurs because the negative pressure is strongest at the center of the cup, temporarily compressing and occluding capillaries. The surrounding purple area represents bruising caused by capillary dilation and minor blood leakage in the peripheral region, which is a normal physiological response following cupping therapy.

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Why do I feel very weak the day after cupping therapy, and what should I do about it?

In general, feeling very weak the day after cupping therapy may be caused by open pores on the skin surface, depletion of qi and blood, hypoglycemia, anemia, hypothyroidism, or other reasons. Depending on the specific situation, improvement can be achieved through general调理 (regulation), medication, or other treatments. Before undergoing cupping, one should clearly understand their physical constitution and avoid the procedure when fasting or fatigued. If the feeling of weakness persists for more than 3 days or is accompanied by dizziness or palpitations, seek medical attention promptly.

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What does the color of cupping marks indicate?

In general, the color of cupping marks varies and reflects different health conditions, with common colors including bright red, dark red, purple, light blue, grayish-white, etc. In addition, the color of cupping marks can be influenced by individual differences, so there is no need to be overly concerned about a single result. However, if abnormal mark colors persist over time or are accompanied by significant discomfort, medical attention should be sought promptly to evaluate one's health status based on specific circumstances.

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What to do if you took a bath after cupping

Under normal circumstances, after cupping therapy the pores are open, and taking a bath immediately may make one susceptible to dampness and cold, leading to discomfort. If this occurs, corrective measures include promptly drying the body and keeping warm, applying heat to the cupped areas, drinking warm beverages, performing moderate moxibustion to dispel cold, and avoiding further irritation. After cupping, it is important to wait 4–6 hours before bathing, and when showering, opt for a shower rather than a bath with water temperature not too low.

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What does it mean if cupping leaves very dark marks?

Darker cupping marks usually indicate poor local circulation of qi and blood, more severe blood stasis, and may also suggest a significant presence of cold and dampness in the body. If the dark marks persist for a prolonged period or are accompanied by abnormal symptoms such as local pain, swelling, or skin damage, medical evaluation should be sought promptly. When the circulation of qi and blood is impaired, metabolic waste in local tissues cannot be effectively removed, making it easier for blood stasis to develop.

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Does the absence of cupping marks indicate insufficient qi and blood?

According to traditional Chinese medicine, when qi and blood are abundant and circulating smoothly, cupping often results in normal bruising on the skin. However, if there is a deficiency of qi and blood, the body's subcutaneous qi and blood may not adequately respond to the negative pressure stimulation during cupping, making it difficult to produce noticeable marks. Nevertheless, the absence of marks after cupping does not necessarily indicate qi and blood deficiency—insufficient suction strength or too short a duration can also lead to inadequate negative pressure stimulation, resulting naturally in no visible marks.

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