Home
Articles
Q&A

Why is the blood viscous in cupping and bloodletting?

Apr 15, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, thick blood during cupping and bloodletting may be caused by normal physiological phenomena, stagnation of qi and blood, excessive cold-dampness, high blood lipid levels, or the presence of toxins in the body. If any discomfort occurs during the process, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. After cupping and bloodletting, take care to protect the wound and prevent infection. Avoid bathing on the same day, get adequate rest, refrain from eating spicy or irritating foods, and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.

In general, thick blood during cupping and bloodletting may be caused by normal physiological phenomena, stagnation of qi and blood, severe cold-dampness, high blood lipid levels, or the presence of internal toxins. If any discomfort occurs during the process, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Normal physiological phenomenon

During cupping with bloodletting, a triangular needle is typically used to quickly prick acupuncture points. After a certain amount of blood flows out, the cup is applied over the puncture site. During bleeding, coagulation factors in the blood become active, gradually causing the blood to clot. If the bloodletting lasts for a relatively long time, the blood may appear thick, which is considered a normal physiological occurrence and usually does not require special treatment.

2. Qi and Blood Stagnation

This refers to impaired circulation of qi and blood, which can result from emotional stress, invasion by external pathogens, etc., leading to blood stasis. During cupping and bloodletting, thickened clots of blood may be drawn out. Treatment may include acupuncture, and under medical guidance, herbal medicines such as Astragalus (Huangqi), Saussurea (Muxiang), Notoginseng (Sanqi), and Salvia (Danshen) may also be used.

3. Severe Cold-Dampness

If body warmth is not properly maintained or if there is underlying weakness in the internal organs, dampness and cold may invade the body and disrupt the flow of qi and blood. During cupping with bloodletting, thick blood clots may also appear. It is important to keep the body warm and, as directed by a physician, use herbs such as ginger, Atractylodes (Baizhu), and Angelica pubescens (Duhuo) for treatment.

4. High Blood Lipid Levels

Poor dietary habits may lead to increased blood viscosity and elevated blood lipid levels. During cupping and bloodletting therapy, after the skin is punctured, the流出 blood may contain viscous clots. It is advisable to maintain a healthy diet, avoid high-cholesterol foods, and engage in regular physical exercise.

5. Presence of Toxins

If bitten by venomous insects or snakes, cupping with bloodletting may help alleviate symptoms. Following cupping, dark purple blood clots may appear due to local toxin accumulation and cell necrosis. Under medical supervision, additional treatments such as local wound debridement may also be performed.

After cupping and bloodletting, care should be taken to protect the wound and prevent infection. Avoid bathing on the same day, ensure adequate rest, refrain from spicy and irritating foods, and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Related Articles

View All
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.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
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.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
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.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
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.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
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.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
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.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
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.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
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.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.