Is the dark color on the kidney area after cupping therapy a sign of kidney deficiency?

Nov 11, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, a dark appearance at the kidney area after cupping is usually not due to deficiency (xu). This situation may also occur in individuals who frequently lack exercise. If the kidney area becomes very dark after cupping and is accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, the aforementioned condition might be caused by deficiency (xu). In daily life, it is recommended that patients undergo cupping at professional traditional Chinese medicine therapy clinics to avoid improper cupping techniques and potential adverse consequences.

Generally speaking, whether the kidney area becoming very dark after cupping indicates symptoms of kidney deficiency needs to be determined according to the specific circumstances. This phenomenon may also occur in individuals who regularly lack physical exercise. If the kidney area turns very dark after cupping and is accompanied by discomfort symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, irritability, and other similar issues, it may be caused by kidney deficiency. A detailed analysis is as follows:

For individuals who sit for prolonged periods and lack physical activity, the muscles in the lower back are consistently in a contracted state, which may lead to poor local blood circulation and stagnation of blood and qi. In such cases, cupping may easily result in a darker coloration in the kidney area. Additionally, if the living environment is damp or the lower back is frequently exposed to cold, cold-dampness may accumulate and obstruct the normal circulation of blood and qi. When cupping is performed under these conditions, the aforementioned situation may also occur.

Furthermore, if the kidney area becomes very dark after cupping and is accompanied by symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, irritability, insomnia with vivid dreams, there may be an underlying condition of kidney deficiency.

In daily life, it is recommended that patients undergo cupping at professional traditional Chinese medicine therapy clinics to avoid improper cupping techniques that could lead to adverse effects. Additionally, if the kidney area appears very dark after cupping, applying a warm towel or heat pack to the area and performing gentle massage or tapping may help promote the dissipation and absorption of stagnant blood. If the kidney area turns dark after cupping and is accompanied by significant discomfort, it is advised to stop cupping immediately and seek timely medical attention at a正规 hospital. It is also important to maintain healthy dietary and作息 habits to support overall recovery.