Can cupping therapy treat liver fibrosis?
Dec 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Cupping therapy cannot directly treat liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is an important pathological change during the progression of chronic liver disease, typically accompanied by abnormal proliferation of intrahepatic connective tissue. This process may be caused by various pathogenic factors, such as viral hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease. As a traditional Chinese medical treatment, cupping therapy aims to promote local blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.
Generally speaking, cupping cannot directly treat liver fibrosis. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Liver fibrosis is an important pathological change during the progression of chronic liver disease, usually accompanied by abnormal proliferation of intrahepatic connective tissue. This process may be triggered by various pathogenic factors, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, etc. Cupping, as a traditional Chinese medical therapy, mainly works by applying negative pressure to the skin surface to promote local blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. However, it cannot directly target the causes of liver fibrosis nor reverse the fibrotic process that has already occurred.
For patients with chronic liver diseases such as viral hepatitis or alcoholic liver disease, it is important to actively treat the underlying disease and control disease progression in order to reduce the risk of liver fibrosis. At the same time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can help maintain liver health and reduce the incidence of liver fibrosis.
