Can cupping therapy be used for heatstroke?

Jul 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, if the heatstroke is mild, cupping therapy can be appropriately performed after the body condition stabilizes. However, if the heatstroke is severe, cupping should not be performed. If any discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to closely monitor the body's condition and seek treatment at a正规 hospital when necessary. Before performing cupping for mild heatstroke, ensure there is no significant discomfort, and after cupping, keep warm to avoid catching a chill.

Generally speaking, if it is mild heatstroke, cupping can be appropriately performed after the body condition stabilizes; however, if it is severe heatstroke, cupping should not be used. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to closely monitor the physical condition and seek medical treatment at a regular hospital when necessary. Detailed analysis is as follows:

During mild heatstroke, if symptoms are mild, such as dizziness, fatigue, and slight nausea, and the physical condition gradually stabilizes after rest and hydration, cupping can be appropriately applied. Cupping can stimulate acupoints and the local skin, promoting local blood circulation and helping to relieve muscle soreness and fatigue. However, it is important to choose a reputable facility and have the procedure performed by a professional. The duration of cupping should not be too long, and areas with skin damage should be avoided.

For severe heatstroke, cupping should not be used. Patients with severe heatstroke often experience high fever, confusion, dehydration, and decreased blood pressure, with their bodies in an extremely weakened state and possible dysfunction of various organs. At this stage, cupping cannot provide therapeutic effects and may instead worsen the stress response due to external stimulation, affecting blood circulation and normal regulatory functions of the body, potentially exacerbating the condition. Additionally, severe heatstroke requires timely medical intervention, such as cooling measures, fluid replacement, and correction of electrolyte imbalances. Cupping may delay critical treatment time.

Before applying cupping for mild heatstroke, ensure there is no significant discomfort in the body. After cupping, attention should be paid to keeping warm and avoiding cold exposure, while continuing to replenish fluids. If redness, swelling, increased pain, or dizziness occurs after cupping, the procedure should be stopped immediately and monitored. Patients with severe heatstroke must strictly follow medical advice, receive standardized treatment first, and decide whether to proceed with cupping or other wellness practices only after full recovery.

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What is the purpose of cupping therapy?

In general, cupping therapy can help unblock meridians, relieve muscle soreness, improve local blood circulation, remove dampness from the body, and assist in regulating immune function. Additionally, after receiving cupping therapy, one should keep warm, avoid taking a shower immediately, and prevent cold pathogens from entering the body. Individuals with skin injuries, infections, or skin diseases should not undergo cupping therapy.

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What are the benefits of cupping therapy for the body?

In general, cupping therapy, as a traditional physical treatment method, offers several health benefits, including promoting blood circulation, relieving muscle soreness, eliminating dampness from the body, improving sleep quality, and enhancing metabolic function. When undergoing cupping, it is important to choose a reputable facility, control the duration and frequency of the sessions, and avoid performing cupping on broken or allergic skin, or during special physiological periods to prevent adverse reactions.

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Can children with fever be treated with cupping therapy to reduce body temperature?

Whether a child with a fever can use guasha (scraping therapy) to reduce body temperature should be determined based on the severity of the fever and the child's overall health condition. If the child's body temperature is below 38.5℃ and there are no other discomforts, guasha may be considered under professional guidance to assist with cooling. However, if the temperature exceeds 38.5℃, or if the child experiences symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, or has other concerns including young age, sensitive skin, or underlying medical conditions, guasha is not recommended for reducing fever.