Where to perform cupping for removing dampness

Aug 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, common areas for cupping therapy to remove dampness include Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), Pishu (BL20), Shenshu (BL23), and Fenglong (ST40). If considering cupping therapy, it is recommended to visit a qualified institution and have the procedure performed by a trained professional. During cupping, appropriate cups and suction strength should be selected, and the duration should be controlled to avoid skin damage. Cupping is not recommended for individuals with skin injuries, ulcers, or allergies.

Generally, areas commonly selected for cupping to remove dampness include Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), Pishu (BL20), Shenshu (BL23), and Fenglong (ST40). If considering cupping therapy, it is recommended to visit a reputable institution and have the procedure performed by a trained professional. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Zusanli (ST36)

Zusanli is located on the lateral side of the lower leg, three cun below the犊鼻 (Dubí) point. This point is a key acupoint of the stomach meridian; cupping here can regulate the functions of the spleen and stomach, enhance transformation and transportation, aid in eliminating dampness from the body, and alleviate symptoms such as abdominal distension and loss of appetite caused by excessive dampness. It is particularly suitable for individuals with spleen deficiency accompanied by excessive dampness.

2. Guanyuan (CV4)

Guanyuan is located three cun below the navel and belongs to a point on the Conception Vessel. Cupping at this location can warm and replenish vital energy, dispel cold, and remove dampness. It can help relieve symptoms such as heaviness in the limbs and intolerance to cold caused by internal accumulation of cold-damp. It is especially suitable for individuals with a cold constitution accompanied by excessive dampness.

3. Pishu (BL20)

Pishu is located on the back, below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. As the back-shu point of the spleen, cupping at this point can enhance the spleen's function of transforming and transporting bodily fluids and reduce accumulation of dampness in the body. It is commonly used to improve conditions such as loose stools and a heavy sensation in the body caused by dampness.

4. Shenshu (BL23)

Shenshu is located on the lower back, below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. Cupping at this point can warm and strengthen kidney yang. Sufficient kidney yang promotes fluid metabolism and helps eliminate dampness from the body. It is effective in managing conditions such as edema and soreness or weakness of the lower back and knees caused by kidney yang deficiency and internal accumulation of dampness.

5. Fenglong (ST40)

Fenglong is located on the anterior-lateral side of the lower leg, eight cun above the tip of the external malleolus. This acupoint is a key point for resolving phlegm and eliminating dampness. Cupping here can promote circulation of the meridians, improve transformation and transportation of bodily fluids, and effectively alleviate symptoms such as dizziness, heaviness in the body, coughing, and excessive phlegm caused by phlegm-damp.

When performing cupping, it is important to choose appropriate cups and apply suitable suction to avoid skin damage caused by excessive duration. Cupping should not be performed on skin with wounds, ulcers, or allergies. After cupping, keep the body warm, avoid exposure to cold drafts, and refrain from showering for 24 hours to prevent invasion of dampness. If symptoms such as redness, swelling, blisters, or other discomfort occur after cupping, prompt treatment and consultation with a qualified practitioner are advised.

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What is the best and fastest medicine for removing dampness?

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as "what medicine is best and fastest for removing dampness." If you wish to eliminate dampness, medications such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui (Agastache fortunei liquid), Shenling Baizhu San (Codonopsis and Atractylodes powder), Pingwei San (Regulating Stomach Powder), Wuling San (Poria and泽泻 Powder), and Er Miao Wan (Two Marvels Pills) may be taken under a doctor's guidance. Eliminating dampness requires syndrome differentiation to select appropriate medications, as different syndromes call for different treatments. Blindly taking medicine may worsen the condition. It is recommended to use these medicines under the guidance of a TCM practitioner.

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What are the functions and effects of Gentiana scabra (Dragon胆草)?

Under normal circumstances, the main functions and effects of Gentiana (Long Dan Cao) include clearing heat and removing dampness, purging fire from the liver and gallbladder, relieving bitter taste in the mouth, improving red eyes, and assisting in reducing jaundice. Gentiana is usually administered by oral intake of decoction, and the dosage should be controlled according to a physician's instructions. Due to its cold nature and bitter taste, it is contraindicated for individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency cold or without excess heat and dampness, to avoid damaging the spleen-stomach yang qi and causing discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

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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.