Can cupping therapy be used for sore throat and swollen tonsils caused by "heatiness"?
Disease description:
My throat has been hurting badly these past few days due to excessive internal heat. However, a friend invited me for gua sha this afternoon. Can I have gua sha when experiencing sore throat and swelling caused by excessive internal heat?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Gua sha can be used for sore throat caused by "heatiness," but it only helps to relieve symptoms. Common areas for gua sha in cases of sore throat include the Dazhui point, Lung acupoints, Chize (at the elbow), and Quchi points. However, gua sha is a traditional Chinese health practice that serves mainly as an adjunctive therapy. Therefore, sore throat requires medical treatment, such as Jinhua Qinggan capsules or compound borax oral solution. Additionally, maintain a light diet in daily life, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and prevent worsening of the condition.
