Knee joint pain: bloodletting and cupping therapy

Mar 13, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. He Haochen

Introduction

The doctor wipes the patient's knee joint skin with normal saline, then uses a three-edged needle to puncture specific affected areas until the skin becomes slightly reddened and oozes a small amount of blood. A cotton ball soaked in 95% alcohol is held with forceps, ignited, swirled inside the cup for 1–3 rounds, withdrawn, and the cup is quickly placed over the corresponding area. Note that while bloodletting cupping therapy for knee joint pain may have certain therapeutic effects, it does not mean it is suitable for everyone.

Knee pain can generally be alleviated through cupping with bloodletting, which helps reduce swelling and pain in the knee joint and prevent joint stiffness. Cupping should be performed by a qualified professional, and the specific procedure is as follows:

1. Under the doctor's guidance, the patient sits in an appropriate position. The skin around the knee joint is examined to check for bruises, ulcers, or skin damage.

2. The doctor cleans the skin of the patient’s knee joint with physiological saline to remove surface secretions and bacteria.

3. A three-edged needle is used to make pinpoint punctures at specific affected areas until the skin becomes slightly reddened and minor bleeding occurs. Meanwhile, prepare the cupping equipment.

4. Use forceps to hold a 95% alcohol-soaked cotton ball, light it, swirl it inside the cup 1–3 times, then quickly remove it and immediately place the cup over the designated area.

5. After retaining the cup for several minutes, prepare to remove it by pressing the skin around the rim of the cup with a finger or cotton swab to create a small gap between the cup and the skin, allowing air to enter the cup. Once the suction is released, remove the cup.

Note: Although cupping with bloodletting may be effective for knee pain, it is not suitable for everyone. Patients are advised to promptly visit a hospital for proper evaluation and receive targeted treatment accordingly.

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What causes knee pain?

"Ke xitou" refers to the knee joint. Knee pain is generally associated with factors such as weight gain, trauma, and arthritis. With increasing life and work pressure, people often maintain irregular eating habits, overeat, and lack physical activity, all of which can lead to gradual weight gain. This increases the load on the knee joints, accelerates the wear and tear of joint cartilage, and results in knee pain.