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What causes bruising to spread after cupping?

Sep 13, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Bruising spreading after cupping may be a normal phenomenon, but it could also result from excessively long cupping sessions, qi stagnation and blood stasis, internal dampness and cold, or muscle injury. It might also be caused by subcutaneous capillary rupture and bleeding or conditions such as purpura. If pain, muscle spasms, or other symptoms occur after cupping, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to prevent potential complications.

Generally, bruising and spreading discoloration after cupping may be a normal phenomenon, or it could result from prolonged cupping duration, qi stagnation and blood stasis, internal dampness and cold, muscle injury, or other factors. If additional discomfort occurs after cupping, patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and appropriate treatment. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Normal Phenomenon

Cupping causes localized skin congestion and swelling, accelerating blood circulation, which may lead to blood accumulation around the cup marks, resulting in greenish or bluish discoloration. If no other discomfort is present, special treatment is unnecessary. Maintaining warmth and getting adequate rest will allow symptoms to resolve on their own.

2. Prolonged Cupping Duration

Improper cupping techniques, especially excessively long application times, can cause bruising and pain on the skin surface. If bruising is not promptly improved, it may spread further. After cupping, patients should disinfect the area with iodine or similar antiseptics to prevent bacterial infection.

3. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis

If a patient has poor circulation of qi and blood, cupping may lead to blood accumulation around the cup marks, causing bruising to spread. In such cases, patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as Xuefu Zhuyu Pills or Nujin Tablets.

4. Internal Dampness and Cold

When pathogenic dampness and cold are excessive in the body, local blood circulation may be impaired. After cupping, cup marks may appear greenish or bluish, and patients may experience symptoms such as chills and abdominal distension. In such cases, patients may take medications like Duhuo Jisheng Pills or Fuzi Lizhong Pills under medical guidance.

5. Muscle Injury

Excessive pressure during cupping may cause muscle damage, leading to bruising. Additionally, if cupping is performed on an area already suffering from muscle injury, bruising may worsen and spread. In such cases, patients may apply cold compresses initially, followed by heat compresses after 24 hours, to help relieve discomfort caused by muscle injury.

Besides the above, bruise spreading after cupping may also be caused by subcutaneous capillary rupture and bleeding, purpura, or other conditions. If pain, muscle spasms, or other symptoms occur after cupping, prompt medical attention is recommended to prevent potential complications.


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