Is the blood removed through cupping therapy considered waste blood?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the term "waste blood" usually refers to blood or blood products that have already been used or blood discarded during medical procedures. There is no such concept as "waste blood" existing inside the human body. Therefore, the blood drawn during cupping therapy is not waste blood. The blood that flows out during cupping contains the same components as the blood normally circulating within the body, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other elements.
Generally speaking, used blood usually refers to blood or blood products that have been utilized or discarded during medical procedures, and there is no such concept as "used blood" within the human body. Therefore, the blood drawn during cupping therapy is not considered used blood. Detailed analysis is as follows:
The blood that flows out during cupping therapy has the same components as the blood normally circulating within the body, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc., so it is not significantly different from the blood inside the body.
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, cupping therapy involves pricking the skin and then applying cups to draw out a small amount of blood, which can help promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, relieve pain by unblocking meridians, clear heat, and detoxify. Moreover, it can improve local qi and blood circulation, expel stagnant blood from the body, and promote the generation and circulation of new blood. This stagnant blood is not considered used blood; rather, it refers to a pathological condition caused by impaired circulation in part of the bloodstream.
In daily life, cupping therapy is a commonly used treatment for acute meridian obstruction and blood stasis. It is recommended to undergo this therapy under the operation of qualified professionals in order to avoid harm to the body.
