Before reading this article, we sincerely invite you to click "Follow", so that you can consult a series of high-quality articles at any time, and at the same time facilitate discussion and sharing, thank you for your support~
As a traditional TCM method, cupping therapy often arouses people's interest and curiosity. One of the common questions is: Is the bruising sucked out of the cupping pot a toxin in the body?
To understand this problem, we need to understand the concept of blood stasis and toxins. Bruising is the accumulation of blood in blood vessels, usually as purplish-red pigment deposits in the skin or tissues. Toxins, on the other hand, are harmful substances that can cause illness or discomfort.
In cupping therapy, bruises usually form on the surface of the skin, which we call bruising marks. The formation of these ecchymoses is caused by the blood attracted to the subcutaneous by the fire pot, which leads to hyperemia and pigmentation of the skin. However, the presence of these ecchymoses does not mean that there is a build-up of toxins in the body.
From a scientific point of view, blood stasis is the accumulation caused by poor blood circulation, while toxins are the presence of harmful substances in the body. Toxins in the body are removed primarily through the liver, kidneys, and other excretory systems, rather than through cupping therapy.
The interpretation of bruising can be understood at different levels. In TCM theory, blood stasis represents the blockage of the movement of qi and blood, and therapies such as cupping can unblock meridians, promote the flow of qi and blood, and improve the body's self-healing ability.
In modern medicine, the explanation for the bruising produced by cupping therapy is more skewed towards skin reactions caused by mechanical irritation. When the fire pot is close to the skin, through the vacuum effect, the skin and tissues are attracted into the tank, triggering a local congestion reaction, thereby forming blood stasis.
These ecchymoses are not caused by toxins accumulating in the body, but by the congestion of blood in the subcutaneous tissue, similar to the congestion reaction triggered by trauma.
Now that we know that the congestion in cupping therapy is not a toxin, how exactly is this bruising produced after cupping?
Production of congestion during cupping therapy
Cupping therapy involves placing a fire pot in a specific area, creating a vacuum effect that attracts skin and tissues into the can, causing a local congestion reaction and forming a bruise.
In cupping therapy, the vacuum effect generated inside the jar is one of the main mechanisms. When the can is close to the skin, through the heating in the fire tank or using the suction equipment, the gas in the can is pumped away, forming a negative pressure, so that the can fits closely with the skin.
Since the gas inside the tank is extracted, a vacuum area is created inside the tank. The vacuum effect created by this vacuum area inside the tank attracts skin and tissue into the tank.
When skin and tissues are sucked into the tank, the vacuum effect causes transient changes in blood circulation. After the jar is attached to the skin, the subcutaneous blood vessels are compressed, blood flow slows down or becomes locally blocked, which leads to local accumulation of blood.
As a result of changes in blood circulation and dilation of blood vessels, local tissues develop hyperemia. Blood accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue and cannot quickly return to normal blood circulation, forming localized congestion.
Congestion during cupping is a normal reaction and usually presents with local pigmentation of purplish-red or purplish-black pigmentation, forming ecchymoses. This ecchymosis usually gradually subsides over a few days to weeks.
It is important to note that the congestion effect of cupping therapy is a normal reaction and may vary in each person. Some people may be more prone to bruising, while for others, the degree of congestion may be relatively mild or insignificant.
Effects of cupping therapy on physical health
In TCM theory, cupping is believed to improve physical health by increasing blood circulation and promoting the smooth flow of qi and blood. Improvement in stasis status can help unblock meridians, relieve pain, and promote the body's ability to recover and heal itself.
TCM believes that cupping can promote good health by activating the epidermis and improving blood stasis. However, scientific research on the effect and mechanism of cupping therapy is inconclusive.
Some studies suggest that cupping therapy may have positive effects on pain management and promoting physical healing. For example, cupping can help soothe muscle pain, relieve symptoms of arthritis, and even reduce the frequency of respiratory diseases.
Cupping therapy is thought to improve blood circulation through the effects of local congestion. When the fire pot is placed on the skin and creates a vacuum effect, the surrounding blood vessels are dilated and blood flow increases. This dilation and increased blood flow improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients, accelerates the removal of waste products, and thus improves blood circulation to local tissues.
Improving blood circulation is very important for good health. Normal blood circulation transports sufficient oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs in the human body to help the body maintain normal metabolic function. It also helps to eliminate waste products and metabolites and maintain normal cell function.
Mechanical stimulatory action to relax muscles and promote muscle soothing. Specifically, when the fire pot is placed on the skin and a vacuum effect is formed, the fire pot produces a certain suction force, causing the local tissue to be pulled and stretched. This traction and stretching promotes relaxation and relaxation of muscle tissue.
The relaxation of muscles by cupping therapy may have short-term effects for some people. For example, cupping therapy in areas of tense muscles may help relieve symptoms such as muscle tension, stiffness, and pain. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms in certain situations, such as shoulder and neck pain, low back pain, etc.
You may not think that a small cupping therapy may have a certain regulatory effect on the immune system and help improve immune function. Cupping therapy may cause local irritation and congestion during implementation, which may lead to the release of inflammatory mediators and the activation of immune cells.
Cupping therapy may promote an inflammatory response, cause the release of inflammatory mediators, and activate the function of immune cells. This inflammatory response is thought to help regulate the activity of the immune system. During this process, immune cells such as macrophages, white blood cells, etc. may be activated, enhancing their function and activity. This helps boost the immune system's ability to respond.
Some people may experience improved circulation after cupping therapy, but it is important to note that scientific research on the exact effects of cupping on circulation needs further research. In addition, cupping therapy may not be appropriate or require special attention for individual populations, such as people with abnormal blood clotting, severe anemia, or other blood circulation problems.
While cupping therapy has produced positive effects in some people, its mechanism and effects remain controversial. From a scientific point of view, toxins in the body are mainly removed through the body's own excretory system, not through cupping therapy. Therefore, blood stasis sucked out by cupping should not be considered a reflection of endotoxins in the body.
Seeing this, everyone may wonder: cupping is to eliminate toxins, but now the conclusion is that cupping is not a toxin, so how to eliminate toxins in the human body?
How toxins are eliminated from the body
Toxins are chemicals, bacterial products, metabolites, or other substances that can have harmful effects on the body. These toxins can enter the body through breathing, eating, skin contact, or injections.
There are many types of toxins, including heavy metals (lead, mercury, chromium, etc.), organic compounds (benzene, formaldehyde, pesticides, etc.), chemicals such as drugs and drugs; microbial toxins produced by bacteria, fungi, viruses, such as exotoxins, endotoxins of bacteria, or toxins produced by molds (e.g. mycotoxins, toxins produced by fungi); Urea and uric acid in the body's own metabolism are also toxins.
These toxins can cause direct or indirect damage to the body's organs, tissues and cells, leading to symptoms of poisoning and health problems. The presentation of poisoning symptoms varies depending on the type and concentration of toxins and may include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, skin symptoms, neurologic abnormalities, etc.
Small toxins, the toxicity is not small, but we can eliminate toxins through healthy life management.
In daily life, you can eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber-rich foods, and avoid or reduce the intake of high-fat, high-sugar and processed foods. Maintaining adequate fiber intake in your diet can help promote gut health and detoxification.
Keeping your body hydrated helps promote urine, sweat, and stool production to eliminate waste and toxins from the body. Drink enough water a day, no less than 8 cups.
Moderate aerobic exercise and physical activity also help to increase blood circulation and promote the elimination of metabolic waste and toxins. Choose exercises that suit your individual situation, such as walking, running, swimming, etc.
Getting enough sleep helps maintain the normal functioning of the body's systems and metabolic balance. Lack of sleep can affect your body's ability to detoxify, so make sure you get enough sleep every day.
Maintaining a healthy gut can be achieved through adequate dietary intake of fiber, high-quality protein, and good digestion and absorption. In addition, moderate probiotic intake can also help maintain the balance of intestinal flora.
Minimize exposure to toxic chemicals such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, harmful chemicals, etc. Use eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products, and try to avoid products that contain harmful substances.
Stress reduction and relaxation, long-term stress and tension can affect the body's detoxification function. Find stress relief methods that work for you, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, massages, and more, to help relax the body and mind and facilitate the detoxification process.
When suffering from toxin poisoning, corresponding measures should be taken as soon as possible to prevent further absorption of toxins, such as washing the skin and rinsing the mouth. At the same time, you should seek advice and treatment methods from a professional doctor as soon as possible.
The best ways to prevent toxin poisoning are to avoid exposure to and ingestion of toxic substances, pay attention to food and environmental hygiene, use chemicals and drugs correctly, and follow safe operating procedures. In work environments where toxic substances may be present, appropriate protective measures such as masks, gloves and protective clothing should be taken.
I would like to remind you that cupping therapy, as a traditional Chinese medicine method, promotes good health through the improvement of blood stasis. However, bruising is not the same as a toxin in the body. The blood stasis sucked out by cupping is due to stasis caused by poor blood circulation, not toxins in the body.
Scientific research remains controversial about the mechanism and effects of cupping therapy, and more research is needed to verify its true effects and effects. The surest solution to toxins in the body is to promote overall health through a healthy diet, moderate exercise, and a regular lifestyle. When choosing cupping therapy, it is recommended to seek the advice and diagnosis of a doctor or specialized medical institution to ensure safe and suitable application.