Sometimes improper timing during cupping can lead to prolonged application, causing localized blistering. What causes these blisters, and how can we prevent them? Let's explore in detail.
If blisters form, never peel off the skin. Instead, disinfect the area and use sterile scissors to carefully cut the blister open at its base. Make the incision slightly larger to allow fluid to drain. Apply a moist burn ointment like Meibao to the affected area.Another common scenario involves blisters caused by cupping therapy. If this occurs, don't panic. You can puncture the blister with a sterilized needle and apply iodine solution. Keep the wound dry to prevent infection.
Depending on the number and size of blisters, take wheat or raw rice (both must be dry; wheat is preferable). Chew it into a paste with your teeth, cover the blister with it, and secure it using medical cotton and adhesive tape. After a few hours, the fluid inside the blister will be absorbed without discomfort. The hardened skin will peel off in a few days, leaving no scar.The presence of blisters indicates excessive dampness in the body. However, avoid cupping in the same area where blisters have formed; instead, select different locations. Simultaneously, take precautions to prevent infection. Excessive dampness may also manifest as heaviness in the body and persistent drowsiness. Dietary restrictions must include avoiding raw and cold foods.
Why do blisters form during cupping and how to prevent them
Why do blisters appear after cupping?
Besides petechiae and bruising, some patients develop blisters at the cupping site. Primary causes include:
1. Excessive wind-cold-damp toxins in the body, with dampness being predominant. Blistering indicates expulsion of pathogenic factors.Small droplets may appear on the cup walls, also indicating damp pathogenic factors.
2. Prolonged retention time. This varies by individual and constitution. Some tolerate 20-30 minutes without blistering, while others develop blisters within 5-10 minutes. Thus, initial sessions should be shorter. Duration can be gradually extended once the patient's tolerance is understood.
3. Cup temperature. This is a less common factor. During flash cupping, excessive cup heat may increase blistering risk if left in place.
4. Site-specific differences. Blistering occurs less frequently on the back but more readily on the chest, abdomen, and limbs.
4. The cup's temperature. This is a relatively minor factor. During flash cupping, if the cup becomes excessively hot, leaving it in place may increase the likelihood of blistering.
5. The patient's constitution. Blistering is often associated with the expulsion of pathogenic factors from the body.
3. Excessively high cup temperature, though this is a rare possibility. During flash cupping, if the cup becomes overly heated, prolonged application may increase the likelihood of blistering.
4. Variation by body area. Even on the same person, some areas may remain unaffected while others develop blisters. Generally, the back, sides, and buttocks are more prone to blistering.
5. Excessive suction intensity exceeding the patient's tolerance.
What causes blisters during cupping and how to prevent them
How to prevent blister formation during fire cupping
Experts advise the following precautions to effectively prevent blistering:
I. When applying sliding cupping, avoid pushing or pulling over bony prominences to prevent skin damage or cupping jar detachment due to air leakage.
2. Maintain proper positioning. Cupping may detach if the skin has wrinkles, sagging, uneven scarring, or shifts during treatment.
3. When using needle cupping, prevent muscle contraction that could bend the needle. Avoid pushing the needle too deeply to prevent injury. Exercise caution when treating acupoints on the chest and back.
IV. When removing cups, use gentle, slow techniques. Press firmly against the skin around the cup rim with one hand to release the suction, allowing the cup to lift off easily. Never pull or twist forcefully.
V. For blood-letting cupping, the area punctured for bleeding should equal or slightly exceed the cup's diameter. Blood volume must be appropriate, with a total volume not exceeding 10ml per session for adults.
VI. When using multiple cups, maintain adequate spacing between them. Closer placement may cause skin pain from traction and hinder secure suction due to mutual displacement.
VII. Select appropriately sized cups for different body areas. When using the fire-lifting method, ensure a vigorous flame and swift action. Tilt the cup opening upward to prevent the flame from falling and burning the skin.When using the flash-fire method, apply minimal alcohol to the cotton swab to prevent dripping and skin burns. For the cotton-pad method, ensure the burning cotton does not detach. With the fire-frame method, position the cover precisely to avoid knocking over the burning frame. When using boiling-water cups, shake out excess hot water to prevent skin burns.
VIII. If bleeding occurs at the needle puncture site after cupping, gently dab with a dry cotton ball. Localized redness or bruising (ecchymosis) is normal and will subside spontaneously. Avoid recupping at the same site if significant bruising is present.If cups remain in place too long, blisters may form on the skin. Small blisters require no treatment, but prevent rubbing to avoid infection. Larger blisters can be punctured with a needle to drain the fluid. Apply gentian violet solution and cover with sterile dressing to prevent infection.
This concludes our explanation of why blisters occur during cupping and how to prevent them. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and smooth sailing this winter.