The hazards of cupping for weight loss

Cupping for weight loss may cause adverse reactions such as skin damage, infection, and dizziness, and in severe cases, may trigger organ damage. As a traditional Chinese medicine therapy, cupping mainly promotes metabolism by stimulating meridians with negative pressure, but non professionals or those with physical discomfort may face health risks.

1. Skin injury

Negative pressure suction may cause local capillary rupture, resulting in subcutaneous congestion or blisters. Some people may experience surface injuries such as redness and burning pain due to sensitive skin or prolonged operation time. If the skin is damaged, it is easy to suffer from secondary infection if the nursing is not proper, and the risk of low immunity groups such as diabetes patients is higher.

2. Infection risk

Incomplete disinfection of instruments may lead to pathogen infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, manifested as local redness, swelling, suppuration, or fever. Taking a shower immediately after cupping and scratching the cupping area can increase the risk of infection, and special areas such as abdominal cupping may also affect deep tissues. Use iodine to disinfect and keep the wound dry.

3. Dizziness and nausea, cold sweat and palpitations may occur in individuals with weak constitution, which is related to the redistribution of blood flow in a short period of time. Changing one's position too quickly while operating or retrieving a jar while hungry can worsen the reaction, and in severe cases, it can trigger temporary loss of consciousness. When it occurs, immediately lie flat and drink sugar salt water.

4. Aggravation of underlying diseases

Hypertensive patients may experience a sudden increase in blood pressure due to stress response, and those with coagulation dysfunction are prone to hematoma formation at the cupping site. Pregnant women undergoing cupping in the waist and abdomen may stimulate uterine contractions, and there is a risk of inducing hemoptysis during chest and back operations in tuberculosis patients. Chronic disease patients need to undergo professional traditional Chinese medicine evaluation before implementation.

5. Organ accidental injury

Incorrect operation of important organs in the chest and abdomen may lead to pneumothorax or damage to the liver and spleen capsule, manifested as sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing. Deep cupping on both sides of the spine may affect nerve roots, and elderly osteoporosis patients have an increased risk of rib fractures. Such situations require immediate cessation of operations and emergency treatment.

Choose a reputable medical institution for operation to avoid cupping when the skin is damaged, has high fever, or is excessively fatigued. Within 24 hours after operation, avoid eating raw, cold, spicy food and keep the seal area clean and dry. Combining a scientific diet with moderate exercise is necessary to achieve healthy weight loss, and cupping alone cannot sustain the consumption of fat. If abnormal symptoms such as persistent pain and fever occur, seek medical attention promptly.