Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of using specialized techniques to restore balance, remove stagnation, and promote the smooth circulation of Qi and Blood. Among these techniques, bleeding therapy, cupping, wet cupping, and gua sha are traditionally used for what TCM describes as heat and stagnation, and may help relieve some types of pain. Evidence varies by technique and condition, and results are not guaranteed.
Bleeding Therapy (Lancing, Plum Blossom Needles & Additional Techniques)
Bleeding therapy, also known as bloodletting, involves controlled removal of a small amount of blood. TCM describes this as unblocking meridians and dispersing excess heat. It is traditionally used for patterns associated with headaches and acute pain. High blood pressure needs medical care, so do not change your medication without speaking to your doctor.
Lancing Technique
Lancing involves pricking a specific acupuncture point or an affected area with a lancet to release a few drops of blood. In TCM, it is traditionally used for patterns associated with:
Excess heat patterns, as described in TCM
Local swelling, redness or acute pain
Sudden acute pain due to Blood stagnation
Migraines and skin eruptions
Plum Blossom (Seven-Star) Needles
Plum Blossom Needling involves tapping the skin with a multi-pronged hammer-like instrument to create microbleeding. It is traditionally used for:
Chronic pain and numbness in limbs
Numbness or weakness, alongside your medical care
Skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis
Insomnia, stress, and emotional disturbances caused by Liver Qi stagnation
Other Bleeding Techniques
Three-Edge Needles: Used for deeper bloodletting, often at Jing-Well points for what TCM describes as pathogenic heat and stagnation.
Superficial Vein Pricking: Traditionally applied to what TCM describes as areas of congested blood.
Ear Bloodletting: A method using specific points on the ear, traditionally used for what TCM describes as heat patterns.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is a widely used technique in TCM that TCM describes as moving stagnation. It works by creating a vacuum that lifts the skin and underlying tissues, and may increase local blood flow. There are various types of cupping methods, each serving different therapeutic purposes.
Types of Cupping Methods
Dry Cupping (Suction-Based Therapy)
Fire Cupping (Glass Cups): A flame is used to create suction inside a glass cup, drawing the skin upward. It may help with muscle tension and some types of pain.
Pump Cupping (Plastic Cups with Suction Pump): A manual pump is used to control suction levels, making it versatile for various musculoskeletal conditions.
Self-Suction Cupping (Silicone or Electric Cupping): Silicone cups are pressed onto the skin to create a vacuum naturally, while electric cups provide adjustable suction levels for therapeutic use.
Wet Cupping (Hijama Therapy)
Combines dry cupping with controlled bloodletting.
Small incisions are made after suction to draw out a small amount of blood, which TCM describes as stagnant.
Traditionally used for blood stagnation patterns and some types of pain.
Massage Cupping (Moving Cupping)
Oil is applied before moving cups along the skin, combining suction with massage techniques.
May help ease stiffness.
Flash Cupping
Cups are applied and removed rapidly in succession to stimulate circulation without prolonged suction.
Traditionally used for warming up muscles and moving Qi.
Needle Cupping
Acupuncture needles are inserted before applying suction.
Traditionally used for some types of muscle and joint pain.
Herbal Cupping
Medicinal herbs are placed inside cups before suction is applied.
Used for conditions that require both herbal therapy and cupping.
Water Cupping
Cups are partially filled with warm water before being applied to the skin.
Traditionally used for relaxation and muscle discomfort.
Gua Sha Therapy
Gua sha is a traditional scraping technique that may help ease muscle tension. A smooth-edged tool is used to scrape along the skin, generating redness or petechiae, which TCM describes as the release of stagnation.
Types of Gua Sha Tools
Jade or Rose Quartz: Common for facial gua sha due to their cooling and soothing properties.
Horn or Bone Tools: Traditional tools made from buffalo horn, used for stronger scraping effects.
Stainless Steel or Metal Tools: Preferred in clinical settings for hygiene and durability.
Benefits of Gua Sha:
May help ease muscle tension and pain.
Traditionally used to move what TCM describes as stagnant Blood and Qi.
Traditionally used for what TCM describes as heat patterns.
Sometimes applied to the upper back and chest for comfort.
Comparison of Benefits Between Bleeding Therapy, Cupping and Gua Sha
While all these techniques share similar aims in TCM, they are used in different ways:
Bleeding Therapy: Traditionally used for excess heat patterns and acute stagnation.
Dry Cupping: May help ease muscle tension and some types of muscle and joint pain.
Wet Cupping: Combines dry cupping and bloodletting. It is traditionally used for blood stagnation patterns.
Massage Cupping: Combines cupping and massage, and may help ease stiffness.
Gua Sha: A gentler method used for localized tension.
Each therapy can be used independently or combined based on the patient’s condition.
How These Therapies Are Viewed in TCM
Bleeding therapy, cupping, wet cupping, and gua sha are part of TCM's traditional approach. In TCM, they are used with these aims:
Dispel Blood Stagnation: Traditionally used for pain and swelling.
Clear Heat: A TCM concept applied to heat patterns.
Improve Qi & Blood Flow: A TCM concept related to energy and circulation.
Support Defensive Qi: A TCM concept. It does not mean these methods prevent illness.
Move Stagnation: A TCM concept. It does not mean these methods remove toxins from the body.
Support Musculoskeletal Health: May help ease some muscle tension and stiffness.
Cautions After Bleeding Therapy, Cupping or Gua Sha
Patients should follow certain post-treatment guidelines to help avoid adverse effects:
Avoid exposure to cold, wind, and damp environments for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Refrain from strenuous activities or excessive sweating for the rest of the day.
Stay hydrated.
Keep the treated area warm and covered.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and overly greasy or spicy foods.
Monitor for excessive bruising or prolonged discomfort, and consult a practitioner if needed.
Conclusion
These traditional TCM techniques continue to be used today. Evidence varies by technique and condition, and individual results vary. Talk to your doctor about any serious or ongoing health concern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cupping & Bleeding Therapy
✅ What is the difference between wet cupping and dry cupping?
Wet cupping (Hijama) draws a small amount of blood after suction, while dry cupping uses suction without drawing blood.
✅ How often should I have cupping therapy?
Dr. Kim will recommend a schedule based on your needs and how you respond.
✅ Does cupping therapy hurt?
Cupping creates a suction sensation, and most people feel little discomfort. Wet cupping involves small incisions, so you may feel brief discomfort.