Comparison of the four magic tools of traditional Chinese medicine: scraping, massage, cupping, and acupuncture

Because of the love of cupping by Brazil's Rio Olympic gold medalists, the four magic tools of traditional Chinese medicine - acupuncture, cupping, massage and scraping - have become hot topics of discussion. Although some foreign doctors believe that cupping is just a "psychological effect", domestic Chinese medicine practitioners point out that Chinese medicine is profound and extensive, and the treatment is mainly based on adjusting the circulation of qi and blood in the meridians. However, no matter which method is used, it is necessary to "find the root cause of all diseases" in order to achieve the best treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine cupping (pictured) can relieve muscle soreness and is popular among athletes at the Rio Olympics in Brazil.

Dr. Sha Zhengping, executive director of the New Taipei City Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association, pointed out that not only American Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps and gymnast Alexander Nador have used Chinese medicine cupping to relieve muscle pain, which has attracted attention. In fact, since the Beijing Olympics four years ago, many Western Olympic athletes have been deeply interested in traditional Chinese medicine related to "acupuncture, cupping, massage and scraping", and often use it as one of the auxiliary treatments for sports injuries. Many athletes from the Chinese Olympic team have used cupping, acupuncture or massage to relieve pain.

Exercise often causes lactic acid accumulation syndrome and soreness

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "pain means obstruction, and no pain means no blockage." Acupuncture mainly stimulates the human body and adjusts the circulation of qi and blood in the meridians; scraping and cupping promote local metabolic circulation; massage can relax local muscles; the above four therapies are to open up the meridians, qi and blood, and achieve the purpose of relieving muscle soreness.

Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture (as shown in the picture) is an invasive treatment that is widely used and effective in relieving muscle soreness.

Cupping can relieve lactic acid accumulation and produce immediate results

Chinese medicine practitioner Sha Zhengping emphasized that when athletes challenge their physical limits, their muscle tissues often experience "lactic acid push syndrome," which easily leads to soreness and fatigue. Usually, athletes first use ice compresses to soothe their muscles, then apply hot compresses to promote blood circulation, hoping to eliminate lactic acid accumulation. Cupping can achieve "immediate" results.

Pay attention to small taboos when doing cupping and acupuncture

However, Chinese medicine practitioners also remind that "acupuncture, cupping, massage and scraping" are mainly used on acupoints and meridians, and are generally used to treat organ functional problems such as urinary incontinence, constipation, gastrointestinal discomfort, pain, soreness, etc.; because each has its own contraindications, it must not be underestimated.

★ "Gua Sha and Tui Na": Often used to treat heatstroke, mainly on both sides of the neck and both sides of the spine. The scraping direction must be from top to bottom. Do not scrape up and down as it is easy to get injured. Also avoid the bones.

Contraindications:

1. Do not do scraping if you are weak, tired or too hungry, as it is easy to faint due to scraping.

2. Pregnant women should not perform scraping on their waist and abdomen to avoid premature birth or miscarriage.

3. People with wounds, skin diseases, swelling and pain are not suitable for scraping as it can easily cause infection.

Gua Sha (pictured) is often used to treat heat stroke, but it is not suitable for those who are weak or tired.

★Cupping: It is mainly used to treat rheumatism and sprains. It is mostly used to promote qi and blood circulation, relieve pain and swelling, and remove toxins and pus.

Contraindications:

1. Not suitable for people with skin allergies, redness or blisters.

2. Cupping is not suitable during the period of mental illness.

3. Cupping is prohibited for patients with thrombocytopenia or bleeding diseases.

4. Cupping is not suitable for the lower abdomen and breasts of pregnant women.

5. Cupping is not suitable for patients with heart, kidney or respiratory failure. It is not suitable for people with skin allergies, redness or blisters.

★「Acupuncture」: It is an invasive treatment with wide application and good effect. It can be used to treat respiratory diseases, or nervous system diseases such as headaches, migraines, enuresis, intercostal neuralgia, or muscle diseases such as shoulder pain, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, etc.

Contraindications:

1. Do not have acupuncture when you are too hungry or too full. It is better for your health to wait at least half an hour after eating before having acupuncture.

2. Avoid acupuncture treatment at noon because the Qi and blood are strong and the circulation of Qi and blood is easily affected.

3. People who are prone to bleeding or have heart disease should not undergo acupuncture.