The shots of the famous swimmer during the Olympics a few years ago gave cupping a heretofore unknown profile. As such, cupping is relatively know for its benefits in treating pain and in treating muscle-related physical problems. However, cupping also has some internal applications, not the least being for acne. I thought I’d relate five factoids about cupping for acne that you don’t know.
1) Diagnosis— Acne is caused by different factors not all of which can be addressed by cupping. In order to know whether cupping will work for you, a proper diagnosis needs to be conducted. During a diagnosis, which will include cupping, the amount of heat and dampness and its nature will be determined. These factors play significantly in the formation on a certain type of acne formation.
2) Fire Acne— Fire acne is bright red. This is the most common form of acne for adolescents. Some individuals who run hot also manifest fire acne. Hormone-related acne can in part be treated through cupping. Cupping releases heat, which reduces the formation of acne. It also treats stagnant blood that arises from heat that gives rise to acne.
3) Frequency— The frequency of cupping depends upon just how stagnant the blood is. A person is usually cupped no more than once a month. This gives time for the cupping marks to dissipate. In the rare instance where cold may be the variable affecting acne’s formation, cupping can occur every two weeks.
4) Herbs— Based on diagnostic findings herbs will likely be administered. Hormonal acne cannot be resolved by cupping alone. In fact, even in straight heat-related acne some herbs will be necessary, though the duration for which they will be taken will be greatly shortened by cupping. There are two herbal options. The first is pills, and the second is raw herbs. In the case of raw herbs, individual herbs are selected based on diagnostic finding and muscle testing. Pustular, that is white heads, respond particularly well to herbal intervention. Herbs are directed toward treating both the root and branch of a condition.
5) Acupuncture— Generally speaking, there are two types of acupuncture, local and distal. Local acupuncture is treating at the site of acne. This can be very effective in releasing the pent up heat that causes acne at the site. Root acupuncture treatments are distal, intended to treat the factors that give rise to acne.