拔罐并非“万能术”，这些误区应知晓

Core Viewpoint - The recent incident of a man becoming paralyzed after improper cupping therapy highlights the risks associated with blind adherence to traditional Chinese medicine practices, particularly cupping, which is often misperceived as a universal remedy for various ailments [1] Summary by Sections Misconceptions about Cupping - Many individuals mistakenly believe that cupping can alleviate all types of discomfort, including headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and muscle soreness. However, cupping has specific indications and is primarily effective for conditions like wind-cold-damp obstruction, cough, chronic fatigue syndrome, and digestive issues [2] - Cupping is not suitable for certain conditions such as spasms, skin allergies, ulcers, edema, and areas with major blood vessels. Special caution is advised for individuals with weak constitutions, such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women [2] Location and Duration of Cupping - The common practice of cupping directly on the area of pain (e.g., "back pain, cup the back") is misleading. The selection of cupping sites should consider meridian pathways and the nature of the disease, rather than a simplistic approach [3] - Cupping duration should generally be limited to 5-15 minutes, depending on the patient's condition. Overextending the cupping time can lead to excessive local blood congestion and potential skin damage [4][5] Misinterpretations of Cupping Marks - The belief that deeper cupping marks indicate better detoxification is a misconception. The color of the marks reflects local blood circulation and the degree of capillary rupture, not the expulsion of toxins [7] - The assessment of treatment effectiveness should focus on symptom improvement rather than the appearance of cupping marks [7] Guidelines for Safe Cupping Practice - Proper cupping requires attention to detail, including the selection of appropriate cupping tools, maintaining a suitable environment, and ensuring patient comfort during the procedure [8] - Post-cupping care is crucial, as patients may experience redness or bruising, which is normal. However, precautions should be taken to avoid infection [9][10] - Cupping should be performed by trained professionals, especially for complex conditions, to minimize risks associated with improper techniques [10]