ABSTRACT
Objective:To objectively evaluate the therapeutic effect of Chinese cupping therapy.Method:Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to evaluate the concentration change in oxygenated hemoglobin ([HbO 2]), deoxy-hemoglobin ([Hb]) and blood volume ([tHb]) in 13 healthy volunteers during cupping therapy for the infraspinatus muscle. Results:During the cupping therapy and its pre- and post-treatment period, it was observed that [Hb] and [tHb] in the tissue surrounding the cupping site decreased significantly (both P<0.05), and [HbO 2] increased significantly ( P<0.05), which showed an increase in oxygen uptake. After the cupping was removed, the above hemodynamic changes could still continue for a period of time. Conclusions:Cupping therapy has potential positive therapeutic effects in promoting the hemodynamics for facilitating muscular functions. Functional NIRS surgery has great application potential in the field of physical rehabilitation therapy such as cupping.