Application Status of Fire Dragon Cupping Combined with Auricular Acupoint Pressing Beans on Muscle Strength Recovery in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke and Hemiplegia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jmhs.202605115

Author(s)

Xinru Zuo*

Affiliation(s)

Southern Medical University Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou, China

Abstract

Acute ischemic stroke frequently leads to hemiplegia in the acute phase, seriously impacting patients' motor function and quality of life. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is regarded as “wind stroke” (Zhong Feng) mainly caused by phlegm-stasis obstructing the collaterals, resulting in qi-blood stagnation and limb malnutrition. This article reviews the mechanisms and clinical use of Fire Dragon Cupping combined with Auricular Acupoint Pressing Beans for muscle strength recovery in these patients. Fire Dragon Cupping employs a special lotus-petal cup and ignited moxa with various techniques (tuina, guasha, acupoint pressure, moving cupping) to warm meridians, promote circulation, resolve stasis, dispel cold-dampness, relieve muscle spasms, and enhance local blood flow and muscle endurance. Auricular Acupoint Pressing Beans stimulates key ear points (Shenmen, Subcortex, Heart, Liver, Kidney, etc.) to regulate internal organs, balance the nervous system, and support neurological recovery. Together, they create an internal-external synergistic effect that effectively improves limb movement, reduces spasticity, accelerates muscle strength recovery, alleviates insomnia and pain, and enhances daily living abilities. This safe, economical, non-invasive, and well-accepted therapy shows strong potential for early clinical application in stroke rehabilitation.

Keywords

Acute Stage of Stroke; Fire Dragon Cupping Combined with Auricular Acupoint Pressing Beans; Muscle Strength

References

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