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Jars on the back to treat bronchitis in adults and children

Medical expert of the article

Pediatric orthopedist, pediatrician, traumatologist, surgeon
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025

Older people had jars in their medicine cabinets that were placed on the back for coughs and pneumonia. They really are similar in shape to jars, but have a rounded bottom. Their capacity is 30-70 ml. The purpose of this procedure is to resolve inflammatory processes by sucking the skin into the jar. After it, bruises remain on the body due to the rupture of small vessels. The breakdown of blood leads to the formation of biologically active substances that stimulate organs and tissues. Few people remember this method these days, but there are still adherents of this treatment.

Is it possible to use cupping therapy for bronchitis?

Can you use cupping for bronchitis? You shouldn't rely solely on cupping for this disease. This is an auxiliary method that can be used along with drug treatment. In addition, this procedure is used at the recovery stage, when there is no fever, intoxication or respiratory failure. It is necessary to take into account the fact that cupping has a number of contraindications that you need to know about. To answer the question, cupping for bronchitis: harm or benefit, you need to understand in more detail the mechanism of their action.

Indications for the procedure

Indications for this procedure are severe cough, difficulty coughing, which occurs due to inflammation of the bronchi. The bronchi swell, mucus forms in them, which irritates the respiratory tract. This picture is typical for obstructive bronchitis. The task of therapy is to relieve inflammation, make sputum less viscous, help it come out. In the process of cupping, the skin is pulled and sucked into the cup, which leads to vasodilation, activation of energy processes. The mechanism of action of this therapeutic technique is similar to the procedure of autohemotherapy - intramuscular or subcutaneous administration of the patient's own blood. Thus, cupping for obstructive bronchitis is an effective method for accelerating the resorption of inflammatory foci. Cupping for acute bronchitis can cause harm, since the tissues of the alvioles and lungs expand, which creates conditions for the penetration of the pathogen and the development of a purulent process. After the acute phase has passed and upon the doctor’s recommendation, you can begin treatment.

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Preparation

Preparation for the procedure begins with preparing the place where it will take place. The patient should lie on his stomach, with his head turned to the side on a pillow, and his arms clasped around it. Since the cups are placed using fire, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the hair from being affected by it, it is best to cover it with a towel. The back should be wiped with alcohol, then lubricated with Vaseline or another fatty cream. Prepare a wick for ignition, matches or a lighter. It is very important to check if the cups are intact to avoid cuts.

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Who to contact?

Technique vacuum jars for bronchitis

Cupping on the back is not placed on the heart area or on the spine. It is advisable to carry out the procedure at night, so that you can lie down and not go outside. A health worker should tell you how and where to place cupping for bronchitis, or you can watch a video on the Internet. You do not need to place cupping in places where bones protrude, areas with a muscle and fat layer are selected. The technique for carrying out the procedure is that the cupping is brought closer to the back, the wick is moistened in alcohol, lit and, penetrating it with a quick movement, immediately lowered onto the back. Due to the formation of a vacuum in the cupping, the body is pulled inward and it fits tightly to the back. For an adult, the number of cupping cans can range from 10 to 16, depending on the build. The distance between them should be 5 cm. After all are installed, the back is covered with a sheet.

How often should you use cupping for bronchitis and how long should you keep them there? The first procedure lasts up to 5 minutes, the following ones – up to 10-15. The frequency is every other day or two. The next time, the cupping is done in new places.

How many cups should be used for bronchitis to get results? As a rule, the therapeutic effect occurs after 4-5 times. There is no need to carry out treatment any longer.

How to remove the cans? To do this, take the can with your right hand and press on the body near it with your left hand, a gap is formed where air penetrates, and it easily comes off the body surface.

Vacuum cupping for bronchitis

On the modern pharmaceutical market there are vacuum cups that are used for massages for osteochondrosis, cellulite, various colds, including bronchitis. They are rubber, silicone and glass. The first two types create a vacuum by pressing the body, glass ones have either a rubber nozzle or a vacuum pump. Their advantage over traditional ones is their safety, since they eliminate contact with fire, the ability to regulate the suction power and carry out various manipulations with them. In addition, the set includes cups of different sizes, which is convenient to use, and they do not leave bruises on the body if used correctly.

Cupping massage for bronchitis

Before the cupping massage for bronchitis, the back is generously lubricated with Vaseline, a thick cream or any vegetable oil. It is also advisable to take an expectorant. The cups are placed 3 centimeters away from the spine and they begin to move from the bottom of the shoulder blades to the shoulders, down and back along the spine in a straight line, in a circular motion, gradually covering the entire upper back. The massage lasts from 5 to 15 minutes. After this, you need to go to bed, wrap yourself up warmly and do not get up for 1.5 hours. Read more about cupping massage for bronchitis in this article.

Cupping on the chest for bronchitis

In case of colds and bronchitis, they resort to chest massage with cups. They massage its lateral parts, and also direct the movements from the xiphoid process of the sternum, located in the middle of the chest, to the shoulders. Such a massage can bring relief to the patient: phlegm is better removed, it becomes easier to breathe. Men can also put regular cups on the chest, but only on the right side, while women should abstain.

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Banks for bronchitis in children

Cupping for bronchitis is recommended for children no earlier than 5 years of age, in consultation with a doctor. Parents themselves should assess the child's ability to withstand this procedure. Its duration can be no more than 5 minutes, the first session begins with one minute, with one more added in each subsequent session. The maximum number of them is 10. Cupping should be selected in the appropriate size, they should be placed only on the right side.

Contraindications to the procedure

The following factors are contraindications to the procedure:

  • body temperature above 37 0;
  • damage to the skin, rash on the body;
  • neoplasms of various natures;
  • pulmonary tuberculosis;
  • hemoptysis;
  • children under 5 years of age;
  • viral pneumonia;
  • hypertension;
  • cardiovascular diseases;
  • epilepsy;
  • mental disorders.

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Consequences after the procedure

In most cases, the consequences after the procedure are favorable. As part of a comprehensive treatment for bronchitis, cupping accelerates recovery, reduces the intensity of coughing, sputum becomes thinner and easier to remove. The patient feels real relief.

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Complications after the procedure

The warnings listed above are not empty phrases, they should be paid attention to, otherwise complications after the procedure cannot be avoided. Only a doctor can prescribe this treatment. Acute bronchitis, tuberculosis can lead to the development of purulent abscesses in the lungs, and tumors of any organ - to the progression of the disease, expansion of the affected area.

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Care after the procedure

The main care after the procedure is to ensure the patient is at rest and maintain the appropriate thermal regime. To do this, carefully remove the cans, wipe the fat off the back with a dry towel, cover with a blanket and leave in silence for at least half an hour. You should not go outside or take water procedures, so it is best to do this at night to smoothly go to sleep.

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