Anaemia and skin pigmentation after excessive cupping therapy by an unqualified therapist in Korea: a case report.

Abstract

A case is reported of skin pigmentation and associated anemia resulting from persistently repeated cupping therapies performed by an unqualified practitioner in South Korea. Almost 30 sessions of excessive cupping therapies with blood loss over two months yielded little benefit but led the patient to admit a hospital and receive blood transfusion for acquired iron deficiency anemia. Skin pigmentation on the cupping-attached region remained without any subjective discomfort. We suggest the importance of qualified health professionals when receiving cupping treatments.

• Authors: Kun Hyung Kim, Tae-Hun Kim, Min Hwangbo, Gi Young Yang
• Journal: Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society (Acupunct Med) Vol. 30 Issue 3 Pg. 227-8 (Sep 2012) ISSN: 1759-9873 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22738805 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Acupuncture Therapy (adverse effects)
• Aged
• Anemia, Iron-Deficiency (etiology, physiopathology)
• Female
• Health Personnel (legislation & jurisprudence, standards)
• Humans
• Medicine, Korean Traditional
• Republic of Korea
• Skin Pigmentation