Anaemia and skin pigmentation after excessive cupping therapy by an unqualified therapist in Korea: a case report.
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.
Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Korean Medicine Hospital, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea.
Kun Hyung
KH
Kim
Tae-Hun
TH
Kim
Min
M
Hwangbo
Gi Young
GY
Yang
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000368:Aged; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D055670:Medicine, Korean Traditional; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012880:Skin Pigmentation