Generally, one should wait at least two days after cupping before taking a bath, or wait until any bruising caused by the treatment has completely disappeared. Since cupping causes the pores in the treated area to dilate, it is crucial to avoid exposure to wind, cold temperatures, or cold water immediately after the procedure.
As a general rule, one should wait at least six hours after cupping before coming into contact with water-and even then, only warm water should be used. Taking a cold shower immediately after cupping makes it very easy for "dampness" (a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine) to invade the body; not only does this negate the therapeutic benefits of the treatment, but it may also trigger adverse physical reactions.
