Cupping Patient Culture

Culture by definition of Giddens (2013) is “a pattern of shared attitudes, beliefs, self-definitions, norms, roles, and values that can occur among those who speak a particular language, or live in a defined geographical region” (p.29). As a nurse, it is of utmost importance to consider the patient's culture when providing care. Because cultures and customs that are followed vary so much from patient to patient, the nurse should be educated on how to provide culturally competent care. Being culturally competent means showing respect for, and knowledge of, the patient and their culture, and will help the nurse build rapport and a trusting, therapeutic relationship. By building this trusting relationship, the patient is more likely to be compliant with the health care regimen and therefore, will be more likely to achieve
The differences are seen in many ways, from conception to death. Some of the healthcare practices that are seen in Chinese culture are cupping, coining, acupuncture, and pinching. Cupping is the practice of using small, glass cups, which form a seal to the person’s skin, and is thought to draw out bad forces (Huff, 2013). Coining is used in Asian cultures and is done by rubbing a coin, which has been dipped in mentholated oil, across the person’s skin, leaving a dermabrasion. Coining is thought to restore balance. Acupuncture is seen some today in the American culture, but is originally of Chinese descent. It is the practice of inserting thin needles in the skin at certain points on the body (Huff, 2013). This is said to help heal ailments of different organs, depending on where the needles are placed. Lastly, a common Chinese healing method is pinching. Pinching is used to heal by pinching the skin, causing a dermabrasion and is thought to relieve the person of the factor causing the pain or illness (Huff,