China aircraft carrier allows use of naked flames for TCM therapy which is popular among troops
Military chiefs describe flames used in cupping treatment as ‘necessary fire’; say strict fire prevention code enforced on ship
China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has allowed the use of naked flames on board to accommodate a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
The use of fire on the vessel is to be allowed so that cupping therapy can take place.
The news has received much attention on mainland social media after it was reported by state broadcaster CCTV on December 24.
The Fujian, China’s third aircraft carrier and the most advanced, officially entered into service in November at a grand ceremony in Sanya, Hainan province.
With a carrying capacity of 1,000 sailors, the Fujian is equipped with the biggest medical centre in the country’s naval fleet.
It is made up of a diagnosis zone, inpatient department, surgery rooms and a physiotherapy room where the TCM treatments moxibustion, cupping and acupuncture take place.
Cupping therapy is an ancient healing technique to ease pain.
