Cupping therapy is a traditional healing practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. It has roots in ancient Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Egyptian medicine and has gained renewed global attention in recent decades.
According to WebMD, cupping is primarily used for pain relief and musculoskeletal conditions, though it is also promoted for other health concerns. Scientific studies indexed on ScienceDirect have explored its physiological effects and clinical applications.
Cupping involves placing glass, silicone, or plastic cups on the skin. A vacuum is created either by heat (fire cupping) or mechanical suction. The negative pressure draws the skin and superficial muscle layer upward into the cup.
There are two main types:
Dry cupping – Suction is applied without making cuts on the skin.
Wet cupping (Hijama) – Small superficial incisions are made before suction to draw out a small amount of blood.
Sessions typically last 5–15 minutes. Circular marks often remain on the skin temporarily due to capillary rupture and localized blood pooling.
Several mechanisms have been proposed in medical literature:
The suction increases blood flow to the treated area. This may enhance oxygen delivery and nutrient exchange.
Some studies suggest cupping may influence inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers.
Cupping may stimulate sensory nerves, activating pain-gating mechanisms in the spinal cord. This can reduce pain perception.
By lifting soft tissue, cupping may reduce muscle tightness and fascial restriction.
Limited research suggests possible effects on immune markers, though evidence remains preliminary.
Despite these theories, researchers note that more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm definitive mechanisms.
Cupping therapy has been studied or traditionally used for:
Chronic back and neck pain
Knee osteoarthritis
Headaches and migraines
Fibromyalgia
Musculoskeletal injuries
Herpes zoster (shingles) pain
Acne and certain skin conditions
Respiratory conditions such as asthma
The strongest evidence currently supports its use for certain types of musculoskeletal pain, particularly chronic low back pain and neck pain. For many other conditions, evidence remains limited or mixed.
See also: Safe & Lasting Spine Pain Relief: Your Complete Guide
Some clinical trials have reported:
Short-term reduction in pain intensity
Improved functional mobility in osteoarthritis
Temporary muscle relaxation
Subjective improvement in well-being
However, systematic reviews emphasize that many studies have small sample sizes and methodological limitations.
Cupping is generally considered low-risk when performed by trained practitioners, but side effects may include:
Skin bruising and discoloration
Mild pain or discomfort
Burns (in fire cupping)
Skin infections
Scarring
Dizziness or fainting
Wet cupping carries additional risks of infection and bloodborne disease transmission if sterile techniques are not used.
Individuals who should avoid cupping include:
People with bleeding disorders
Patients on anticoagulant therapy
Individuals with severe anemia
Pregnant women (certain body areas)
Medical consultation is recommended before undergoing treatment, particularly for people with chronic health conditions.
Research published in journals indexed on ScienceDirect indicates that while cupping may provide short-term symptom relief for some conditions, evidence quality varies. Many studies call for larger, well-designed clinical trials.
Major medical organizations do not currently recommend cupping as a first-line treatment for chronic disease, but it is sometimes used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medicine.
Cupping is increasingly offered in integrative medicine clinics and sports rehabilitation settings. Some athletes have publicly displayed cupping marks during competitions, contributing to increased visibility.
Healthcare providers emphasize that cupping should not replace evidence-based treatments for serious medical conditions but may be used adjunctively in certain cases.
