It’s a less common, albeit powerful, technique that’s historically known for its musculoskeletal pain1, physical function2, and recovery benefits. This suctioning, which is often used by acupuncturists and other therapists, is most commonly known to promote blood flow3 in the skin and help ease pain you may be experiencing in that area. While this traditional health practice is deeply rooted in Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine, there is some evidence that it may have originated as far back as 1550 BC in ancient Egypt4. Depending on your comfort level and recommendation by your health care provider, cups may be moved around or left in place. They may also only be kept on your body briefly or for longer periods of time. One common area to be cupped is the back, although cups work well on other areas, too — particularly on fleshy sections of the body like the legs, buttocks, and facial area. Each cupping treatment is unique to the individual and as always, we recommend consulting with your doctor to figure out the right plan for you. With that said, enough randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist that systematic reviews and meta-analyses1 are now able to consolidate and inform the benefits of cupping therapy across a variety of health issues and needs. Indeed, science to date shows that cupping can be beneficial for conditions such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, and more3. One randomized controlled study5 of 50 patients who suffered from neck pain and were assigned cupping as a treatment or were put on a waitlist (i.e., control group) found that the patients in the cupping group had significantly less neck pain post-treatment. More research in this specific area of musculoskeletal pain will be valuable. A 2016 systematic review1 of wet cupping indicates that the ancient therapy in modern use has efficacy (as demonstrated by RCTs) for neck pain, low back pain, and even carpal tunnel syndrome. Furthermore, a 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis2 found cupping to improve treatment effectiveness and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis, although the studies were noted to be low quality and thus the overall evidence would be strengthened by future, robustly designed clinical trials. Perhaps made most famous by Michael Phelps in the 2016 Summer Olympics, athletes are a specific group reported to utilize cupping therapy. While a 2018 research review of clinical trials in amateur and professional athletes indicates6 possible benefits from pain and range of motion, many of the studies were of low quality. The exact physiological mechanisms underlying the pain-reducing and other benefits tied to cupping therapy are not fully known. While more research is needed in this area, several theories summarized in a 2019 research review7 include an increase in blood circulation, immune system activation, blood detoxification, and more. Indeed, multiple actions might be interacting to produce the benefits reported in the scientific literature to date. This is where pressure is created in the cup by applying a flame — typically using alcohol-soaked cotton that is set aflame and used to remove the oxygen. The cup is then directly placed onto the skin, creating a vacuum-like suction. There is also wet cupping8. Following a suction stage, small incisions are made in wet cupping by the therapist. They may continue with a second suction process to draw small amounts of blood from the incision areas. The skin discoloration can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. But, the good news? It’s rarely painful. Once the marks have cleared, and with the consent from your practitioner, the cupping procedure can be repeated until the health need is addressed. Cupping is not recommended for geriatric patients, pediatric patients, those with high cholesterol, bleeding concerns, or anemia, or women who are pregnant or are currently menstruating. Cupping should also be avoided on sites with wounds or bone fractures, as well as over nerves, arteries, veins, veins, body orifices, lymph nodes, eyes, or areas with skin inflammation. Those who suffer or have a history of suffering from certain diseases like heart disease, or are experiencing an infection should also avoid cupping. It’s important to be mindful of the potential risks mentioned above and as always, if you have any questions or concerns, talk with your health care provider to determine the best plan for you.
