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Integrative, Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Second Edition

Cupping

by Rose Ciulla-Bohling, , PhD

Category: Therapies and techniques

Related terms: Baguanfa, body vacuuming, dijiufa fire cupping, hijama horn technique, jiaofa

Definition: A skin-surface therapy involving cupped vessels under vacuum to suction the skin and relieve local congestion.

Principal proposed uses: Abdominal pain, arthritis, asthma, back pain, chronic pain, cough, headache, indigestion, menstrual disturbances, other forms of muscle pain

Other proposed uses: Acne, breast enhancement, cellulite, common cold, hypertension, insomnia, paralysis

Overview

Cupping, typically associated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is one of the oldest known therapeutic practices in the world. Cupping involves attaching a hollow cupped vessel to the surface of the skin by heat or air suction. Once a vacuum is created, the underlying tissue is lifted and blood is drawn to the area. The degree of skin discoloration indicates the nature of the congestion. The number, size, type, and movement of the cup and the degree and duration of suction can be varied according to the ailment being treated.

Mechanism of Action

The exact healing mechanism of cupping is unknown. Cupping is thought to stimulate the body’s natural energy to promote healing by reducing stagnant blood, activating the immune system, improving circulation, and helping the body detoxify. Another possible explanation is the placebo effect.

Uses and Applications

Cupping therapy is primarily used to relieve pain, gastrointestinal disorders such as abdominal pain and indigestion, respiratory problems such as chronic cough and asthma, menstrual disturbances, and skin conditions. Cupping is most commonly used in conjunction with acupuncture, acupressure, bleeding treatments, and moxibustion.

Scientific Evidence

Cupping has existed for hundreds of years and many researchers have investigated its benefits, but it is a new area of study in Western medicine. Most evidence supporting the use of cupping as a cure for illness is anecdotal.

Various studies have suggested that cupping treatments are effective in temporarily alleviating chronic pain. None, however, were double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, and most proved to be inconclusive because of low enrollment, poor study design, inadequate blinding procedures, and a lack of appropriate scientific control groups. Several studies indicate that cupping treatments combined with other therapies, such as acupuncture, may improve clinical outcomes, but scientific evidence is limited.

Cupping is an appealing natural treatment option for various illnesses because it is convenient and relatively safe. Some evidence suggests that cupping may be beneficial for various conditions because of its relaxation effect. More rigorous research studies are needed, however, to properly assess the clinical value of cupping in Western medicine.

Choosing a Practitioner

Cupping therapy is a relatively unregulated field. Treatments should be performed by skilled practitioners to avoid injury.

Safety Issues

Cupping therapy, which is considered safe with minimal side effects, may cause marks or bruising. The appearance of blisters, blood spots, or burns indicates an abnormally harsh treatment.

Cupping should be performed only on areas of soft muscle tissue. It should not be performed on persons with skin ulcers, high fever, convulsions, cramps, bleeding disorders, or cardiovascular disease, or on women who are pregnant.

See also: Chinese medicine; Folk medicine; pain management; Soft tissue pain; Chinese herbal medicine; Traditional healing

Further Reading

1 

Chirali, Ilkay Z. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Cupping Therapy. 2d ed. New York: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2007.

2 

Dharmananda, Subhuti. “Cupping.” Institute for Traditional Medicine Online. ITMO, Mar. 1999. Web. 27 Jan. 2016.

3 

Pringle, Michael. “Some Thoughts on Fire Cupping.” Journal of Chinese Medicine 83 (2007): 46-51.

4 

Pritchard, Sarah, and Andrew Croysdale. Tui Na: A Manual of Chinese Massage Therapy. London: Singing Dragon, 2015. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 27 Jan. 2016.

5 

Shixi, Huang, and Cao Yu. “Cupping Therapy.” Journal of Chinese Medicine 82 (2006): 52-57.

Citation Types

Type
Format
MLA 9th
Ciulla-Bohling, Rose . "Cupping." Integrative, Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Second Edition, edited by Paul Moglia, Salem Press, 2020. Salem Online, online.salempress.com/articleDetails.do?articleName=CAM2e_0216.
APA 7th
Ciulla-Bohling, R. (2020). Cupping. In P. Moglia (Ed.), Integrative, Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Second Edition. Salem Press. online.salempress.com.
CMOS 17th
Ciulla-Bohling, Rose. "Cupping." Edited by Paul Moglia. Integrative, Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Second Edition. Hackensack: Salem Press, 2020. Accessed December 14, 2025. online.salempress.com.