Cuping

Cuping, or cupping, is a traditional healing practice in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. The intended aim is to increase blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing or relaxation. Cups are commonly made of glass, bamboo, ceramic, or silicone, and suction is achieved either by heating air inside the cup (fire cupping) or by suction devices.

There are several forms of cupping. Dry cupping uses suction alone. Wet cupping (hijama) involves superficial skin incisions to draw small amounts of blood. Fire cupping uses flame to heat the cups before applying them to the skin to create stronger suction. Treatments typically last from about 5 to 20 minutes, and marks on the skin may persist for a few days.

Cupping has origins in ancient medical traditions of East Asia, the Middle East, and other regions, and has been incorporated into traditional Chinese medicine as a method to treat musculoskeletal pain, respiratory conditions, and other ailments. In modern times, cupping has gained visibility in complementary and alternative medicine and has been used in some athletic and clinical settings, though its popularity varies by culture and region.

Evidence regarding cupping’s effectiveness is mixed. Some randomized trials report modest pain relief or functional improvement for conditions such as low back or neck pain, but many studies have methodological limitations. Therefore, cupping is generally considered a supplementary option rather than a primary treatment, and it should be conducted by trained practitioners with attention to safety.

Common adverse effects include circular bruising, skin irritation, and, in rare cases, burns or infection. Contraindications include skin lesions, wounds, bleeding disorders, anticoagulant use, and pregnancy without medical advice.