cupping

Cupping is a traditional therapeutic practice in which cups or containers are placed on the skin to create suction. The suction draws the skin and superficial muscle tissue upward into the cup. Cupping has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, Middle Eastern medicine, and other medical traditions. Variants include dry cupping, which uses suction without breaking the skin, and wet cupping (hijama), which involves superficial skin incisions to draw small amounts of blood.

Modern cupping commonly uses glass, silicone, or bamboo cups. Dry cupping is usually performed by creating a vacuum with heat (fire cupping) or with a mechanical pump. Wet cupping involves superficial incisions before applying suction. The cups are typically left in place for several minutes, often producing circular bruises that persist for days.

Claims of benefit focus on pain relief, muscle relaxation, improved circulation, and reduced inflammation, though uses span various conditions such as back and neck pain, headaches, and fatigue. Mechanisms proposed include increased blood flow and stimulated tissue repair, but robust physiological explanations remain uncertain.

Evidence from systematic reviews and randomized trials is limited and mixed. Some studies report small short-term reductions in pain for chronic musculoskeletal conditions, but findings are inconsistent, and methodological quality varies. Most medical guidelines regard cupping as a nonstandard therapy that should not replace proven treatments. Potential risks include skin burns from heat, skin bruising, infections, and scarring; wet cupping carries an added risk of bleeding. Cupping should be performed by trained practitioners, with screening for contraindications such as skin disease, bleeding disorders, or use of anticoagulants.

In many countries cupping is offered within complementary and alternative medicine settings, often alongside other therapies. Regulation and credentialing vary by jurisdiction. Patients should inform providers of medical conditions and medications, and seek care from qualified professionals.