Cupping treatment: Advantages, application methods, and potential risks, explained
In the realm of alternative therapies, cupping therapy is gaining traction as a potential complementary treatment for certain health issues, particularly pain relief and muscle recovery. This ancient practice, originating from China and the Middle East, involves the use of dome-shaped vessels that create a vacuum on the skin.
### Benefits and Effectiveness
Recent research indicates that cupping therapy may offer beneficial effects for pain relief, particularly for musculoskeletal conditions like neck and low back pain. A comprehensive 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials found that cupping significantly reduced neck pain and improved function and quality of life compared with no treatment or active controls. It was also effective as an add-on therapy to other treatments[1].
Another systematic review and meta-analysis (2024) of 11 studies with 921 participants showed cupping therapy significantly reduced pain and disability in low back pain sufferers. The therapy was more effective than standard medication or usual care, especially when applied to specific acupoints related to the back. Benefits were most notable in the short-term (2–8 weeks)[3].
The mechanisms of action behind cupping therapy include improved local blood circulation, reduced inflammation and swelling, released muscle tension, and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which can modulate pain perception and induce relaxation. These combined effects help support tissue healing and pain relief naturally[2].
While specific data is less robust, cupping is traditionally used for various skin conditions and sports recovery by improving microcirculation and aiding muscle recovery. However, the strongest evidence currently pertains to pain relief in musculoskeletal disorders[5].
### Risks and Considerations
Cupping involves suction on the skin, which may cause temporary bruising, mild discomfort, or skin irritation. When performed improperly or on broken skin, there is a risk of infection. There is limited high-quality evidence for long-term benefits or for applications beyond musculoskeletal pain.
It should be used as a complementary therapy, not a replacement for conventional medical treatments when these are necessary. People can speak with a healthcare professional if they want to start cupping therapy.
### Summary
Cupping therapy is increasingly supported by scientific research as an effective complementary treatment for neck and low back pain, with demonstrated short-term benefits on pain and function. However, evidence for other uses like skin conditions or broad sports recovery remains limited, and safety precautions are important to avoid adverse effects. More high-quality studies and clinical trials are needed to understand the extent of cupping's potential benefits and how it works.
[1] Hui, L., et al. (2025). The Efficacy of Cupping Therapy for Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Orthopaedic Science, 1-11.
[2] Ma, X., et al. (2023). Mechanisms of Cupping Therapy: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1-13.
[3] Liu, W., et al. (2024). The Efficacy of Cupping Therapy for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Pain Research, 1-15.
[4] Wang, J., et al. (2022). The Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1-15.
[5] Zhang, Y., et al. (2020). The Efficacy of Cupping Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1-16.
- The use of cupping therapy, with its origins in China and the Middle East, is being recognized for potential benefits in pain relief and muscle recovery.
- A 2025 review found that cupping therapy reduced neck pain and improved function and quality of life, even as an add-on therapy.
- Another study in 2024 revealed that cupping therapy was effective in reducing low back pain and disability, surpassing standard medication or usual care.
- The improvements in pain and function were most significant in the short-term, lasting between 2 and 8 weeks.
- Improved local blood circulation, reduced inflammation, released muscle tension, and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system are the primary mechanisms of action behind cupping therapy.
- While evidence for other conditions like skin conditions and sports recovery is less robust, cupping is typically used for these purposes to improve microcirculation and aid muscle recovery.
- Temporary bruising, mild discomfort, or skin irritation may occur during cupping due to the suction on the skin, but improper application or use on broken skin can increase the risk of infection.
- Cupping should be conducted as a complementary therapy, never a replacement for conventional medical treatments.
- For individuals considering cupping therapy, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional first.
- Cupping therapy shows promise in reducing pain and improving function for neck and low back pain, but more high-quality studies are needed to fully understand its potential benefits and mechanisms.
- Scientific research is increasingly supportive of cupping therapy as a complementary treatment for various health issues, particularly pain relief and muscle recovery.
- The skin-care industry, health-and-wellness, therapies-and-treatments, and science communities highlight cupping therapy as a potential alternative solution.
- Research and clinical trials are essential to predict future applications, safety concerns, and the extent of cupping therapy's potential benefits for diseases such as asthma, COPD, depression, arthritis, atopic dermatitis, psoriatic dermatitis, spondylitis, PSA, hepatitis, lung cancer, crohn's disease, MM, and UC.
