What Does Cupping Do? Is It Good For Your Health?

Leave it to athletes to bring an ancient medical practice back into the mainstream. Cupping therapy is an alternative medicine that has been practiced in certain cultures for centuries.

It is considered a therapy that helps to correct imbalances in the body’s flow, called Qi (chi). It is also believed to remove toxins that can build up in the body, causing havoc and various ailments.

Though it’s been practiced in the United States for a few decades, it’s still not something that is widely used. Cupping certainly wasn’t a type of therapy used during the Golden Era of bodybuilding.

Today we’re going to discuss cupping therapy:

• What it is
• The history behind it
• The different types
• The benefits
• The dangers and side effects
• What to expect
• How much it can cost
• If it actually works

So let’s jump into what you’re probably asking already.

What is Cupping?

Cupping has been practiced for thousands of years in various parts of the world. There are different methods of cupping therapy, but the most commonly used methods are:

• Dry cupping
• Wet cupping
• Fire cupping

In recent years, it has regained popularity with the use of some celebrities as well as some athletes, mainly:

• Olympic gymnast Alexander Naddour
• NFL football player Demarcus Ware
• Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps
• Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin

If you have ever seen people with different sized perfectly round bruises on their bodies, you’ve seen the results of cupping. 

Cupping is done by removing oxygen between the skin and a special cup placed on the skin.

The suction creates negative pressure, pulling up the skin into the cup. The tension brings blood to the surface and may help relieve pain or create other benefits we’ll discuss later.

It can often be used along with acupuncture treatments. Cupping is typically done along with acupuncture points in the body, called meridians. It is mainly done on the back where most of the meridian channels are, but can also be done on:

• Arms
• Shoulders
• Legs
• Knees
• Ankles
• Face

But how did cupping first come about? Why is it back?

A Brief History of Cupping

Cupping has been used as a medical treatment for over 3,000 years. At that time, it was recorded in Chinese Mawangdui Silk texts. 

The Imperial Courts of China used it for their highest ranking staff. Taoist Ge Hong wrote about cupping techniques in the book A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies (340 AD).

In the Muslim faith of Islam, wet cupping is the most popular form of cupping therapy, called AlHijamah (Al Hijama). This method is used widely throughout the Middle East and in some European countries.

In Saudi Arabia, wet cupping has become an integrated and regulated service. 

Egyptians were using these methods 3,500 years ago, as evidenced by hieroglyphic accounts and the Ebers Papyrus. Around 400 BC, Hippocrates was well known for using cupping as a therapy method.

Though both Asian and Hijamah wet cupping techniques differ, it’s hard to determine if one is better than the other.

Finland also practices wet cupping, mainly completed after a sauna and/or massage. They have been practicing since at least the 15th century, with skills and knowledge passed down by elders.

It is also practiced in the UK, and practitioners can be certified through the British Cupping Society. There as well, wet cupping is the preferred method and has been used since the 19th century.

Native American Indians practiced cupping as part of their many healing techniques as well. Though much of this history and culture has been lost, they were said to be healthy and proficient healers.

Patients come to heal their pain and cups are placed based on where they need relief. The number and size of cups and placement are also dependent on the patients’ ailment.

Let’s take a look at the methods used to learn more about the process.

Different Cupping Methods

Are you curious about how to do cupping? This is not something that just anyone should do. Cupping therapy should be left to a trained professional to reduce any risk.

Due to the pressure points used, it is mostly performed here in the United States by licensed acupuncturists. Let’s take a look at the differences in the most common methods used.

1. Dry Cupping

Dry cupping is the most commonly used method in the United States. This method can also be called air cupping. It involves a few steps:

1. Determining the point of pain or discomfort
2. Picking an appropriate size heated cup
3. Generating a vacuum effect
4. Placing the cup on the targeted spot

As the oxygen inside the cup is reduced, the skin raises and the blood flow is directed to the spot. Blood vessels are broken, creating the bruised look that will stay for a few days after the session.

The cups used for this therapy are made of various materials:

• Glass 
• Plastic
• Bamboo
• Bronze
• Horn 
• Copper

The suction can be created by using a valve at the top of the cup. There are also some cups that use a pump to extract air and oxygen. Some silicone cups are made with a bulb already on the cup for ease of use and less equipment required.

Another method is fire cupping.

2. Fire Cupping

This is a dangerous method and could cause skin burns if not performed correctly. Do not try fire cupping as your first introduction to cupping, and only under a trained professional.

This method is done just like dry cupping, but the suction is created using fire rather than a valve.

It is most often done by soaking cotton in alcohol, lighting it, and quickly placing it under a cup at the skin. The fire is removed and the cup placed immediately down on the skin to create suction as oxygen is removed.

3. Wet Cupping

Wet cupping is done like dry cupping, but the skin under the cup is pierced with a small needle or knife. Once pierced, the cup is then placed over the skin and suction is created using either a valve or fire.

The theory behind wet cupping is that any toxins in the body are released with the blood into the cup. When the cup is removed, any blood is to be safely disposed of and the cups cleaned and sterilized.

In some areas, dry cupping is done for a few minutes and is then followed by wet cupping for a few minutes more.

4. Needle Cupping

Another form of cupping called needle cupping is where acupuncture and cupping combine. Acupuncture needles are placed and then a cup is placed over the needle. 

This method is different from wet cupping since it does not result in bloodletting. Acupuncture needles are much smaller than a standard needle you think about when getting blood drawn. There should not be any blood seen when removing acupuncture needles.

5. Massage Cupping

This type of cupping is done as dry cupping, but with a significant difference.

The body is oiled prior to the application allowing the cups to be moved from location to location. In dry cupping, the body is dry and no oil is used during the therapy session.

Now that we’ve discussed some of the more common methods, let’s take a look at some history of cupping. Then, we’ll get into the benefits and potential side effects.

The Benefits of Cupping

Though there may be many different uses for cupping, the main benefit is for musculoskeletal pain. The factors thought to reduce pain include:

• Increased circulation to the specified area
• Activates the immune system
• Creates stimulation in the mechanosensitive fibers
• Improved oxygen supply

The most common reasons that someone would seek out cupping therapy are:

According to the International Cupping Therapy Association (ICTA), there are a host of diseases and disorders that can be helped:

And other diseases and disorders. There are contraindications where cupping is not recommended, which will be discussed in a later section.

The Science Behind Cupping

There is controversy around if cupping is actually beneficial or pseudoscience.

In a meta-analysis of cupping therapy, there were six different theories considered for each benefit mentioned for cupping. No one perspective can explain the true effects of cupping.

With that said, there are some studies that lend support to the benefits of cupping.

In Iran, 48 patients were treated with wet cupping for nonspecific low back pain. They were placed against a 50 patient control group. After a 3 month checkup, the cupping group showed significant improvement over the control group.

Here is another study on low back pain, this time in Germany with dry cupping. After four weeks of dry cupping, that group showed statistically significant differences compared to the control.

The study did note that after four weeks, no greater improvement was found at the 12-week mark.

It was also used combined with acupuncture with success in helping improve joint function and pain for knee osteoarthritis. The acupuncture/cupping group showed significant improvement over the control group in this study.

Then we have a meta-analysis review of wet cupping and the herpes zoster virus, commonly known as shingles.

Upon review, it was shown in qualified trials that cupping alone and combined with acupuncture showed greater improvement for some than medication.

This larger review showed great benefit for herpes zoster improvement as well, along with other ailments:

• Acne
• Facial paralysis
• Cervical spondylosis

Of the 135 trials reviewed, none showed any serious adverse effects for patients. While this is promising, more rigorous trials will need to be conducted on each ailment for more conclusive results.

This study compared readings for high blood pressure using the Hijama method after three sessions. When comparing the study group with the control, there was a marked improvement of their systolic blood pressure numbers.

Wet Cupping for Migraine Relief?

Regular migraine sufferers can attest to how much they can affect their regular quality of life. There is hope for wet cupping and its ability to relieve migraine pain and frequency.

In a group of 70 patients who were treated with wet cupping, 66% showed severity decreased. They also noted 12.6 fewer headaches days each month after their three-month treatment.

King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia has its own cupping clinic and posted results of an observational study. They had 128 patients fill out the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment after their wet cupping sessions.

The results showed significant improvement in quality of life and no reported adverse reactions.

This same hospital showed marked improvement for 289 patients who suffer from bone pain. They were studied over two years and received wet cupping sessions. Of the patients’ studied, 11% felt completely cured of pain while 55% felt improvement and relief.

Now, we’ll discuss what to expect from a cupping session, any dangers or contraindications, and the cost.

Does Cupping Hurt?

That really depends on your personal pain tolerance and the type of cupping therapy you’re experiencing. What can you expect after a cupping session?

Some people describe discomfort where the skin is pulled into the cup if anything at all. There could also be pain during wet cupping when the skin is pierced.

Also, keep in mind that the pain could be from the underlying issue that caused you to seek out cupping.

In the days following a cupping session, there could be discomfort at the bruising site. However, most people do not feel any worse afterward and some do feel relief.

If you want to read about first-hand experiences, this article from MedicalNewsToday may help.

If you feel any pain, bruising, or other side effects listed below, be sure to reach out to the practitioner.

Are There Dangers to Cupping?

As with any type of therapy, there could be side effects for some. 

Side effects could include:

• Scars
• Burns (in the case of fire cupping)
• Worsening of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
• Persistent skin discolorations

There are more serious risks for people who participate in wet cupping:

• Anemia 
• Blood pooling or clots outside the cupping area
• Hepatitis B or C
• HIV

Hepatitis is really only a concern if the tools are not sterilized between patients. However, there have been cases of Hepatitis B, C, and HIV transmission in Saudi Arabia.

These side effects and risk factors should be taken into consideration before having cupping performed. Make sure to only go to an experienced professional who works in a clean environment and sterilizes their tools. 

Ask questions about the process, known issues or side effects, and what to be aware of. Also, consider asking about how long they’ve been practicing and what safeguards they have in place.

Contraindications

There are certain health issues or phases of diseases where cupping is not recommended. If you are having an outbreak of something, cupping should not be used on the outbreak site.

Here is a list of conditions where cupping should not be used, according to the ICTA:

• Cardiac failure
• Renal failure
• Leukemia
• Allergic dermatitis
• Anywhere a hernia exists or did at one time
• Bone dislocations
• Slipped discs
• Organ failure
• Undergoing cancer therapy
• Acute stages of eczema, psoriasis or rosacea
• Outbreaks of hives, herpes or shingles

This is not a complete list of conditions. 

If you are unsure if you should receive cupping on a site, the best thing to do is not seek out cupping therapy. Wait until your clear of that specific condition if you want to try out cupping for the first time.

What Does Cupping Cost?

As with any type of therapy, there is a cost associated. And since cupping is a form of alternative medicine, it likely isn’t covered by your health insurance.

Still, if you want to try it out, it’s not overly expensive. According to a 2016 MarketWatch article, expect to pay between $40 and $80 per session. Of course, it could be more costly, especially if combined with acupuncture.

As cupping lends itself best with acupuncture points, it may be best to start with a licensed acupuncturist. 

Does Cupping Therapy Work?

At the end of the day, the most important question is: does cupping therapy actually work?

For some people, it sure seems like it does. As you’ve seen in this article, people have seen relief for various ailments after receiving cupping therapy.

However, some are still convinced that any benefits received are just a placebo effect.

If you are interested in cupping therapy, ask friends and family if they’ve ever experienced cupping and get their opinion. Ask your doctor what they think and if they can recommend anyone who specializes in cupping.

If you already work with an acupuncturist, ask if they offer cupping as a part of their practice.

You can even ask around the gym to see if anyone there has done cupping therapy.

If so, what was their health concern and do they think that cupping resolved it? Did they try anything else around the same time that could have helped instead or in combination with cupping?

The only way to know for sure if cupping therapy works is to try it out yourself. If you do, start with dry cupping first and then move to other methods at your own risk.

The Bottom Line

Cupping is usually inexpensive, noninvasive (except for wet and fire cupping) and relatively low-risk. Though science isn’t fully clear on if it truly helps or just creates a placebo effect, it might be a helpful tool for some.

If you have pain, need relief, and are considering cupping, make sure you go to a reputable practitioner. Know the risks going in, and don’t try wet cupping on the first try until you know how you’ll react.

As with any type of new health treatment, go in with an open mind and accept the process. It could help with pain relief or not, but you won’t know if it will unless you try it for yourself.

Have you tried cupping? If so, which method did you use? Do you think it helped you? Let us know in the comments below!