Overview

Cupping is a therapeutic method that involves applying a heated cup to the skin. It's used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture.

As the air inside of the cup cools, it creates a slight suction on the skin. This is thought to improve blood flow. In a specific type of cupping, called wet cupping, a small cut is made in the skin before the heated cup is applied. This causes bleeding (blood-letting) when suction is created.

People use cupping for back pain. It is also used for metabolic syndrome, acne, fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Back pain. Various types of cupping, including dry cupping, wet cupping, and pulsatile cupping, seem to reduce lower back pain. Wet cupping might also reduce the use of pain medication.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Wet cupping doesn't seem to improve heart disease risk factors in people with metabolic syndrome.

There is interest in using cupping for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



Cupping is possibly safe when used appropriately. Side effects rare, but can include bruising and bleeding.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if cupping is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Cupping overview.

Dosing

Cupping involves applying heated cups to specific locations on the body based on symptoms. The locations may or may not be traditional acupoints. Cups can be made of silicone, glass, bamboo, metal, rubber, and wood.

The two most common types of cupping are dry cupping and wet cupping. In dry cupping, heated cups are applied to intact skin. As the air inside of the cup cools, it creates a slight suction on the skin. This is thought to increase blood flow. In wet cupping, a small cut is made in the skin before the heated cup is applied. This causes bleeding (blood-letting) when suction is created. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of cupping might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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