Cupping is a traditional healing method practiced in various regions across the globe, notably in countries like China and those in the Middle East. The technique involves placing cups made of materials such as glass, bamboo, ceramic, or plastic on the skin to create suction. This suction effect is achieved either by heating the air inside the cup before placing it on the skin or by using a mechanical pump to draw out the air once the cup is in place. There are two main types: in "wet cupping," small incisions are made so that a small amount of blood can be drawn into the cup. In contrast, "dry cupping" only uses suction and does not involve breaking the skin.

Bottom Line

• While there is some research on cupping therapy, much of it is not of strong scientific quality.

• Some findings suggest cupping might help ease pain, but overall, the supporting evidence is weak.

• There isn’t sufficient reliable research to confirm whether cupping effectively treats conditions beyond pain.

Safety

• The circular marks left by cupping are temporary, but it's important that healthcare professionals understand their cause to prevent misinterpretation as signs of harm.

• Potential side effects include skin discoloration, scarring, burns, and infections. People with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis might see flare-ups.

• Though rare, serious adverse effects have occurred, such as bleeding inside the skull after scalp cupping or anemia from repeated blood loss in wet cupping.

• Since wet cupping involves contact with blood, using the same equipment on multiple individuals without proper sterilization can pose risks of transmitting bloodborne illnesses such as hepatitis.

For More Information

NCCIH Clearinghouse

The NCCIH Clearinghouse offers educational content on complementary and integrative health practices. It includes publications and helps users access databases with scientific studies. However, it does not give medical advice or refer to healthcare providers.

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

Telecommunications relay service (TRS): 7-1-1

Website: Information available through official channels.

Email contact: [email protected]

Know the Science

The NCCIH and NIH present tools to improve understanding of scientific research, helping people make informed health decisions. Resources include video tutorials, quizzes, and simple explanations of how research works.

Topics include: How studies are structured, understanding journal articles, and learning how to evaluate research methods.

PubMed®

PubMed®, operated by the National Library of Medicine, offers details and summaries of medical journal articles. It’s a useful resource for those researching health topics. NCCIH also provides tips on how to search for information on complementary health practices through PubMed.

Website: Access to articles through recognized health and science channels.

This content is in the public domain and can be freely shared. It is intended to provide helpful information, not to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider when considering treatment options. Mention of any product or practice does not imply endorsement by NCCIH.