The Origins of Cupping
Is cupping dangerous, or what exactly is cupping? This article answers common questions about this ancient therapy. Cupping (拔罐) is a traditional practice in Chinese medicine (TCM) dating back to the early Han Dynasty, and its use was also documented in ancient Egyptian medicine. Today, it remains popular in the U.S., U.K., Europe, and the Middle East.
In recent years, cupping has gained global attention thanks to celebrities, athletes, and influencers. Olympic champion Michael Phelps, former swimmer Natalie Coughlin, and gymnast Alex Naddour have all used cupping to relieve muscle tension and speed recovery.
What Is Cupping?
Cupping involves applying suction to specific meridian points on the body using cups made of glass, ceramic, metal, silicone, plastic, or bamboo.
The Process of Cupping
Different methods of cupping exist, and techniques vary slightly by therapist.
(1) Dry Cupping
For dry cupping, a practitioner warms the inside of each cup with a flame to create suction. The vacuum pulls the skin upward, increasing blood flow and stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Cups remain in place for 10–30 minutes. Some therapists move the cups along the meridians to cover larger areas.
(2) Wet Cupping
Wet cupping follows similar steps but includes light skin punctures with a sterile scalpel or needle to draw a small amount of blood. The treated area is then bandaged and generally heals within 7–10 days. Though not scientifically proven, many believe this process removes toxins and promotes healing.
(3) Needle Cupping or Acupuncture Cupping
The healing effects of cupping can also be improved when the therapist leaves an acupuncture needle in the meridian point or acupoint during cupping, as is the case with needle cupping or what we called acupuncture cupping.
(4) Modern Cupping
Today, therapists may use rubber pumps instead of fire to create suction, often with silicone cups. Subsets include facial cupping, sports cupping, orthopedic cupping, and aquatic cupping. Some treatments combine cupping with moxibustion (burning mugwort leaves), magnets, laser therapy, electrical stimulation, water, or herbs.
What Is Cupping Used For?
Cupping aims to dispel stagnation of blood and lymph, stimulate the meridians, improve the circulation of Qi (vital energy), and restore balance and harmony.
Although suitable for many people, cupping should be avoided by those who are physically weak, pregnant, or have conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, skin ulcers, or open wounds.
Cupping is used to help manage pain and reduce inflammation linked to arthritis, rheumatism, cervical spondylosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, back, neck, knee, or shoulder pain. It is also applied for respiratory issues such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, flu, or cold, and for weight management or massage therapy to promote relaxation.
How Will You Feel After Cupping?
During treatment, most people feel warmth and tightness where cups are applied, indicating that Qi is moving into the treated area. After 30 minutes, when the cups are removed, patients often feel reduced pain and greater relaxation.
Depending on individual response, follow-up treatments may be recommended.
Cupping for Stress and Anxiety Relief
Cupping is increasingly explored as a complementary therapy for stress and anxiety, aligning with its traditional TCM role of rebalancing Qi to calm the mind.
• Relaxation Response: A 2022 systematic review found that cupping may reduce perceived stress and anxiety by promoting deep relaxation and lowering muscle tension.
• Improved Sleep Quality: By easing tension and encouraging parasympathetic nervous system activity, cupping sessions may help improve sleep, which is often disrupted by anxiety.
• Mood Support: Some small clinical trials suggest that regular cupping can reduce cortisol (the primary stress hormone), supporting emotional balance.
Is Cupping Dangerous?
Is cupping dangerous? Most experts agree it is generally safe when performed by a trained practitioner. However, there is limited high-quality scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. One study concluded that it cannot yet be strongly recommended for athletes, and the U.S. National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that existing research is mostly low quality.
The NCCIH also warns of potential side effects you should know before scheduling a session.
Possible Side Effects of Cupping
Common side effects include temporary circular reddish marks from broken capillaries, which usually fade within a week or two. Persistent discoloration should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Other potential risks include burns, scars, and infections, and cupping can worsen conditions such as acute eczema or psoriasis.
Rare but severe cases have been reported, including skull bleeding from scalp cupping and anemia from repeated wet cupping.
Conclusion
So, is cupping dangerous? Cupping has been performed worldwide for centuries and is generally safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. Verify the credentials of any therapist or clinic and avoid applying cups repeatedly to the same area. With proper care, cupping can complement Western medicine to improve circulation, relieve pain, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.