- Jul 20, 2023
- 7 min read

Cupping Therapy: How does it work, benefits, types, conditions, precautions and considerations

Updated: Jun 12

Cupping therapy is an alternative therapeutic practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. The cups are typically made of glass, silicone, or bamboo, although historically, materials like ceramic or animal horns have also been used. Each material has its advantages and may be preferred based on the practitioner's training and the individual's needs.

How does cupping therapy work?

Here is an overview of the cupping therapy procedure:

Preparation: The practitioner will examine the individual and determine the appropriate cups to use based on the treatment goals. The skin is often lubricated with oil or another suitable substance to facilitate the movement of the cups.
Cup Placement: The cups are applied to specific areas of the body, typically on the back, neck, or limbs. The cups may be placed in a stationary position or moved around using a gliding or sliding technique.
Suction Creation: There are various methods to create suction in the cups: The cups are suctioned to the skin using the chosen method (heat, mechanical device, or squeezing for silicone cups). As the air inside the cups cools or is removed, it creates a vacuum, drawing the skin and underlying tissues upward.
Duration: The cups are typically left in place for about 5 to 15 minutes, although the duration may vary depending on the individual's tolerance, treatment goals, and the practitioner's assessment. The cups can also be moved during the session to provide a gliding or sliding effect.
Cup Removal: To remove the cups, the practitioner often breaks the vacuum by pressing on the skin near the cup's edge or by introducing air into the cup. This releases the suction, allowing the cups to be easily lifted away.

After cupping, the skin may exhibit temporary discoloration, bruising, or circular marks where the cups were applied. These marks usually fade within a few days, but it is important to communicate any concerns or discomfort to the practitioner.

Where does the practitioner place the cups and for how long?

Cups are most often applied to the back, chest, abdomen, buttocks & legs.

Generally, the back is the most common area for cups to be used. If you’re receiving facial or cosmetic cupping, cups will be placed on your face.

Human Body areas where cupping therapy can be performed

Here are some of the points where cupping therapy can be performed.

It completely depends on the type of cupping method that is used for the treatment. For example:

With dry cupping, the cup is kept in place for a set time, usually between 5 and 10 minutes.
With wet/bleeding cupping, the practitioner makes a small incision to draw blood before intentionally pulling stagnant blood out of the incision with the suction of the cup.
Running cupping usually involves the application of oil before the use of suction. Then the cups are slowly moved around the area, creating a massage-like effect. Depending on the kind of service you’re receiving, your session could last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour or more.
When it comes to flash cupping, the cups are quickly suctioned and then released, usually in the same generalized area of the body. This is usually a 5 to 10-minute process as well.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy:

The exact mechanisms of how cupping therapy works are not fully understood, and the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. However, there are several proposed ways in which cupping therapy may have potential therapeutic effects:

Increased Blood Flow: The suction created by the cups is believed to stimulate blood flow to the area. This increased blood circulation may help deliver oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to the tissues, promoting healing and reducing muscle tension.
Muscle Relaxation: Cupping therapy is often used to address muscle pain and tension. The suction from the cups may help relax muscles and soft tissues by stretching and releasing tight fascia and connective tissues.
Release of Toxins: Cupping is thought to help remove toxins and metabolic waste products from the body. The suction and negative pressure created by the cups may draw out stagnant fluids and encourage lymphatic drainage.
Nervous System Stimulation: The suction applied to the skin during cupping therapy may stimulate sensory nerves. This stimulation may have a pain-relieving effect by interfering with pain signals or triggering the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body.
Placebo Effect: It's worth noting that the placebo effect may play a role in cupping therapy. The belief and expectation that cupping will provide therapeutic benefits can influence a person's perception of pain, well-being, and overall healing.

Types of Cupping Therapy:

There are several types of cupping therapy commonly used in practice. These variations involve different techniques, materials, and approaches. Here are some of the main types of cupping:

Dry Cupping: Dry cupping is the most common and widely used form of cupping therapy. In this technique, cups are placed on the skin, and the air inside the cups is either heated or suctioned out using a mechanical device. As the air cools or is removed, it creates a vacuum, which draws the skin and underlying tissues upward into the cup.
Wet Cupping: Wet cupping, also known as "hijama," is a two-step process. First, dry cupping is performed to create suction on the skin. Then, the cups are removed, and small incisions or scratches are made on the skin's surface. The cups are then reapplied to draw out a small amount of blood. Wet cupping is often used in traditional practices like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Arabic medicine.
Fire Cupping: Fire cupping is a traditional technique where a cotton ball soaked in alcohol is set on fire and briefly placed inside the cup to create a vacuum. The fire is removed, and the cup is quickly placed on the skin. The heat creates a suction effect as the air inside the cup cools down. Fire cupping requires caution and expertise to ensure safety.
Silicone Cupping: Silicone cups are a modern variation of cupping therapy. These cups are made of soft and flexible silicone material. They can be squeezed to create suction without the need for heat or a vacuum pump. Silicone cups are often preferred for self-administration or for individuals with sensitivities to heat or flames.
Vacuum Cupping: Vacuum cupping involves the use of a mechanical device, often attached to the cups, to create and control the level of suction. This method allows for precise adjustment of the suction intensity and duration.
Moving Cupping: Moving cupping, also known as gliding or sliding cupping, involves applying oil or lubricant to the skin before placing the cups. The cups are then moved in a gliding or sliding motion along the muscles or energy meridians. This technique combines the benefits of cupping with a massage-like effect.

Each type of cupping has its unique advantages and may be chosen based on the individual's preferences, the practitioner's expertise, and the specific treatment goals.

Conditions which can be treated with Cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy is often sought for various conditions, although it's important to note that the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited, and individual responses to therapy can vary. While cupping therapy is not a replacement for medical treatment, it may be used as a complementary therapy in some cases. Here are some conditions that people seek cupping therapy for:

Musculoskeletal Pain: Cupping therapy is commonly used to help manage musculoskeletal pain, such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and muscle tension. The suction created by the cups is believed to promote blood flow to the area, relieve muscle tightness, and alleviate pain.
Sports Injuries: Athletes may use cupping therapy to support injury recovery and improve performance. It is thought to help reduce muscle soreness, promote circulation, and aid in the healing process for sports-related injuries.
Respiratory Conditions: Cupping therapy may be employed for respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and common colds. It is believed to help loosen mucus, relieve congestion, and improve breathing by enhancing circulation and stimulating the immune system.
Digestive Disorders: Cupping therapy may be used as part of a comprehensive approach to address digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or indigestion. The therapy is thought to help relax abdominal muscles, improve digestion, and promote a sense of well-being.
Headaches and Migraines: Cupping therapy may be sought to alleviate tension headaches and migraines. The increased blood flow and relaxation effects of cupping therapy may help reduce headache symptoms and provide relief.
Stress and Anxiety: Cupping therapy is sometimes used as a relaxation technique to help manage stress, anxiety, and promote overall well-being. The soothing effects of the therapy, coupled with the potential release of endorphins, may contribute to a sense of calm and relaxation.

In simple words, Cupping therapy may help with the following conditions, among others: lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, headache and migraine, knee pain, shingles, facial paralysis, cough and dyspnea, acne, lumbar disc herniation, cervical spondylosis, brachialgia, the pain produced by a trapped nerve in the neck, carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis & asthma to name a few.

Precautions and Considerations:

Before undergoing cupping therapy, it's important to keep the following in mind:

Seek Professional Guidance: Cupping therapy should be performed by a qualified and trained practitioner who understands the appropriate technique, placement, and duration for specific conditions.
Skin Reactions: Cupping may cause temporary skin discoloration, bruising, or mild pain at the cupping sites. These effects are typically harmless and fade within a few days.
Not Suitable for Everyone: Cupping may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, skin conditions, or pregnancy. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before trying cupping therapy.
Limited Scientific Evidence: While cupping therapy has a long history of use, scientific research on its effectiveness and mechanisms of action is still limited. Results and experiences may vary between individuals.

Cupping is an ancient technique involving suctioning the skin with glass, plastic, or silicone cups. It may help boost immune function, increase blood flow, and reduce pain.

More and more research is emerging to suggest that cupping may be an effective complementary treatment for a variety of symptoms and conditions. Still, more high quality research is needed to confirm what cupping can do.

If you are tired of every treatment you have taken and still there is no improvement in your condition, consider trying cupping, at least once and see the change.