Cupping therapy is a traditional practice that uses suction cups to enhance blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. By placing cups on the skin, it creates a vacuum effect that helps to lift and stretch the underlying tissues. This process can alleviate pain, improve circulation, and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.

Does it work?

Research suggests that cupping therapy can be effective for certain conditions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that cupping therapy significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with chronic low back pain (Cao et al., 2012). Additionally, a review in PLOS ONE highlighted cupping’s benefits for pain relief and functional improvement in conditions such as cervical spondylosis and herniated discs (Lee et al., 2015). While more high-quality research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness, many individuals report positive results, especially when cupping is used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance overall wellness and target specific health concern