What Is Cupping? How Is It Performed?

Cupping is one of the traditional and complementary medicine practices that has been used in different societies for centuries. Today, it may be preferred as a supportive practice for issues such as pain, muscle tension and general well-being. However, cupping should not be regarded as effective for every health problem or as a treatment for diseases.

During cupping, special cups are placed on the skin to create suction. In wet cupping, suction is followed by small, superficial incisions in the skin and removal of a small amount of blood.

People considering cupping should first assess their overall health, the medicines they use and any existing diseases. The practice may be unsuitable, especially for people at risk of bleeding or with some chronic conditions.

In this article, we discuss what cupping is, how it is performed, the situations in which it is preferred, its possible benefits and risks, and who should consult a doctor before having cupping.

What Is Cupping?

Cupping is a traditional and complementary practice based on creating suction on the skin with cups and, in wet cupping, making superficial incisions in the skin to remove blood.

The suction created by the cups produces a mechanical effect on the skin and underlying tissues. In wet cupping, controlled blood removal is added to this process.

Cupping should not be considered a treatment that replaces modern medicine. A physician's assessment is important before the practice, especially when there is an ongoing health problem, chronic disease or regular medication use.

What Is Cupping Used For?

The answer to the question “What is cupping good for?” can vary from person to person. Some people choose cupping as a supportive practice for muscle and joint pain, muscle tension or general relaxation.

However, definitive claims that cupping strengthens the immune system, removes toxins from the body, speeds up metabolism or treats particular diseases should be evaluated carefully from a scientific perspective.

It is safer for people considering cupping to discuss their expected benefit and current health status with a health professional.

What Are the Benefits of Cupping?

Research on cupping may produce different findings. While some studies focus on possible supportive effects, particularly for pain and musculoskeletal complaints, there is not sufficient strong scientific evidence for many health problems.

For this reason, when evaluating possible benefits, it should be remembered that cupping is a complementary approach and should not be used instead of existing medical treatment.

Some people may choose cupping for the following purposes:

• as a supportive practice for muscle tension and some musculoskeletal complaints;
• to experience a temporary feeling of relief;
• to feel personal relaxation and comfort after the practice;
• as a complementary approach for some types of pain.

These effects may vary from person to person. Cupping should not be assumed to definitively treat any disease.

How Is Cupping Performed?

Cupping should be performed by trained and competent health professionals in conditions that comply with hygiene and sterilisation rules.

The general stages of the practice may be as follows:

1. Assessment of Health Status

Before the practice, the person's overall health, existing diseases, medicines used and risk of bleeding should be assessed.

2. Application of the Cup

A cup is placed on the area determined according to the person's condition and the practice plan, and controlled suction is created.

3. Superficial Incisions

If wet cupping is to be performed, small, superficial incisions may be made in the skin. The cup is then placed again and a small amount of blood is removed.

4. Aftercare

After the procedure is completed, the application area is cleaned appropriately and the necessary care is provided.

For reducing the risk of infection, it is very important that materials used during cupping are hygienic and that equipment in contact with blood is sterile or disposable.

Which Areas Can Cupping Be Applied To?

The area for cupping may be determined according to the person's complaints and the assessment of the health professional performing the practice.

The back, shoulders and some extremity areas may be used. However, it is not correct to generalise that a particular cupping point is effective for every disease.

The person's health status and the purpose of the practice should be considered when determining the application area.

Who Should Not Have Cupping?

Cupping may not be suitable for everyone. People with a high risk of bleeding or certain health problems should always be assessed by a physician before the practice.

It is especially important to consult a health professional before cupping in the following situations:

• bleeding or clotting disorders;
• use of blood-thinning medication;
• anaemia;
• serious immune-system problems;
• an active infection;
• an open wound, skin infection or serious skin disease in the application area;
• pregnancy;
• chronic disease;
• children and older adults.

The most accurate assessment of whether cupping is suitable should be made by a health professional according to the person's health status.

What Are the Harms and Side Effects of Cupping?

Cupping may carry some risks, especially wet cupping practices in which skin integrity is disrupted.

After the practice, the following may occur:

• bruising or redness of the skin;
• temporary pain or tenderness;
• marks at the application area;
• dizziness or weakness;
• bleeding;
• skin infection.

The risk of infection may increase when the practice is performed in non-sterile conditions. Therefore, it is important that it is performed in reliable and hygienic conditions.

If high fever, increasing pain, marked swelling, purulent discharge or rapidly spreading redness at the application area occurs after the procedure, a healthcare facility should be consulted.

What Should Be Considered Before Cupping?

Before cupping, it is important to give accurate information about health status to the health professional who will perform the practice.

In particular, information about the following should be shared:

• medicines in use;
• blood-thinning treatments;
• chronic diseases;
• bleeding or clotting problems;
• anaemia;
• allergies;
• pregnancy status.

There may be different recommendations about whether cupping is performed on an empty or full stomach. It is therefore more appropriate to obtain professional advice according to one's own health status.

On Which Days Is Cupping Performed?

There are traditional beliefs that cupping is more effective on certain days. In particular, certain days of the Hijri calendar may be preferred for cupping.

However, there is not sufficient scientific evidence that a particular day makes cupping more effective or medically safer than other days.

Therefore, when choosing the timing, the person's health status, needs and the health professional's assessment should be considered alongside traditional beliefs.

What Should Be Considered After Cupping?

It is important to keep the treated area clean after the practice.

In addition:

• the application area should not be touched unnecessarily;
• attention should be paid to the hygiene of the area;
• excessive bleeding or marked pain after the practice should be monitored;
• adequate fluid intake should be maintained;
• unless a physician gives different advice, daily activities should be arranged according to how the person feels.

If an unusual symptom occurs after the procedure, a health professional should be consulted.

What Is the Difference Between Cupping and Modern Medical Treatment?

Cupping is a traditional and complementary practice. Modern medical treatments encompass evidence-based methods for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of diseases.

For this reason, cupping should not be used instead of medicines prescribed by a doctor, surgery, physiotherapy or other medical practices.

For people with serious or chronic disease, stopping existing treatment because of cupping may pose a health risk.

Why Is It Important to Consult a Doctor Before Cupping?

If you are considering cupping, it is important to first have your general health assessed.

Obtaining a doctor's opinion before the practice is a safe approach, particularly if you use regular medication, have bleeding or clotting problems, experience anaemia or have a chronic disease.

A physician's assessment can give you more accurate information about whether cupping is suitable for you and, if applicable, how it should be considered together with your current treatments.

Get Expert Support for Your Health with Happ Health

With our approach of “Health Everywhere, for Everyone, Always,” we believe it is important to assess personal health status before starting any health-related practice.

If you are considering cupping, wondering whether complementary practices are suitable for an existing health concern or need expert advice about medicines you use regularly, you can use Happ Health's Online Doctor service.

Through Happ Health, you can reach doctors, share your current complaints and health history, and obtain expert advice about whether complementary practices such as cupping are suitable for you. If necessary, you may be referred for an in-person examination or to another specialty.

Professional assessment before cupping is especially important in situations such as blood-thinning medication use, bleeding disorders, anaemia, chronic diseases or active infection.