What is cupping therapy?

The first thing we need to know is that the cupping therapy technique belongs to traditional Chinese medicine, so it has been used for thousands of years. The basic principle is the application of a suction cup on the skin, which will cause a vacuum effect , in order to improve the local vascularization of the area, thus allowing a greater flow of oxygen and nutrients and a greater removal of catabolites and waste substances.

The vacuum effect was originally created by introducing burning cotton, which caused the combustion of oxygen inside the suction cup and its subsequent vacuum effect. Currently, suction cups consist of a one-way valve system, with a lever that, when activated, causes the vacuum effect, thus avoiding the possible risk of burning the cotton.

What does history tell us about this technique?

As we have mentioned before, it is a technique whose use dates back thousands of years. There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, etc., already used this technique as a therapeutic tool and that lunar cycles were even taken into account when applying it to enhance these therapeutic effects.

How are cupping therapy applied?

The suction cup is applied directly to the patient’s skin. Originally, it was used along the entire spine, in an even number ranging from 6 to 10 suction cups.

Once placed on both sides of the spine, along the paravertebral muscles, they are left for approximately ten to fifteen minutes, during which time the purplish effect (local hyperemia) occurs on the skin. After this time, the suction cups are removed.

However, there are other types of applications. Such is the case of myofascial release massage with suction cup. To do this, the suction cup is applied to the skin, and a sliding movement is induced on it, performing a friction massage and releasing the myofascial tissue.

Therapeutic effects attributed to cupping therapy

The first and most important effect is that it is associated with an analgesic action ( pain reduction). This is achieved by improving local blood flow, thus producing the arrival of nutrients, oxygen, and the removal of waste products. The body will be cleansed and detoxified as a result of all this. In addition, it produces a myofascial release, improving intertissue sliding (between the different tissues of the body).

Does it have any side effects?

As with any technique, poor application can lead to complications. This is why it is necessary for it to be performed by a highly qualified professional.

Possible side effects include:

• The main side effect is a local rash that lasts approximately one week (without clinical complications).
• If applied for a longer period of time, it can cause blisters and skin damage.
• If the vacuum is applied using cotton, there is a possible risk of burns if the procedure is performed incorrectly.

What does science say about this technique?

Currently, traditional Chinese medicine, and in this case cupping therapy in particular, is considered pseudoscience, not supported by the scientific community. To verify this, we have carried out a bibliographic search in the main databases in medicine and physiotherapy (Pubmed, Medline, PEDro…).

Conclusions

As a technique, cupping therapy has been used for many years to reduce pain in musculoskeletal and other pathologies.

As with any therapy, poor application of the same can lead to side effects and adverse reactions, so it requires application by a qualified professional, who knows how to make a good differential diagnosis. The following article shows the importance of a good physiotherapy diagnosis importance of diagnosis in physiotherapy

The problem, as happened in previous years with neuromuscular taping or kinesiotape, is that when it becomes fashionable for its application in elite sports, it can cause confusion if not done judiciously.

As we always maintain, the physiotherapist is the appropriate professional for the assessment and treatment of pathologies that concern the musculoskeletal system, since he or she has the appropriate tools for diagnosis, evaluation and application of the specific treatment for each case.

There is promising evidence in favour of using wet cupping for musculoskeletal pain, specifically NSLBP, neck pain, CTS, and brachialgia. Better quality trials are needed to generate robust evidence and inform policy makers firmly.

We found that there are some studies that support the effect of cupping in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain.