Cupping Therapy
What cupping is, what it feels like, why it leaves marks, what reviews show for pain, and the burn, scar, infection and bloodborne-disease risks.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
What it is
Cupping is a practice used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world, including China and the Middle East. It creates suction on the skin using a glass, ceramic, bamboo or plastic cup. The suction comes either from applying a flame to the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin, or from attaching a suction device. [1]- Dry cupping does not pierce the skin.
- Wet cupping pierces the skin so that blood flows into the cup. [1]
What a session involves
Cups are placed on the skin and suction holds them in place. Cupping leaves temporary marks, which are round and discolored; NCCIH advises explaining their origin to health care providers so they are not mistaken for signs of physical abuse. [1] If you have recent marks, mention cupping when you see another clinician.How it is explained
We did not find a verified source in this review explaining the traditional rationale in detail, so this page does not offer one. Proposed mechanisms are unproven.What research shows
NCCIH's bottom line is that research on cupping is mostly of low quality; it may help reduce pain, but the evidence is not very strong, and there is not enough high-quality research to reach conclusions about other conditions. [1]| Question | What the source found | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic musculoskeletal pain, 2025 meta-analysis | Cupping reduced pain intensity (moderate-quality evidence, with very high variation between studies); it did not improve disability or mental health [2] | Promising but limited |
| Low back pain, 2024 meta-analysis (11 trials, 921 people) | Pain improved at 2 to 8 weeks, but no continued improvement at one month or 3 to 6 months; dry cupping alone did not improve pain, wet cupping did [3] | Mixed |
| Musculoskeletal and sports conditions | Evidence for low back or neck pain was low to moderate and very low to low for other conditions; the incidence of adverse events was very low [4] | Limited |
| Myofascial pain (dry cupping) | Only two dry cupping studies; evidence not greater than placebo [5] | Insufficient evidence |
Cupping cannot be blinded well, so expectation can influence pain ratings. Different reviews also count and pool trials differently, which is why results vary.
Safety
- Cupping can cause persistent skin discoloration, scars, burns and infections, and may worsen eczema or psoriasis. [1]
- Rare serious problems include bleeding inside the skull after cupping on the scalp, and anemia after repeated wet cupping. [1]
- Equipment used on more than one person without sterilization can spread bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B and C. [1]
- Ask whether cups are single-use or sterilized, and whether the practitioner uses a flame near your skin or hair.
More detail: Moxibustion and Cupping Risks.
Who should take extra care
Cupping may worsen eczema or psoriasis, so check with a clinician first. [1] Talk to your provider first if you are pregnant, take blood thinners or have a bleeding or skin condition. We did not find a source in this review describing cupping safety for those groups, so we make no claim beyond asking first. Do not use cupping instead of assessment for new, severe or worsening pain. NCCIH advises telling your providers about any complementary approach you use. [6]Qualifications
Rules vary by country and state: see TCM Qualifications, Licensing and Medical Care. Related: Tui Na, Massage Safety.Frequently asked questions
Does cupping work for pain?
It may reduce pain, but NCCIH says the evidence is not very strong, and most research is low quality. [1] A 2025 meta-analysis found reduced pain intensity but no better function. [2]
Why does cupping leave marks?
They are temporary marks from the suction on the skin. [1] We did not find a source on the physiology of the marks beyond this.
Are cupping marks a sign of abuse?
No, but they can be mistaken for it, so explain them to health care providers. [1]
Is cupping safe?
It can cause burns, scars, infection and skin discoloration, and shared equipment can spread hepatitis B and C. [1]
Is wet cupping better than dry cupping?
In one low back pain meta-analysis wet cupping reduced pain and dry cupping alone did not, but wet cupping also carries blood-related risks. [3][1]
References
- NCCIH (US). Cupping. Last updated November 2018. Read 2026-10-22.
- Effects of cupping therapy on chronic musculoskeletal pain and collateral problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2025. PubMed 40441767. Read 2026-10-22.
- The effectiveness of cupping therapy on low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2024. PubMed 38184285. Read 2026-10-22.
- Evidence-based and adverse-effects analyses of cupping therapy in musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 2023. PubMed 35848010. Read 2026-10-22.
- A systematic review of manual therapy techniques, dry cupping and dry needling in the reduction of myofascial pain and myofascial trigger points. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 2019. PubMed 31563367. Read 2026-10-22.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH, US). Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know. Last updated April 2019. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.