Cupping therapy is a technique used to relieve muscle tension and pain. But does it actually work, and is it safe?
This therapy uses suction cups placed on the skin to improve circulation and reduce discomfort. While it’s popular among athletes, it’s important to understand the benefits, risks and what to expect before trying it.
Are you considering cupping? Here we dive into what it is, how cupping works and the pros and cons of this therapy.
What is cupping therapy?
While the therapy has grown in popularity in the last decade, cupping isn’t a new-age technique. Its roots – and rings – run deep for thousands of years.
“Cupping therapy, also known as myofascial decompression, can be traced back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures,” said John E. Ebinger, PT, a board-certified sports medicine specialist at Banner Physical Therapy in Phoenix, AZ. “It’s been described as one of the oldest treatment interventions, and its history dates back to 1500 B.C.”
In ancient Chinese medicine, people used it for lung conditions, fever and other ailments. Today, practitioners like physical therapists use it for pain relief and musculoskeletal injuries like strains, sprains and back injuries.
The theory of Eastern medicine is where there is stagnation, there is pain,” Ebinger said. “Remove the stagnation, and you remove the pain. This is what cupping seeks to address.”
Does cupping therapy work?
Cupping may help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, but research on its effectiveness is limited.
“There are several purported benefits of cupping, yet there is very little high-quality clinical research to support these claims,” Ebinger said.
How does cupping therapy work?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), cupping involves placing cups (made of glass, plastic, bamboo or ceramic) on the skin to create suction. Cups can be applied to the skin on the back, shoulders, stomach, legs or any muscle group where it’s easy to attach the cups.
“This suction creates a negative pressure environment allowing for myofascial decompression as the skin is drawn into the cups,” Ebinger said. “While massage therapy uses direct pressure to release tension, cupping uses negative pressure to lift the muscle fibers and increase blood flow to the area.”
There are two types of cupping methods, including wet and dry. And two cupping techniques, stagnant and dynamic.
“Dry cupping uses a pumping method to draw the skin tissue inside the cup,” Ebinger said. “The subcutaneous tissue (the bottom layer of your skin) is pulled into the cups and held in place for a small amount of time—anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes.”
With dry cupping, the cups can slide across the skin or remain in place, known as dynamic and stagnant cupping respectively.
Wet cupping, on the other hand, goes a step further. After creating a mild suction, a practitioner removes the cup and uses a small scalpel to make a tiny cut on that area of the skin. Then they use a second suction to draw blood (a small amount).
Is cupping therapy safe?
If performed by a licensed practitioner, cupping shouldn’t be painful. It may cause temporary bruising (known as ecchymosis), swelling or soreness, depending on the person or amount of cupping treatment done. The spots left behind typically fade after several days or a week.
Some people have reported side effects, including feeling lightheaded or dizzy and experiencing flu-like symptoms, like nausea and body aches.
What are the benefits and risks of cupping therapy?
Cupping may help reduce muscle tension and pain, but results can vary from person to person.
Potential benefits
- Reduced muscle tightness
- Temporary pain relief
- Improved blood flow
- Increased range of motion
Possible risks and side effects
- Bruising or skin discoloration (common and temporary)
- Skin irritation or soreness
- Worsening of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Small risk of infection, especially with wet cupping
Is cupping therapy right for you?
Even if considered safe, cupping isn’t for everyone. It is not recommended for people with liver, kidney or heart failure or those with a pacemaker. As well, it can’t be used if you have hemophilia, anemia or similar blood disorders, heart disease or are on blood thinners.
“If pregnant, it has been advised to avoid cupping to the abdomen and lower back,” Ebinger said.
If there is suspicion of an infection or an open wound, cupping shouldn’t be performed.
If you’re considering cupping as part of a treatment plan, you can learn more about cupping therapy and how it’s used in physical therapy.
Frequently asked questions about cupping therapy
What does cupping therapy do?
It uses suction to increase blood flow and relieve muscle tension.
Does cupping therapy really work?
It may help with pain, but scientific evidence is limited.
Is cupping therapy safe?
Generally yes when performed by a trained professional.
Why does cupping leave marks?
The suction causes temporary bruising that usually fades within a week.
Takeaway
Cupping therapy may help relieve muscle tension and pain, but evidence is limited. If you’re considering it, talk to a Banner Health provider to determine if it’s a safe and appropriate option for you.
Related articles:
- Osteopathic Manipulation Could Improve Your Health
- If Your Joints Ache, Can Glucosamine Help?
- 5 At-Home Tools to Relieve Muscle Soreness
- 9 Tips for Safe Pain Management
Content in this article was updated on 4/17/26.
