Chronicles
21 June 2024
CUPPING THERAPY: WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS
An analysis of multiple studies reveals that cupping therapy has significant effects on a wide range of conditions, whether localized or more general. According to the conclusions of these studies, the benefits of cupping therapy include improved cutaneous blood flow, changes in the biomechanical properties of the skin, increased pain thresholds, enhanced local anaerobic metabolism, reduced inflammation, and modulation of the cellular immune system.
However, the overall mechanism of action of cupping therapy remains largely to be determined. Researchers suggest that cupping might alleviate certain symptoms by promoting blood circulation near the skin and improving overall immunity.
Local Anti-Inflammatory Effect Through Blood Flow
A 2017 study demonstrates that the mechanical suction effect of cupping increases blood flow in the suctioned area, leading to tissue stretching. This influx of blood can influence the activation of an enzyme system called "heme oxygenase-1," known for its role in preventing vascular inflammation, thus providing a plausible explanation for the local benefits of cupping.
Diverse Mechanisms Explored
A 2019 scientific review highlights that there is no single theory to explain all the effects of cupping. Nonetheless, several avenues are being explored by researchers, such as the alteration of pain signal processing through a counter-irritation phenomenon, stimulation of blood circulation due to nitric oxide release, immune system stimulation by mechanical local inflammation, improvement of lymphatic circulation, reduction of uric acid, lowering of cholesterol, and alteration of the molecular structure of hemoglobin. However, these hypotheses require further studies to be confirmed.
Cupping for Back and Neck Pain Relief
A meta-analysis examined the evidence regarding the effects of cupping therapy on chronic back pain in adults, concluding a significant reduction in pain among the patients followed. Similarly, another study evaluated the effectiveness of dry cupping in treating musculoskeletal pain and reducing the range of motion, suggesting that it is effective for relieving chronic neck pain and non-specific lower back pain. However, more in-depth studies are necessary to confirm these conclusions due to the moderate quality of the available evidence.
Can Cupping Eliminate Toxins?
According to the cited studies, cupping can help eliminate toxins in several ways:
It acts on uric acid by promoting its elimination, which is crucial to prevent the accumulation of this acid in the blood and to prevent conditions such as gout.
It influences the lymphatic system, which plays a key role in the body's immune defense by removing excess fluids and unwanted substances from connective tissues, thereby contributing to overall health. Problems with lymphatic circulation can lead to symptoms such as swelling and fatigue, emphasizing the importance of its proper functioning.
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1- Cupping Therapy: An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2005290117302042
2- Cupping therapy: An analysis of the effects of suction on skin and the possible influence on human health. Duane T.Lowe. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388117304024
3- Abdullah M.N. Al-Bedah, Ibrahim S. Elsubai, Naseem Akhtar Qureshi, Tamer Shaban Aboushanab, Gazzaffi I.M. Ali, Ahmed Tawfik El-Olemy, Asim A.H. Khalil, Mohamed K.M. Khalil, Meshari Saleh Alqaed. The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action,
Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411018300191
4- Moura CC, Chaves ÉCL, Cardoso ACLR, Nogueira DA, Corrêa HP, Chianca TCM. Cupping therapy and chronic back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2018 Nov 14;26:e3094. doi: 10.1590/1518-8345.2888.3094. PMID: 30462793; PMCID: PMC6248735. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30462793/
5- Wood S, Fryer G, Tan LLF, Cleary C. Dry cupping for musculoskeletal pain and range of motion: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2020 Oct;24(4):503-518. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.06.024. Epub 2020 Jul 30. PMID: 33218554. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33218554/