The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action

Cupping therapy, an ancient technique, has been gaining increasing attention in modern medicine. This therapy uses specialized cups applied to the skin to create negative pressure, promoting several therapeutic effects in the body. Despite its long history of use and growing popularity, the mechanisms through which cupping produces its beneficial effects were not yet completely understood by the scientific community.

Al-Bedah and colleagues conducted a comprehensive review of the scientific literature with the aim of identifying and explaining the possible mechanisms of action of cupping therapy from the perspective of modern medicine. The study was conducted through a systematic search of major scientific databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Researchers used specific keywords related to cupping and its mechanisms of action, initially identifying 223 articles. After rigorous selection and analysis by two independent reviewers, 64 relevant studies were included in the final review.

This methodology ensured that only quality research directly related to the topic was considered.

The results revealed that cupping produces a wide range of effects on the human body. Among the main benefits identified are pain reduction, improved blood circulation, muscle relaxation, modulation of the immune system, and removal of toxins from the body. The therapy demonstrated efficacy in treating various medical conditions, including muscular pain, skin conditions such as acne and herpes zoster, arterial hypertension, fibromyalgia, headaches and migraines, as well as respiratory conditions. Researchers identified six main theories that explain how cupping works: the Gate Control Theory of Pain, Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls, the Reflex Zone Theory, the Nitric Oxide Theory, Immune System Activation, and the Blood Detoxification Theory.

Each of these theories explains different aspects of the observed therapeutic effects.

For patients and healthcare providers, these findings represent a significant advance in the scientific understanding of cupping. The identification of these mechanisms provides a rational basis for the use of the therapy, helping to demystify a practice that was often viewed merely as traditional or placebo. For patients, this means greater confidence in treatment, knowing that there is a scientific foundation for the observed benefits. Healthcare providers can now integrate cupping into their practice with a better understanding of how and when to use it, making more precise indications based on the specific mechanisms required for each condition.

The research also suggests that cupping may be particularly useful as a complementary therapy, working in conjunction with conventional treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study. The researchers emphasized that no single theory can completely explain all the effects of cupping, suggesting that multiple mechanisms work in an interconnected manner. In addition, determining which specific aspect of the cupping procedure is responsible for each observed effect still represents a challenge. The complexity of the biological mechanisms involved makes a fully detailed description of how each process works difficult.

The authors also noted that, although they focused on theories from modern medicine, there are other traditional perspectives that warrant future investigation. It is essential that new randomized controlled clinical trials be conducted to validate these theories and develop standardized treatment protocols. The research represents an important step toward establishing cupping as an evidence-based therapy, but much work remains to fully understand all aspects of this ancient healing practice and optimize its use in contemporary medicine.