Cupping Therapy Research
Cupping is used in Chinese medicine to promote the flow of good energy in the body and for the treatment of some diseases. The cups are often placed on the same energy collection points used in acupuncture, and there are indications that it shares or surpasses its effectiveness. Many people find this therapy relaxing and experience positive results.
Comparison of Cupping & Acupuncture
A review of studies comparing the effectiveness of cupping and acupuncture concluded that they had similar benefits. It also advocated for further research with more rigorous studies. Zhang, YJ. "Cupping therapy versus acupuncture for pain-related conditions: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and trial sequential analysis.", Chin Med. Jul 24. 2017. eCollection 201 Insomnia This study looked at college students with insomnia. Half of the students received a combined cupping/acupuncture treatment, while the other half, the control group, simply tracked their sleep. After one month, the study concluded that the students receiving treatment showed improvement over the control group. Zhang, YF. "Acupuncture plus cupping for treating insomnia in college students." J Tradit Chin Med. 2010 Sep;30(3):185-9. |
Chronic Pain
A review of 75 controlled trials investigated various traditional Chinese medicine therapies on people dealing with mostly chronic neck and low back pain. Their analysis ranked cupping and acupuncture as more effective than other treatments and further research studies were recommended. Yuan, QL. "Traditional Chinese medicine for neck pain and low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis." PLoS One. 2015 Feb 24;10(2), eCollection 2015. |