Cupping Therapy: What It Is and What the Evidence Shows
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Cupping Therapy?
A primary care doctor can talk with you about cupping, a practice used in traditional medicine. If you are considering a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, ask about training and experience. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Cupping is a practice used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world, including China and the Middle East. It involves creating suction on the skin using a glass, ceramic, bamboo, or plastic cup.
In wet cupping, the skin is pierced, and blood flows into the cup. Dry cupping does not involve piercing the skin.
What people use it for
Cupping may help reduce pain, but the evidence for this is not very strong. There has been some research on cupping, but most of it is of low quality. There is not enough high-quality research to say whether cupping helps with other conditions.
How to prepare
These steps may help you get ready.
- Tell all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use.
- If you are considering a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, ask about training and experience.
- Sharing cupping equipment between people without sterilization can spread bloodborne diseases.
- Cupping may worsen eczema or psoriasis.
What happens during it
The cup is placed on the skin, and suction is created inside it. This suction is also called negative pressure. One way is to apply a flame to the cup to remove oxygen before placing the cup on the skin. Another way is to attach a suction device to the cup after it is placed on the skin.
Recovery
Cupping leaves temporary marks on the skin. Tell your health care providers where the marks came from. Then they will not mistake the marks for signs of physical abuse. Cupping can also cause side effects such as persistent skin discoloration, scars, burns, and infections.
What the research shows and safety concerns
Most of the research on cupping is of low quality. Cupping may help reduce pain, but the evidence is not very strong.
Cupping may worsen eczema or psoriasis. Rare cases of severe side effects have been reported. One is bleeding inside the skull after cupping on the scalp. Another is anemia from blood loss after repeated wet cupping.
Cupping equipment can get blood on it in both wet and dry cupping. Using the same equipment on more than one person, without sterilization between patients, can spread bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B and C.
If you are considering traditional Chinese medicine, discuss it with your health care providers. Do not use it to replace or delay seeking conventional care.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Who performs it
Cupping is a practice used in traditional medicine. Sharing equipment between people without sterilization can spread bloodborne diseases.
Common questions
Does cupping work for pain?
It may help reduce pain, but the evidence is not very strong. Most of the research on cupping is of low quality. There is not enough high-quality research to say whether it helps with other conditions.
Is cupping safe?
Cupping can cause side effects. These include persistent skin discoloration, scars, burns, and infections. Rare cases of bleeding inside the skull after scalp cupping have been reported. So have rare cases of anemia after repeated wet cupping.
Should I tell my doctor about cupping marks?
Yes, you should explain the marks to your health care providers. That way they will not mistake the marks for signs of physical abuse.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can be a health care provider you tell about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use. This helps give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health.
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Cupping
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health - Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
