Cupping Therapy: What Is It, How It Works, Its Potential Benefits, And What To Keep In Mind

You’ve probably seen those round, bruise-like marks on the backs of athletes or wellness influencers and wondered what they’re about. That’s cupping therapy—a practice that’s been around for centuries and is now making a big comeback. From sports recovery to stress relief, people swear by its benefits. But what exactly is it, and does it really work?

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of healing that utilises suction to enhance blood flow, relax muscles, and facilitate healing. Small cups, either glass, silicone, bamboo, or plastic, are used to apply the skin suction effect. The suction, using gentle pressure, pulls the skin up, enhancing circulation to the localised region.

There are two main types:

• Dry cupping, where suction alone is used.
• Wet cupping, which involves light skin incisions before suction, intentionally draws out small amounts of blood.

Also Read: Facial Cupping: This Ancient Treatment Offers Amazing Skin Benefits

What Happens During a Cupping Session?

• Placement: Cups are placed on the back, shoulders, or legs.
• Suction: Either through heat (traditional) or modern suction devices, a vacuum is formed.
• Duration: Cups typically stay in place for up to 15 minutes.
• After-effects: Expect circular marks resembling bruises, which fade in about 1–10 days. Mild soreness may follow.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Physical Relief and Improved Circulation

Cupping can ease muscle tension and pain by relaxing tight tissue and increasing blood flow to the affected site, reducing inflammation and facilitating healing. Athletes tend to opt for cupping to accelerate recovery, manage fatigue, and increase flexibility.

Pain Management

Preliminary research indicates cupping may decrease the occurrence and severity of conditions such as migraines, chronic back pain, and arthritis. However, researchers indicate evidence is still limited and inconclusive.

Detox and Lymphatic Support

The suction has been proven to induce lymphatic drainage and potentially drain metabolic by-products and toxins, although theory is greater than extensive clinical evidence.

Cupping tends to induce a profoundly relaxing feeling, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. Users describe intense relaxation, sometimes even sleep—during treatment. Traditional practitioners also believe that cupping causes mild, specific immune stimulation by controlled micro-inflammation.

Also Read: Struggling With A Sports Injury? 4 Kinds Of Therapy To Help You Recover Faster

What To Watch Out For

While generally low-risk, cupping isn’t entirely benign. Common side effects include:

• Bruising or marks
• Skin irritation or, in rare cases, infection or scarring
• Fatigue, headaches, or nausea in sensitive individuals

A cautionary example: a teenage boy developed a severe heart infection—endocarditis, after an unsanitised groin cupping treatment. And, a randomized controlled trial showed that adding cupping to usual care was no more effective than standard care alone for chronic low back pain, according to 2025 study.

Other experts remain skeptical, citing limited high-quality evidence and warning against its use in place of conventional care.

Bottomline

Cupping is a centuries-old practice with modern-day enthusiasts and some promising benefits for pain and relaxation. It's something to use as a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical care. Safety first, so take care that treatments are administered under clean, certified conditions. If you're interested, discuss it with a qualified health practitioner and weigh the potential benefits against the risks, especially if you have a pre-existing health issue or impaired skin.