Bridging Traditional Chinese Medicine with Modern Biomedical Insights

Cupping therapy, a technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, has gained widespread attention in recent years—especially among athletes, celebrities, and those seeking natural pain relief. But while the dark circular marks left on the skin might be familiar, few understand the mechanisms behind this ancient healing art. In this article, we’ll explore both the TCM theory and modern scientific explanations of how cupping works and what it can do for your health.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping (拔罐, bá guàn) involves placing cups on the skin to create a vacuum. This suction pulls the skin and underlying tissues upward, stimulating circulation, releasing stagnation, and encouraging the body’s natural healing processes.

There are several types of cupping:

  • Fire Cupping: Traditional method using a flame to create suction inside a glass cup.

  • Vacuum Cupping: Uses a mechanical pump instead of fire.

  • Wet Cupping (Hijama): Involves small incisions to draw out a small amount of blood (less common in TCM, more common in Middle Eastern traditions).

  • Moving Cupping: Cups are moved across lubricated skin to cover larger areas and increase circulation.

Cupping in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM, cupping is primarily used to:

  • Move Qi and Blood: Stagnation of Qi (energy) and Blood is believed to cause pain and disease. Cupping helps restore free flow in the channels (经络).

  • Expel Wind, Cold, and Dampness: Cupping draws out external pathogenic factors that lodge in the body and cause symptoms like stiffness, chills, or joint pain.

  • Clear Heat and Toxins: Especially in skin conditions or inflammation.

  • Strengthen the immune system: By stimulating the defensive Qi (Wei Qi) and activating the body’s natural responses.

Cupping is often used to treat:

  • Muscle tension and back pain

  • Cough, asthma, and bronchial congestion

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Common colds and fevers

  • Fatigue and lack of energy

What Does Modern Science Say?

While TCM uses energetic language (Qi, meridians, etc.), modern science is beginning to uncover measurable physiological effects of cupping therapy. Here’s what research has found:

1. Increases Local Blood Flow

The suction effect of cupping causes capillaries to dilate, increasing blood circulation to the affected area. This brings oxygen and nutrients to tissues and helps remove metabolic waste.

2. Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Some studies show cupping can reduce markers of inflammation (like cytokines) and oxidative stress in the body, which are associated with chronic pain and fatigue.

3. Activates the Immune System

Cupping may stimulate a mild inflammatory response that activates the body’s immune system—similar to how exercise or acupuncture works. This helps the body heal itself more efficiently.

4. Releases Fascial and Muscle Tension

Cupping lifts the skin and fascia, potentially releasing adhesions between layers of muscle and connective tissue. This explains the deep sense of relief many people feel after treatment.

5. Triggers the Nervous System

The mild irritation from cupping may stimulate sensory nerves, affecting the pain pathways and increasing the release of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers.

Are the Bruises Harmful?

The circular marks left behind are not bruises in the traditional sense. They’re the result of capillary rupture under suction, not blunt trauma. In TCM, the color of the mark is even diagnostic:

  • Light pink: Mild stagnation

  • Dark purple or black: Severe stagnation of Qi and Blood

  • Yellow-green: Older or damp-type stagnation

These marks usually fade within 3–7 days.

Scientific Evidence: Is It Effective?

While more large-scale studies are needed, clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown cupping may be helpful in conditions such as:

  • Chronic neck and back pain

  • Knee osteoarthritis

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Migraines and tension headaches

  • Respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis

The World Health Organization (WHO) and NIH have recognized cupping as a complementary therapy with potential benefits when performed safely by trained professionals.

Is Cupping Safe?

When done by a qualified TCM practitioner, cupping is generally safe. However, it should be avoided in:

  • People with bleeding disorders or who are on blood thinners

  • Areas with open wounds, infections, or broken skin

  • During pregnancy (on certain abdominal or lower back areas)

  • Individuals with very thin or fragile skin

Final Thoughts

Cupping therapy is a powerful healing tool that combines ancient wisdom with emerging science. While its roots lie deep in TCM’s energetic understanding of health and disease, modern research is beginning to validate its physiological effects.

Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, boosting your immune system, or just restoring energetic balance, cupping therapy offers a safe, non-invasive path to better health—when guided by a trained practitioner.

Ready to experience cupping for yourself?
Consult with a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to see if it’s right for your condition and constitution.