CURRENT APPROACHES IN CUPPING THERAPY

Abstract

Cupping therapy is a traditional treatment method with deep historical roots in Ancient Egyptian Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Islamic medicine. Its techniques include dry, wet, and moving cupping. Its proposed mechanism of action involves creating negative pressure and enhancing blood flow, thereby reducing inflammation, triggering endogenous pain modulation, and supporting immune functions. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it regulates the flow of energy, while in Islamic medicine, it is suggested to facilitate the removal of toxins. Recent studies have demonstrated that cupping therapy is effective in managing musculoskeletal pain, rheumatic conditions, sports rehabilitation, and circulatory health. It has been reported to alleviate pain and improve quality of life in conditions such as chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, knee osteoarthritis, and plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, beneficial effects in neurological and psychological disorders such as migraine and depression have been documented, showing an improvement in symptoms, reduced stress, and better anxiety management. In the context of sports injuries and post-exercise muscle pain, cupping therapy accelerates recovery and increases endurance. Additionally, it has been reported to help control symptoms in asthma and enhance patient satisfaction. In abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome, cupping therapy reduces waist circumference and triglyceride levels, yielding results comparable to acupuncture. In conclusion, cupping therapy stands out as a complementary method in various healthcare fields. However, methodological limitations in current research necessitate further studies to verify its efficacy and safety. Standardized protocols and objective measurements will bolster the scientific evidence supporting this treatment.