Cupping Therapy: What Is It & Can It Help? What does the research say?

by Carien Boshoff

You may have seen the circular marks left after cupping therapy or heard claims that cupping can “remove toxins” from the body. While cupping has become increasingly popular, it is important to understand what it involves and what the current evidence suggests.

Cupping is a manual therapy technique that may provide short term relief from pain, muscle soreness or feelings of tightness for some people. Research into cupping is still developing, and results can vary between individuals.

Cupping is generally best considered as one part of a broader management plan that may also include exercise, education and strategies to help you stay active.

What is cupping?

Cupping involves placing specially designed cups on the skin and creating suction. Depending on the technique used, the cups may remain in one position for a short period or be moved across the skin.

Some people report temporary improvements in:

• Muscle soreness or feelings of tightness

• Neck or back discomfort

• Post exercise muscle soreness

• General comfort with movement

Some research suggests cupping may influence pain perception and local circulation. However, the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, and more high quality research is needed.

Does cupping remove toxins?

There is currently no good scientific evidence that cupping removes toxins or “cleanses” the body. Your body already has systems, including the liver and kidneys, that process and remove many waste products.

If someone experiences relief following cupping, it is more likely to relate to temporary changes in pain perception, local tissue responses or other effects associated with manual therapy rather than toxins being removed.

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Why does cupping leave marks?

Cupping can leave temporary circular red, purple or darker marks on the skin due to the suction applied to the area. These marks do not indicate that toxins have been released.

The marks usually fade over several days, although they can sometimes remain visible for longer depending on the person and the intensity of the treatment.

Is cupping safe?

Cupping is generally considered a low risk technique when appropriately performed, but like any treatment, it can have side effects.

Common temporary effects may include:

• Circular skin marks or discolouration

• Mild tenderness or soreness

• Temporary skin irritation or sensitivity

Cupping may not be appropriate for everyone or for every area of the body. Your osteopath will consider your medical history, symptoms, skin condition and other relevant factors before deciding whether cupping is suitable for you.

If you have concerns about how your skin has reacted following treatment, speak with your healthcare professional.

How might cupping be used in osteopathic care?

Osteopathic care involves assessing your symptoms, movement and other factors that may be contributing to your presentation.

Where clinically appropriate and with your consent, cupping may be included as one part of your treatment plan alongside strategies such as:

• Manual hands-on therapy and osteopathic techniques

• Individualised exercise and rehabilitation

• Movement and activity advice

• Education and self management strategies

The treatment approach recommended will depend on your individual presentation, goals and preferences.

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Take home message

Cupping may provide short term relief from pain, soreness or feelings of muscle tightness for some people, but the evidence is still developing and it will not be appropriate or effective for everyone.

Cupping does not remove toxins and should not be considered a cure.

When used, it is best viewed as one possible part of a broader management approach that may include manual hands-on therapy and osteopathic techniques, exercise, education, appropriate activity and self management. 

References

Cramer, H., Lauche, R., Haller, H., & Dobos, G. (2018). Cupping for patients with chronic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 13(5).

Lauche, R., Cramer, H., Haller, H., Musial, F., Langhorst, J., & Dobos, G. (2012). The influence of a series of five dry cupping treatments on pain and mechanical thresholds in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain: A randomised controlled pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012.

World Health Organization. (2025). Musculoskeletal health.