Traditional & natural medicine

Cupping

ครอบแก้ว

An ancient technique in which cups create suction on the skin, mainly used by people looking for relief from muscle pain and tension.

IntensityModerate

Origin

China and West Asia / the Middle East

History

Practised for thousands of years in several traditional medicines

A session

Cups usually stay in place for several minutes

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

Cupping is an old practice found in the traditional medicine of several regions, including China and West Asia (the Middle East), where people have used it for thousands of years. Cups were traditionally made of bamboo, glass or ceramic; today plastic cups with a suction device are also used.

In Chinese medicine it is known as baguan. Since 1950 it has been used as a formal treatment in hospitals across China. Two main forms exist: dry cupping, which uses suction only, and wet cupping, in which the skin is lightly pierced so that a little blood is drawn into the cup.

The principle

In traditional East Asian medicine, the marks left by cupping are created on purpose and are considered part of the treatment. The suction lifts the skin and underlying tissue into the cup, which breaks tiny blood vessels and leaves round red or purple marks.

How cupping might ease pain has not been established by research. The marks are a sign of blood leaking under the skin, not of 'toxins' leaving the body.

What people come for

Easing muscle aches in the back, neck or shoulders
A feeling of release after sport or long hours at a desk
Relaxation as part of a Chinese medicine or massage session
A complement to other care for long-standing muscle pain

How it works on the body

Suction draws the skin and muscle upward into the cups, usually on fleshy areas of the body.

A session, step by step

01
Health check
The practitioner asks about your health, medicines and skin conditions to make sure cupping is suitable.
02
Preparing the skin
You lie down and the area is cleaned; oil is applied if gliding cupping is planned.
03
Creating suction
Air is removed from each cup with a brief flame inside it or with a pump, and the cup is placed on the skin. Usually three to five cups are used, sometimes up to seven.
04
Leaving the cups
The cups stay in place for several minutes, or are moved gently over the muscles. You feel a pulling, tight sensation.
05
Removing the cups
The practitioner releases the seal and lifts the cups off. Round red or purple marks are normal and usually fade within one to two weeks.

Precautions

Avoid cupping if you are pregnant.
Avoid it, or ask your doctor first, if you have a bleeding or clotting disorder, take blood thinners, have low red blood cell counts, a pacemaker, heart or blood vessel disease, or epilepsy.
Do not use it on areas with eczema or psoriasis, which it may worsen; burns, scars, lasting skin discoloration and infections have been reported.
Wet cupping involves blood: equipment that is not sterilised between clients can spread hepatitis B and C. Choose single-use or properly sterilised cups.
Tell any doctor who sees the marks that they come from cupping, so they are not mistaken for injury or abuse.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

In Thailand, when cupping is given as part of Chinese medicine treatment, it falls within the practice of Chinese medicine, a licensed healing art under the Practice of the Art of Healing Act (No. 4) B.E. 2556 (2013): Chinese medicine doctors must pass an exam and hold a licence. We could not find a Thai rule specific to cupping offered outside a medical setting, for example in spas. For wet cupping in particular, choose a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner and ask to see their licence.

Frequently asked questions

Does cupping hurt?

Most people feel a strong pulling or tight sensation rather than pain. Tell the practitioner if it becomes uncomfortable, as suction can be reduced.

How long do the marks last?

The round marks look like bruises and usually fade within one to two weeks.

Is there evidence that cupping works?

Limited. Some studies suggest it may reduce pain, but most research is of low quality, and there is not enough good evidence for other conditions.

What is the difference between dry and wet cupping?

Dry cupping only uses suction. In wet cupping, the skin is first lightly pierced so that a small amount of blood is drawn into the cup, which adds infection and blood-loss risks.

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