Cupping Therapy; Research, All About Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy (CT) is a traditional Chinese medical (TCM) treatment which has been practiced for thousands of years. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of cupping is a therapeutic method involving the application of suction by creating a vacuum. This is typically done using fire in a cup or jar on the dermis of the affected part of the body [].

Cupping Therapy (CT) is an ancient method and currently used in the treatment of a broad range of medical conditions. Nonetheless, the mechanism of action of (CT) is not fully understood. This review aimed to identify possible mechanisms of action of (CT) from modern medicine perspective and offer possible explanations of its effects.

The cupping mechanism constitutes creating a vacuum on the skin, with the ensuing negative pressure resulting in capillary rupture. This method is known as retained or dry cupping []. The skin of the localized area becomes flushed and may show petechiae and ecchymosis [] or bruising, in which the duration is therapeutically beneficial []. Cupping has multiple therapeutic functions which include

  • (1) Warming the channels to remove cold
  • (2) Promoting qi and blood circulation
  • (3) Relieving swelling
  • (4) Accelerating healing
  • (5) Adjusting body temperature
  • (6) Fibromyalgia []
  • (7) Stroke rehabilitation, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, herpes zoster [, ]
  • (8) Facial paralysis, acne, and cervical spondylosis [], and
  • (9) Alleviating pain [], including chronic neck [], shoulder pain [], and low back pain [, ].

Cupping Therapy Effects

There is converging evidence that cupping can induce comfort and relaxation on a systemic level and the resulting increase in endogenous opioid production in the brain leads to improved pain control.[rx] Other researchers proposed that the main action of cupping therapy is to enhance the circulation of blood and to remove toxins and waste from the body.[rx] That could be achieved through improving microcirculation, promoting capillary endothelial cell repair, accelerating granulation and angiogenesis in the regional tissues, thus helping normalize the patient’s functional state and progressive muscle relaxation.[rx],[rx] Cupping also removes noxious materials from skin microcirculation and interstitial compartment[rx] which benefit the patient. Cupping may be an effective method of reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in men and consequently may have a preventive effect against atherosclerosis[rx] and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Cupping is known to significantly decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein LDL/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio.[rx] Cupping therapy can significantly lower the number of lymphocytes in the local blood related to the affected area with an increase in the number of neutrophils, which is one of the antiviral mechanisms that reduce the pain scores.[rx] Loss of blood along with vasodilation tends to increase the parasympathetic activity and relaxes the body muscles which benefit the patient and could also be associated with the after effects of cupping. Furthermore, the loss of blood is thought to increase the quality of the remaining blood that improves pain symptoms.[rx] It has also been found that cupping increases red blood cells RBCs.[rx] It has been claimed that cupping therapy tends to drain excess fluids and toxins, loosen adhesions and revitalize connective tissue, increase blood flow to skin and muscles, stimulate the peripheral nervous system, reduce pain, controls high blood pressure and modulates the immune system.[rx],[rx] Some researchers believe that the build-up of toxins is the main reason for illness development. In the cupped region, blood vessels are dilated by the action of certain vasodilators such as adenosine, noradrenaline, and histamine. Consequently, there is an increase in the circulation of blood to the ill area. This allows the immediate elimination of trapped toxins in the tissues, and, hence, the patient feels better.[rx] Cupping has been found to improve subcutaneous blood flow and to stimulate the autonomic nervous system.[rx] Like injuries to the skin due to the incisions, stimulation of the skin causes several autonomic, hormonal, and immune reactions attributed to the sympathetic and parasympathetic efferent nerves to the tomato-visceral reflexes related to the organs.[rx] Cupping is reported to restore sympathovagal balance and might be cardioprotective by stimulating the peripheral sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.[rx] Cupping seems to play a role in the activation of the complement system as well as modulation of cellular part of the immune system.[rx] There is also a significant reduction in blood sugar in diabetic patients after cupping.[rx] Chen and colleagues concluded that there are some improvements in the research concerning the mechanisms of cupping therapy.[rx] Overall, cupping is reported to effect changes in the biomechanical properties of the skin,[rx] increase immediate pain thresholds in patients with neck pain and in a healthy subject as well,[rx] reduce significantly peripheral and local P substance[rx] and reduce the inflammation.[rx]

Cupping therapy outcomes in certain medical conditions

Cupping therapy is reported to treat a variety of diseases due to the effects of multiple types of stimulation.[rx] Cao and associates (2010) suggested that cupping therapy appears to be effective for various medical conditions, in particular, herpes zoster and associated pain and acne, facial paralysis, and cervical spondylosis.[rx]Cupping therapy is often used for lowering blood pressure and prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases CVDs in healthy people.[rx] Wet cupping in conjunction with conventional treatment is reported to effectively treat oral and genital ulceration in a patient with Behçet’s disease.[rx] There is growing evidence that wet cupping is effective in musculoskeletal pain,[rx] nonspecific low back pain,[rx] neck pain, fibromyalgia, and other painful conditions.[rx] Michalsen et al. (2009) concluded that cupping therapy may be effective in alleviating the pain and other symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.[rx] Cupping therapy is also found to be effective in headache and migraine.[rx] Cupping therapy is effective for reducing systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients for up to 4 weeks without any serious side effects.[rx] Evidently, cupping therapy is effective in the treatment of cellulitis.[rx] Cupping therapy has been used with a various level of evidence (I to V) in many conditions such as cough, asthma, acne, common cold, urticaria, facial paralysis, cervical spondylosis, soft tissue injury, arthritis, and neuro-dermatitis.

The most likely mechanisms of cupping and effects: bridging the gap

Many theories have been suggested to explain numerous effects of cupping therapy and its mechanisms of action.[rx] Several researchers proposed biological and mechanical processes associated with the cupping session. For instance, reduction of pain may result from changes in biomechanical properties of the skin as explained by the “Pain-Gate Theory” (PGT),[rx] “Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls” (DNICs),[rx] and “Reflex Zone Theory” (ZRT). Muscle relaxation, specific changes in local tissue structures and increase in blood circulation could be explained by the “Nitric Oxide Theory”.[rx] The immunomodulatory effects of cupping therapy could be attributed to the “Activation of Immune System Theory” (AIST).[rx] Releasing of toxins and removal of wastes and heavy metals might be attributed to the “Blood Detoxification Theory” (BDT).

These theories may have been interacting harmoniously to produce the beneficial effects of cupping in treating patients with various diseases and promoting wellbeing in healthy people.

Linking cupping therapy effects with the mechanism of action

Reviewing the literature on cupping and its mechanism of action has revealed insufficient information about the physiological, biological and mechanical changes of the body during cupping therapy. A better understanding of the whole cupping procedure could be achieved by linking cupping therapy effects with its mechanisms based on aforesaid theories.

Fig. 2

Fig. 2. Links between cupping therapy effects and mechanisms of action theories.

Effects and four main mechanisms of action

Although the exact mode of action of cupping to reduce pain is not well understood,[rx] three main possible hypotheses and theories might explain mechanisms of pain reduction. These include “Pain-Gate Theory” (PGT), “Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls (DNICs)” and “Reflex Zone Theory” (RZT).[rx] A brief description of each theory will follow in the subsequent subsections.

Pain-Gate Theory (PGT)

This theory comprehensively explains how the pain is transmitted from the point of its inception to the brain, and how it is processed in the brain which sends back the efferent, protective signal to the stimulated or injured area. It is reported that local damage of the skin and capillary vessels act as a nociceptive stimulus.[rx] This is an explanation based on a neuronal hypothesis whereby cupping influences chronic pain by altering the signal processing at the level of the nociceptors both of the spinal cord and brain.[rx] In support of this clinical effect of cupping, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported that cupping could be a promising therapy for pain treatment.[rx] The “Pain Gate Theory” is one of the most influential theories of pain reduction.[rx] Melzack and Wall (1965)proposed that both thin and large (touch, pressure, vibration) nerve fibers carry the pain signal from the site of injury to two destinations in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, however, transmission cells carry the pain signal to the brain while the inhibitory interneurons impede transmission cell activity. The activity in both thin and large diameter fibers excites transmission cells. Thin fiber activity impedes the inhibitory cells (tending to allow the transmission cell) and large diameter fiber activity excites the inhibitory cells (tending to inhibit transmission cell activity). So, the more large fiber (touch, pressure, vibration) activity, the less pain is felt.[rx] It is expected that the activation of nociceptors by cupping and other reflex therapies can stimulate “A” and “C” fibers with the involvement of the spine-thalamo-cortical pain pathway. It is noted that the peripheral nociceptor is sensitized by metabolic factors like lactate, adenosine triphosphate, and cytokines.[rx] When a stimulus is applied to the skin, it produces an increase in the number of active receptor-fiber units as information about the stimulus is transmitted to the brain. Since many larger fibers are inactive in the absence of stimulus change, stimulation tends to produce a disproportionate relative increase in large fiber over small fiber activity. Thus, if a gentle pressure stimulus is applied suddenly to the skin, the afferent volley contains large-fiber impulses which not only fire the “T” cells but also partially close the presynaptic gate. And if the stimulus intensity is increased, more receptor-fiber units are recruited and the firing frequency of active units is increased.[rx] The resultant positive and negative effects of the large fiber and small-fiber inputs tend to counteract each other, and therefore the output of the “T” cells rises slowly. If stimulation is prolonged, the large fibers begin to adapt, producing a relative increase in small-fiber activity. As a result, the gate is opened further, and the output of the “T” cells rises more steeply. If the large-fiber steady background activity is artificially raised at this time by vibration or scratching (a maneuver that overcomes the tendency of the large fibers to adapt), the output of the cells decreases.[rx] Cupping therapy may alleviate pain by means of anti-nociceptive effects and by counter-irritation. However, at present, it is unclear to what extent cupping induces such mechanisms.[rx] But it is believed that cupping stimulates pain receptors which lead to an increase in the frequency of impulses, therefore ultimately leading to the closure of the pain gates and hence pain reduction.[rx] So, validation of such theory by scientific clinical studies is highly needed

Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls (DNICs)

Another theory related to pain reduction as a mechanism of action of cupping therapy is Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls. DNIC signifies inhibition of activity in convergent or wide dynamic range-type nociceptive spinal neurons triggered by a second, spatially remote, noxious stimulus. This phenomenon is thought to underlie the principle of counter-irritation to reduce pain. Herein “one pain masks another”, or pain inhibits pain. This pain-inhibitory system can be easily triggered in an experimental setting.[rx] Notably, the term conditioned pain modulation (CPM) replaced the “noxious inhibitory controls” or ‘DNIC-like’ effects. However, experts recommended using ‘diffuse noxious inhibitory controls’ to describe the lower brainstem-mediated inhibitory mechanism directly observed in animal studies, and ‘CPM’ to portray the human behavioral correlate. Most of the work concerning this theory was done on the idiopathic pain syndromes such as irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorders, fibromyalgia, and tension-type headache, which have shown a good response to cupping therapy.[rx] Local damage of the skin and capillary vessels induced by cupping may cause a nociceptive stimulus that activates DNICs.[rx] This mechanism requires a strong conditioning stimulus for pain attenuation, which may be at least partly dependent on a distraction effect,[rx]and may possibly act by triggering a DNIC[rx] or by removing oxidants and decreasing oxidative stress. Cupping therapy may produce an analgesic effect via nerves that are sensitive to mechanical stimulation. This mechanism is similar to acupuncture in that it activates A∂ and C nerve fibers which are linked to the DNICs system, a pain modulation pathway which has been described as ‘pain inhibits pain’ phenomenon.[rx],[rx]

Reflex Zone Theory

Cupping therapy of defined zones or areas of the shoulder triangle segmentally related to the median nerve to treat carpal tunnel syndrome has been practiced in European folk medicine and is supported by various studies.[rx] Only a suction stimulation is done on the disturbing point and thereafter the red blood cells from the vascular system are brought out to the surrounding tissue areas without injuring capillary vessels. This is known as dry diapedesis. These extravasations are digested or removed by the connective tissue. This happens when the disturbed area is better supplied with blood causing an activation of biological processes on the treated area, i.e., disturbed reflex zone.[rx] In conventional medicine, external manifestations of an internal disease process can often be detected at a site distal to the affected organ. It is suggested that the principle of a link between one part of the body and another can be understood in terms of interactions of nerve, muscle and chemical pathways.[rx] RZT depends on the premise that signs and symptoms of illness related to one dermatome may be reflected in changes in neighboring dermatomes.[rx] The reflex signs of disease can be recognized in the skin, which becomes pale, cold and clammy due to vasoconstriction and flushing due to vasodilatation. The subcutaneous tissue becomes shiny, edematous and dense. The muscles become less contractile. The joints show degenerative changes appearing in ligaments, capsule and cartilage, and reduction of synovial fluid leading to painful and restricted movement. The functioning of organs becomes impaired as a result of reduced circulating blood and tissue fluids. Such changes in the color and texture of the skin or sweating are present from the earliest stages of the disease.[rx] Sato and associates (1997) described the response of visceral organs to somatic stimulation and showed robust evidence that the stimulation of somatic structures including the skin and peripheral joints can have substantial effects on the cardiovascular, bladder, and gastrointestinal function in experimental animals. These reflexes are more complex and can be excitatory and inhibitory of visceral function acting through spinal pathways and supra-spinal and cortical centers.[rx] In cupping therapy, when the diseased organ sends a signal to the skin through the autonomic nerves, the skin responds by becoming tender and painful with swelling. Skin receptors are activated when cups are applied to the skin. The entire process will result in the increment of the blood circulation and blood supply to the skin and the internal organs through the neural connections.[rx] It worth mentioning that, further clarification of the mechanisms of action of reflex therapies will support their clinical evidence and add to our understanding of the neurobiology of complementary medicine including cupping therapy as a model.[rx]

The Release of Nitric Oxide theory

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a signaling gas molecule that mediates vasodilatation and regulates blood flow and volume.[rx] NO regulates blood pressure, contributes to the immune responses, controls neurotransmission and participates in cell differentiation and in many more physiological functions.[rx] Cupping therapy could cause the release of NO from endothelial cells and, hence, induce certain beneficial biological changes. This mechanism is explained by “Release of Nitric Oxide and increased blood circulation theory”. An experimental trial reported increased expression of NO synthase (s), enzymes producing NO from l-arginine was higher around skin acupuncture points of rats.[rx] Notably, the active substance Endothelium-Derived Relaxing Factor (EDRF) recovered from perfusates during application of the stimulus has been identified pharmacologically and chemically as NO. EDRF is an unstable humoral substance released from artery and vein that mediates the action of endothelium-dependent vasodilators. Furthermore, the actions of NO on vascular smooth muscle closely resemble those of EDRF.[rx] Studies suggested that nitric synthesis is critical to wound collagen accumulation and acquisition of mechanical strength.[rx] Cupping dilates topical capillaries and increases dermal blood flow, which has been proved by numerous studies. Blood vessels in the treated areas by cupping are dilated by the release of vasodilators such as adenosine, noradrenaline, and histamine, which lead to increased blood circulation.[rx] Tagil et al. (2014) found the higher activity of myeloperoxidase, lower activity of superoxide dismutase, higher levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in cupping blood compared to the venous blood. It seems that nitric oxide derived from endothelial cells due to cupping therapy causes vasodilatation, a decrease in vascular resistance, lower blood pressure, inhibition of platelet aggregation and adhesion, inhibition of leukocyte adhesion and migration, and reduction of smooth muscle proliferation and all these effects prevent the development of atherosclerosis.[rx]

Activation of Immune System Theory

From the perspective of body immunity and defense, practitioners begin to understand the action of cupping therapy through regulating immunoglobulins and hemoglobin,[rx] and its various immunological effects. Cupping decreases serum IgE and IL-2 levels and increases serum C3 levels which are found to be abnormal in the immune system.[rx] Cupping is likely to affect the immune system via three pathways. First, cupping irritates the immune system by making an artificial local inflammation. Second, cupping activates the complementary system. Third, cupping increases the level of immune products such as interferon and tumor necrotizing factor. Cupping effect on the thymus increases the flow of lymph in the lymphatic system.[rx] Overall, activation of the immune system by cupping might explain its various effects including therapeutic outcomes in patients with autoimmune diseases. This theory explains the effect of cupping for strengthening immunity which has been the subject of recent research around the world. For instance, Khalil and colleagues (2013) claimed that cupping seems to play a role in the activation of complement system as well as modulation of cellular part of the immune system and it may have a protective role by increasing immunity, and thereby, protect the body from diseases.[rx] A clinical study by XIAO Wei et al. (2010) concluded that cupping significantly improves immunologic functions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during the stable stage.[rx] Sahbaa et al. (2005) claimed that cupping therapy significantly reduces the laboratory markers of rheumatoid arthritis activity and modulates the immune cellular conditions particularly of innate immune response Natural killer cells and adaptive cellular immune response the Soluble Interleukin 2 Receptor SIL-2R.[rx] Mohammad Reza et al. (2012) evaluated Interferon Gamma (IFNγ) and Interleukin 4 (IL-4) concentrations in the supernatant of the vein and cupping blood cultures with or without the presence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) mitogen. The results showed IFN-γ and IL-4 concentrations in cupping blood samples were higher compared to venous blood samples without presentation of any mitogen. He concluded that the high level of lymphocytes in cupping blood samples plays an important role in the discharge of IFN-γ and IL-4. Furthermore, in the presence of PHA mitogen, the levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in cupping blood samples were equally low as in venous blood samples. The study claimed that lymphocytes in cupping blood samples may not have their natural function, so they cannot properly respond to the stimulation of mitogen. Moreover, two weeks after cupping the researcher did not see any difference in IFN-γ and IL-4 concentrations in venous blood. It seems that the reduplication of cupping immune response will be affected and IFN-γ and IL-4 concentrations will increase.[rx] A study by Ye LH, (1998) revealed that cupping produces a bidirectional effect on human immunoglobulins, corrects the irregular immunoglobulin level, yields insignificant effect on normal immunoglobulin, and the regulation result is related to the original function state.[rx] Zhang et al. (2001) reported that cupping can upregulate the oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. As the carrier of hemoglobin, the red blood cell is an important defensive system, working to recognize antigens, and eliminate immune complex, tumor cells, and effector cells, as well as bind germs and viruses, and regulate immune function.[rx] Moreover, Zhong, et al. (1999) discovered the absolute value of C3b receptor rosette and immune complex of red blood cell significantly increased after moving cupping, which indicated that moving to cup can improve the immune function of red blood cell.[rx]Chen and Li (2004) claimed that cupping suggillation is the manifestation of auto-hemolysis, which can produce histamine-like substances, and consequently strengthen the activity of tissues and organs as well as immunity.[rx] The recent study by Yang Guo et al. (2017) proposed that the microenvironment is changed when stimulating the surface of the skin, and physical signals transform into biological signals, which also interact with each other in the body. These signaling cascades activate the neuroendocrine-immune system, which produces the therapeutic effect.[rx] More immunological studies are needed to measure and validate the early assumption.

Blood detoxification theory

This theory addresses the removal of toxic substances from the affected area where the cups are applied. According to the blood detoxification theory, there is a decrease in the level of uric acid, HDL, LDL and the molecular structure and function of hemoglobin (Hb) and other hematological adjustments. This theory explains how the body is relieved of toxins and harmful materials through the underlying mechanism of cupping therapy. From the view of physics, for clearing the toxins, the negative pressure suction produced by cupping benefits the extraction of the toxins generated by the purulent fluid, exudation, and germs, as well as the histolytic enzyme. Cupping also promotes the growth of granulation and the recovery of wounds.[rx] Several studies reported significant differences in many of the biochemical, hematological and immunological parameters between the venous blood and the cupping blood.[rx] In cupping, the flow of blood tends to break up obstructions and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. Several cups may be placed on a patient’s body at the same time.[rx] Cupping may play a role in excretion of old red blood cells.[rx] The levels of uric acid, urea, triglycerides, and cholesterol were significantly high in the wet-cupping blood.[rx] In cases of acute gouty arthritis, cupping on the affected area is reported to stop the pain, dissolves the toxic dump and removes blood stasis and promote the blood circulation.[rx] Daniali et al. (2008) reported that the concentrations of uric acid, HDL, LDL, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and iron were high in the wet-cupping blood. Furthermore, the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, viscosity, mean corpuscular hemoglobin in the wet-cupping blood were significantly higher compared to venous blood.[rx] Moreover, cupping can affect the molecular structure and function of human hemoglobin and reduces the side effects of diabetes on the Hb molecule.[rx] A study by Mahdavi et al. (2012) revealed a highly significant increase in serum uric acid level as compared to the venous blood sample.[rx] The increase of blood flow may promote the release of toxins and wastes, improves the local nutrition state, and finally boosts the metabolism and supporting the healthy aspect and eliminating the pathogenic factors.[rx] According to SumeyyeGok et al. (2016) removing heavy metals such as aluminum, mercury, silver, and lead which were significantly higher in cupping blood compared to venous blood of the same patients would support the detoxification mechanisms of action[rx] and therefore, cupping may treat diseases associated with heavy metal deposition in different parts of the body.

References

[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]

[/bg_collapse]

Cupping therapy

1 comment

Leave a Reply to Health Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *