The novel coronavirus pandemic began in 2019, in Wuhan, Hubei province by acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Due to its intensive and rapid human-to-human transmission, the viral disease has resulted in substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. The signs and symptoms of Covid-19 can range from presenting asymptomatically to severe and life-threatening when combined with respiratory tract sepsis, cytokine storm and macrophage activation syndrome. While several studies have indicated the benefit of acupuncture, nigella sativa seed, and other traditional Chinese medicines that have anti-novel coronavirus effects in managing Covid-19 at different stages, sparse studies have assessed the effects of cupping therapy in this new pandemic. 

The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) defines cupping therapy as “a traditional practice, most notably in traditional medicine, which involves placing cups on the skin to create suction believed to help increase blood flow and promote healing associated with chronic neck pain and low back pain in the short term”. The therapeutic benefits of cupping therapy go well beyond managing chronic pain such as low back pain, shoulder pain and neck pain. These include high fever due to infection of the upper respiratory tract, pulmonary dysfunctions in asthmatic children, type 2 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, myocardial infarction and cardiac arrhythmias and chronic fatigue syndrome. Cupping therapy, therefore, may alleviate the most common symptoms and signs of COVID-19. 

Symptomatic Benefits of Cupping Therapy for Covid-19

Fever: Fever is among the most common signs and symptoms observed at the beginning of COVID‑19 in up to 90% of patients. A recent study observed the antipyretic effect of dry cupping therapy on the meridian-based system. Cupping therapy was used in 103 cases to treat fever with a median average of 39-39.9°C in upper respiratory tract infections. After cupping therapy, the temperature dropped to 38.5°C after one hour, 37°C after 6 hours, and 36.8°C after 14 hours.

Dry Cough: Dry cough is the second most common early sign and symptom in p60%-86% of patients. While studies are currently limited on dry cough symptoms seen with Covid-19 and cupping therapy, studies focusing on the common cold showed cupping therapy could relieve symptoms of asthma, dry cough, and muscle pain. Cupping therapy by stimulating the meridian system may ameliorate cough in COVID-19 patients.

Cupping therapy involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, improving overall blood flow and promoting cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue. Cupping therapy is an ancient, holistic method for treating various illnesses, diseases, and conditions, including hip pain, shoulder pain and low back pain. While the exact origin of cupping therapy remains controversial, its use has been documented in Egyptian and Chinese medical practices dating back as early as 1,550 B.C. While cupping therapy has fallen in and out of favour throughout the centuries, it’s currently making a resurgence thanks to prominent athletes and health-conscious celebrities sporting the distinctive red circular cupping marks (not bruises!). 

While there are multiple techniques and methods involved in cupping therapy, here at Featherston Street Pain Clinic, we specifically focus on ‘dry’ cupping created using negative pressure suction. Our practitioners use an apparatus to create a gentle suction that draws your skin upward into the cup. (Your skin is not broken at any time in the process.)

What Does Cupping Therapy Feel Like?

As suction is directly applied to the skin, there’s an initial tightness sensation as the skin is drawn into the cup; the feeling passes quickly as your practitioner moves on to place the next cup. As the practitioner repeats the suction process, they will check to ensure the cups aren’t too intense. 

While traditionally, heat was used to create a vacuum, we use a suctioning apparatus that draws the air out of the cup. As time passes, your body will begin to acclimate to the feeling of the cups. The amount of cups required is dependent on the area of complaint. When being introduced to cupping therapy for low back pain, fewer cups with less pressure will be used. The cups will be placed for 5-20 minutes; afterwards, the practitioner will release the pressure in the cup, which often gives a calming, relaxing effect. Depending on the type and severity of your low back pain, a singular cup may be used with the practitioner gliding it across your skin, commonly known as ‘running cupping’. Running cupping has been shown to locally and systemically remove toxins by stimulating the immune response by dispersing uric acid, a natural waste product from the digestion of certain foods.