Cupping for Treating Pain: A Systematic Review
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Jong-In, Lee Myeong Soo, Lee Dong-Hyo, Boddy Kate, Ernst Edzard
Primary Institution: Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the evidence for or against the effectiveness of cupping as a treatment option for pain.
Conclusion
The results suggest some evidence for the effectiveness of cupping in managing pain, but the quality and quantity of the studies are insufficient for firm conclusions.
Supporting Evidence
- Two RCTs suggested significant pain reduction for cupping in low back pain compared with usual care.
- Another two RCTs showed positive effects of cupping in cancer pain and trigeminal neuralgia compared with conventional treatments.
- Two RCTs reported favorable effects of cupping on pain in brachialgia compared with usual care or heat pad.
Takeaway
Cupping might help with pain, but we need more good studies to be sure.
Methodology
The study included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) testing cupping for pain, with data extraction and validation performed by three independent reviewers.
Potential Biases
Four of the seven included trials had a high risk of bias.
Limitations
The number of trials and total sample size are too small, and most trials are of poor quality.
Participant Demographics
The trials included patients of either sex or any age diagnosed with various types of pain.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 11.4–34.2
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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