Cupping therapy is a treatment in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. It is used in some traditional medicine systems, including traditional Chinese medicine and Middle Eastern practices. Types of cupping 1. Dry cupping – Cups create suction on the skin without drawing blood. 2. Wet cupping (hijama) – Small skin incisions are made before suction to draw a small amount of blood. 3. Fire cupping – Heat is used to create a vacuum inside glass cups. 4. Modern cupping – Uses mechanical pumps instead of heat. Claimed benefits People use cupping for: Muscle pain and soreness Neck and back pain Sports recovery Headaches Relaxation and stress relief Some individuals report symptom relief, particularly for musculoskeletal pain. What the evidence says Research suggests cupping may provide short-term relief for some types of pain, such as chronic neck or back pain. However, the overall quality of evidence is generally low to moderate, and stronger studies are needed. There is limited evidence that cupping treats underlying diseases or provides long-term benefits. Risks and side effects Common side effects include: Temporary circular bruises or discoloration Skin irritation Mild pain or tenderness