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Dry Cupping: What Is It and Does It Work?

Dry cupping has become increasingly popular in sports therapy and pain management, but many people still ask the same question: what exactly is it — and does it actually work?

Dry cupping is a non-invasive therapy that uses suction cups placed on the skin to gently lift the tissue beneath. Unlike wet cupping, there are no incisions and no blood involved, making it suitable for people who want a less invasive approach to recovery and pain relief.

What Is Dry Cupping?

Dry Cupping therapy being carried out on a clients back
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Dry cupping involves placing cups on specific areas of the body and creating suction, either manually or with a pump. The cups are usually left in place for a few minutes, or gently moved across the skin (often referred to as gliding cupping).

According to Tanjung & Ishadi (2022), dry cupping works by creating a localised vacuum effect that draws blood to the area, stimulating circulation and encouraging a natural healing response.

How Does Dry Cupping Work?

From a physiological perspective, dry cupping is believed to:

  • Increase local blood flow

  • Improve micro-circulation

  • Reduce muscle tension

  • Influence the nervous system’s pain response

  • Help reduce inflammatory mediators associated with pain

The suction creates a mild, controlled inflammatory response, which can encourage the body’s own repair processes. This mechanism is discussed in the Journal of Society Medicine (Tanjung & Ishadi 2022) , which notes that cupping may help reduce substances involved in pain signalling and inflammation.

What Does the Evidence Say?

Research suggests (Tanjung & Ishadi 2022) that cupping may be beneficial for managing localised musculoskeletal pain, including:

  • Neck and shoulder tension

  • Lower back pain

  • Headaches

  • Carpal tunnel–type symptoms

  • Muscle tightness related to overuse

While cupping is not a cure-all and should not replace medical treatment, studies show it can be a useful complementary therapy, particularly when combined with other hands-on techniques such as sports massage.

Is Dry Cupping Safe?

Man with Dry cupping marks on his back after a Dry cupping & Sports massage session
The Cupping set that I use is available to purchase by clicking on the image or the link at the bottom of the page.

Dry cupping is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner. Side effects are usually mild and temporary and may include:

  • Red or purple circular marks

  • Mild soreness

  • A feeling of warmth or heaviness These marks are not bruises and typically fade within a few days.

    The journal review highlights that serious side effects are rare, especially with dry cupping, which does not involve skin penetration.  (Tanjung & Ishadi 2022)


Who Might Benefit from Dry Cupping?

Girl working out in the gym

Dry cupping can be helpful for:

  • Runners and gym-goers

  • People with physically demanding jobs

  • Those experiencing ongoing muscle tightness

  • Clients who don’t respond fully to massage alone

  • Individuals seeking improved mobility and recovery

It can be particularly effective for stubborn areas of tension, such as calves, hamstrings, hips, shoulders, and upper back (Tanjung & Ishadi 2022).

Dry Cupping vs Sports Massage

Dry cupping and sports massage are often used together. Massage compresses tissue, while cupping gently lifts it. This combination can improve tissue glide, circulation, and overall movement quality.

Neither technique replaces the other — they work best as part of a tailored treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

Dry cupping is a well-established therapy with roots in traditional medicine and growing support within modern musculoskeletal care. While results can vary between individuals, evidence suggests it can play a valuable role in pain reduction, recovery, and tissue health when used appropriately (Tanjung & Ishadi 2022).

If you’re curious about whether dry cupping could support your recovery or ongoing aches, it’s best discussed as part of a personalised assessment.

Reference

Tanjung, Q.F., & Ishadi, H. (2022). The Medical Perspective of Dry Cupping and Wet Cupping: Effects and mechanisms of action. Journal of Society Medicine, 1(1), 31–35.


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