Cupping is an ancient therapy that uses suction on the skin to improve circulation and relieve various ailments. It became widely known during the 2016 Olympics when Michael Phelps’s cupping marks made headlines. There are two main types: dry cupping, which involves suction alone, and wet cupping, where small cuts are made to draw blood.

Advocates claim cupping can help with muscle soreness, back and neck pain, migraines, skin conditions, knee arthritis, and immune function. However, scientific evidence remains limited. Recent reviews suggest some relief for musculoskeletal pain, particularly wet cupping for lower back pain, but the quality of studies is low. Challenges include difficulty creating convincing placebo controls and measuring subjective pain.

Cupping is generally safe, with minor side effects such as temporary skin discoloration or slight discomfort. Rarely, skin infections have occurred. Costs range from $25 to $200 per session.

For those curious, cupping may offer relief for certain ailments, though results may partly reflect a placebo effect. Future high-quality studies could clarify its effectiveness. Meanwhile, it remains a low-risk alternative therapy worth trying cautiously.