Are There Health Benefits to Cupping?

If you have watched all the different and extended or uncut versions of the movie "The Godfather," there is a short scene where Paulie or Fredo is suffering from a respiratory disease as an infant. His mother uses a form of cupping by using cheap looking water glasses on his chest, as the child screams while being held down on the kitchen table. The scene may not be in the original mainstream movie or those shown on TV with commercials.

My wife’s very old Italian grandmother said the treatment was not uncommon among early Italian immigrants who had no money for doctors. I once saw a younger Asian (maybe 25) man on the beach at Cape May, NJ. He had numerous red circles approx 2" all over his back. I suspect this was from medical cupping therapy. This was in about 2005. I believe if done properly and with no other options, it might be beneficial for some upper respiratory problems. My first choice would be a heating pad and Vick's vapor rub or antibiotics. No fires on my back, thanks.

I went into a Chinese university where they teach eastern medicine procedures. I was thinking that I would only get the acupuncture, which I did in 14 areas, but prior to that, the 'senior' student did the cupping that is being spoken about. I probably had two cups only on for less than one minute and was in such horrific pain that I told him to take them off! It has been one week now and the two circular marks are still visible and the pain in my upper back is still bad. I can't lie on my back at night as it still hurts too much.

Has anyone else had this where it took so long to heal? I won't be doing cupping again. I had acupuncture done years ago for sciatica and it was great, but this time I have several diseases that they were trying to help me with, but now with the back pain I will need to wait another week to go back and continue with any 'needle' therapy. I think perhaps the inflammation in my body has created this tremendous pain and I should not have had the cupping procedure.

I had my first cupping yesterday, wet cupping. I have been undergoing acupuncture and reflexology for a week for chronic, hot, burning back pain which I have had for months. Subsequently I was tired, grumpy and depressed.

Yesterday my Nth Korean Health Specialist recommended wet cupping. I was amazed at the gunk that came out! Today, I have woken up with more energy than I have had in months, and my pain is considerably less. I can't wait for my next treatment. I am converted.

Had my first cupping session today. It appears as if the therapist is taking an holistic approach as I am been treated for Arthritis, Menopause (severe hot flushes) and knee problems.

there you go need any more advice on cupping? it's proven!

I have tried many different types of treatment for my upper back pain. Cupping seems to be the only method that has actually relieved my pain. My back is usually sore for two days following the treatment, but within a week, I'm feeling much better. I have already had four treatments and I've noticed I am stronger, but also more relaxed than ever. This has been a Godsend!

Whenever my back feels tight after working out, I try to go the next day for acupuncture and cupping. It's a big relief. I feel like I had a great massage. Actually feels better than a regular massage. Cupping takes away the pain on the neck and back. I'm not as sickly as I used to be.

had cupping done today. it's a method which prophet mohammed, peace be upon him, recommended highly. it feels OK, but the blood that came out was dark and gooey -- disgusting blood. it looked kind of jelly like and I'm pretty happy that it came out.

i am originally from somalia and we practice cupping in my country as a traditional treatment. i was nine years old and got very sick.

The type i had was the wet cupping, where the healer made two small incisions at my lower back and she used a cow horn. after the quick small cuts she placed the horn and after a few minutes when the horn sucked my skin so tight, she removed it and to my terror i bled a lot and almost fainted since i was so young. i wasn't supposed to see that but by the time they said don't look i already did.

To make the long story short i felt great after that day and it was great. now that i am have become a licensed massage therapist i am looking forward in getting my training in cupping. Thanks for reading. --Africana

First visit to accupuncturist- lasted 1 and 3/4 hours. Didn't know what to expect. Have allergies. Was surprised to have cupping and accupuncture after. Back feels sore like a bad strain after lifting heavy weights. It's been a week. I do have a high tolerance of pain. I am disappointed.

I'm not sure yet. My back is very sore. I just had it done yesterday on my upper back.

I did it on 07-10-2009 and it took about 30 minutes to get it done on my back. When I stood up, I noticed I no longer have any pain in my back. I didn't do the cupping with the intention of ridding myself of back pain, it just happened. I am shocked!

Yes, it is very good for infertility. Also, drinking boiled ginger and honey is good for infertility.

Is this method good for infertility?

Cupping feels really good and it relaxes me but it looks so awful! I have to make sure I cover up the marks because it looks like I've been hit...