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Four Health Issues That Can Benefit from Cupping
Thursday, October 23, 2025, 02:13 PM
Whether used on its own or alongside massage therapy, myofascial cupping is a well-rounded treatment that goes beyond relaxation, relieving tension, enhancing recovery, and addressing both acute and chronic conditions.
Myofascial cupping is a soft tissue therapy that creates suction on the skin using plastic, silicone, or glass cups. The suction pulls underlying tissue, blood, and other fluids close to the surface of the skin to release and heal tight tissue. The existence of cupping has been recorded as early as 1550 BC in Egypt.
If you're wondering what health concerns cupping can help address, keep reading to find out!
Back Pain
Myofascial cupping is perhaps best known for relieving back pain. Like other manual therapy techniques, cupping can ease tension in the muscles and fascia — a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds every part of your body — through static placements (left in one place) or dynamic motions (moved across the area).
Whether your back pain is due to poor posture, overuse of the muscles by repetitive tasks or movements, or injury, cupping can help loosen adhesions (a band of scar-like tissue resulting from injury or infection) and reduce trigger points to decrease pain.
A 2024 study found that cupping reduced lower back pain significantly compared to medication and usual care. Further research was recommended with standardized cupping manipulation, but this is a promising finding for the practice.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition marked by inflammation of the plantar fascia — a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes and spans the bottom of the foot.
It often leads to pain and discomfort, which can become chronic if not properly treated. The condition is common among runners, pregnant women, and individuals who spend long periods on their feet.
The Pedorthic Association of Canada estimates plantar fasciitis affects about 10% of Canadians at some point in their lives.
Myofascial cupping is applied to the foot, calves, and surrounding area to reduce the tension and inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis.
A recent study found that runners who received cupping therapy saw a significant improvement in parameters of pain, dynamic balance, and functional performance.
Sports Rehabilitation
Sports rehabilitation helps athletes to return to their sport pain-free and lowers the risk of injury. It can also include all stages of injury management from the time of injury to recovery.
Myofascial cupping can be incorporated into rehabilitation by helping with pain relief and range of motion, enhancing blood flow, and reducing stress. It may be used for both recovery and prevention as a beneficial part of an athlete's routine.
A 2023 study on musculoskeletal and sports conditions found that cupping may decrease pain levels and improve blood flow to the affected area with low adverse effects. Future studies were recommended to continue to evaluate the effectiveness of cupping on sports-related rehabilitation.
Bowel Function
Did you know that myofascial cupping may also be applied to the abdomen? From aiding in digestion to clearing colon blockages or constipation, cupping can be help support bowel function.
Although a softer cup with gentler suction is applied to the sensitive stomach area, you should always let your practitioner know if something feels uncomfortable during treatment.
A study looked at the benefits of cupping on functional constipation in children aged four to 18, and it was found to be an effective laxative therapy when applied to the abdominal wall.
Find an NHPC Practitioner
The Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC) recognizes over 7,000 holistic health professionals across Canada, many of whom practise cupping in their treatment rooms. In fact, cupping is the second most-practised therapy among our members, following massage therapy.
Cupping is generally safe for everyone, though there are instances where you should avoid this therapy, such as if you have blood clotting disorders or skin conditions.
Cupping should only be performed by a trained practitioner who is a member of a professional association like the NHPC. Find an NHPC practitioner in your area using our member directory.