Key Takeaway
Systematic review found cupping therapy showed promise for pain conditions including low back pain, though evidence quality was limited due to study heterogeneity.
Summary
Updated systematic review examining the clinical evidence for cupping therapy across various conditions.
Methods
- Systematic review
- Searched Chinese and English databases
- Included RCTs of cupping therapy
- Various conditions assessed
Key Results
- 135 RCTs identified
- Positive results for pain conditions
- Promising for herpes zoster, acne
- Benefits when combined with other treatments
- High heterogeneity across studies
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Limitations
- Most studies low quality
- High risk of bias
- Difficult to blind participants
- Publication bias likely