A meta-analysis by Korean researchers has concluded that cupping helps neck pain. Eighteen randomised studies were included. The majority of studies looked at the effect of ten treatments, reflecting the chronic nature of a lot of neck problems.
Compared with no treatment, cupping was associated with significant improvements in pain levels and function. Compared with active controls, cupping was also associated with significant pain reduction and improved quality of life. Adverse events were infrequent, mild and temporary.
The authors cite a paper published in 2016, which concluded that the increased use of computers and smartphones around the world, is leading to a rise in neck pain. They say that cupping may therefore be an important and cost-effective therapy.
(Is cupping therapy effective in patients with neck pain? BMJ Open, 5 November 2018.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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