International Journal of Health Sciences

Effect of Dry Cupping on Vascular Function among Young Individuals
Arturo A. Arce-Esquivel, Brandon J. Warner, Diana M. Gallegos, S. Andrew Cage

Abstract
Background: Cupping is most widely used in China as part of traditional Chinese medicine. Cupping is an ancient technique used in treating pain and various disorders. It has been suggested that cupping promotes hyperemia (i.e., increased blood flow). Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of a single dry cupping treatment on microvascular function among healthy young individuals. Methods: Eleven apparently healthy young individuals (age: 22 ± 1.43 years) participated in this study. Dry cupping treatment was performed applying two plastic cups on the non-dominant arm of each participant. Before and after a 10-minute cupping treatment, microvascular function (fingertip Digital Thermal Monitoring of vascular reactivity) was evaluated. Results: Following the 10-minute cupping treatment, the individuals experienced a significant 36% increase in Vascular Reactivity Index (VRI) from baseline (2.60 ± 0.40 to 3.53 ± 0.42, p < 0.05). Participants experienced no complications as a result of the intervention. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that in healthy individuals, dry cupping treatment, was capable of increasing microvascular function, specifically VRI. This study underlies the role of cupping treatment in promoting vascular function improvements.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v5n3a2