Why Pain Should Never Be Part of Cupping Therapy: Insights from a New Study
Cupping therapy stands out for its historical roots and growing popularity in managing musculoskeletal pain. However, a recent study published in Innovations in Acupuncture and Medicine (2025) highlights an important safety aspect: the link between suction pressure and adverse effects, like pain.
The study compared dry cupping interventions at two different pressure levels: a lower pressure (−150 mmHg) and a higher pressure (−300 mmHg). The results confirmed what we emphasise in our RockPod cupping courses: higher suction pressures are associated with a greater frequency and longer duration of adverse events—with pain being the most common immediate reaction in both groups.
This evidence aligns perfectly with our teaching ethos. At RockTape we always stress that cupping therapy should never be painful. Pain during application is a clear signal that the pressure is too high and that the technique needs immediate adjustment. Our approach is to begin with gentle suction, monitor clients closely, and never accept pain directly as a result of application. This not only reduces the likelihood of adverse events but also ensures that cupping remains a safe, accessible tool for pain relief.
While the study highlights promising steps, like the development of a device to measure pressure, it also reminds us of the current limits in clinical cupping practice. Until objective pressure monitoring is widely available, our vigilance, grounded in the principle that cupping should be comfortable, remains our best safeguard.
View our cupping courses and products here: https://rocktape.co.uk
Watch a short video of our cupping education course here in the UK https://youtu.be/s-PS9fnXevA
Reference: Conceição, J.P., Souza, V.K., Araújo, A.P.P., Tomazi, D.D.P., Kuriki, H.U., Marcolino, A.M. and Barbosa, R.I., 2025. Dry cupping therapy for neck pain: monitoring for adverse effects. Innovations in Acupuncture and Medicine, 18(16). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s44424-025-00018-y