Is Cupping Therapy a pseudoscience?
Dr.T.Shaban
Wikipedia described cupping therapy as a pseudoscience. It also characterized acupuncture is a pseudoscience. But both clearly are not a pseudoscience. Dr Mike Cummings replied: ‘Acupuncture’ is clearly is not pseudoscience; however, the way in which it is used or portrayed by some may on occasion meet that definition. Acupuncture is a technique that predates the development of the scientific method.(1)
And cupping which also stimulates acupoints, clearly not a pseudoscience. Its practice is dated back to over 3500 years and practiced by most of the human civilizations. So, it is unfair to called this ancient practice a pseudoscience.
Dr Mike added: "It would be better to use a less pejorative classification within the bracket of history when referring to acupuncture and other ancient East Asian medical techniques. The contemporary use of acupuncture within modern healthcare is another matter entirely, and the fact that it can be associated with pre-scientific medicine does not make it a pseudoscience."(1)
Systematic reviews, clinical randomized clinical trials support the effectiveness and safety of cupping therapy.
In 2015 review of systematic reviews, the researchers concluded that: "Cupping may be beneficial for pain-related conditions such as: herpes zoster, low back pain, and other conditions like: acne, and facial paralysis.(2) and in 2016 systematic review, the researchers concluded: "Cupping can be used for musculoskeletal pain, neck pain, Carpal tunnel syndrome, and brachialgia.(3)
References:
1-Mike Cummings - Is acupuncture pseudoscience? http://blogs.bmj.com/aim/2016/12/30/is-acupuncture-pseudoscience/
2-Cao, H., Han, M., Zhu, X., & Liu, J. (2015). An overview of systematic reviews of clinical evidence for cupping therapy. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, 2(1), 3-10.
3-Al Bedah, A. M., Khalil, M. K., Posadzki, P., Sohaibani, I., Aboushanab, T. S., AlQaed, M., & Ali, G. I. (2016). Evaluation of Wet Cupping Therapy: Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 22(10), 768-777.
