Measuring Tibial Artery Blood Flow Following a Moderate Fire and Air Vacuum Cupping Treatment

Abstract

Cupping therapy has become a popular method of alternative medicine. However, no quantitative measures on the effects of cupping therapy on blood flow and skin temperature have been examined. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects cupping therapy on skin temperature and blood flow of the tibial artery. A pre and posttest experimental design was used. Twenty healthy males (20.70 ± 2.83 years) participated. Blood flow and skin temperatures were measured prior to and following a cupping protocol. Blood flow from fire cupping decreased an average of -3%. The skin temperatures during fire cupping increased 0.14°C ± 0.30°C. Blood flow from air vacuum cupping increased an average of 5%. The skin temperatures during air vacuum cupping did not change. The results suggest that there is insufficient evidence for the use of cupping therapy for increasing blood flow and skin temperature.