Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years, often brings a host of uncomfortable symptoms1. From hot flashes and night sweats to mood swings and insomnia, the transition can be challenging2.
Many women seek relief through various therapies, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices like cupping have gained attention. But does cupping really work for menopause symptoms? Let’s delve into the evidence.
What is Menopause and Why Does It Cause Symptoms?
Menopause is defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier or later. The primary cause is the decline in estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries3. These hormonal fluctuations trigger a cascade of physiological changes, leading to a range of symptoms collectively known as menopausal syndrome or perimenopause (Harvard Health Publishing, n.d.)4.
Common symptoms include5:
- Vasomotor symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, and chills
- Mood changes: Irritability, anxiety, depression
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, difficulty staying asleep
- Vaginal dryness: Discomfort during intercourse
- Cognitive changes: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems
What is Cupping?
Cupping is an ancient therapeutic technique used in TCM. It involves placing cups (traditionally made of glass, bamboo, or earthenware, but now often plastic or silicone) on the skin to create suction. This suction can be created using heat (fire cupping) or a mechanical pump (dry cupping). The suction draws the skin and underlying tissues into the cup, creating localized pressure and promoting blood flow (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), 2020)6.
There are different types of cupping7:
- Dry cupping: Suction is created using a pump.
- Wet cupping: Small incisions are made on the skin before cupping to draw out a small amount of blood.
- Fire cupping: A flame is briefly placed inside the cup to remove oxygen, creating suction when placed on the skin.
Safety tip: Even if you know these points, try not to try to give yourself cupping treatments; cupping can be dangerous for the inexperienced.
How Does Cupping Claim to Help with Menopause?
Proponents of cupping suggest that it can alleviate menopause symptoms through several mechanisms:
- Improving blood circulation: Cupping is believed to enhance blood flow to specific areas, which may help reduce muscle tension, pain, and inflammation8.
- Regulating Qi (vital energy): In TCM, Qi is the body’s vital energy. Cupping is thought to help balance Qi flow, which may improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms like fatigue and mood swings9.
- Reducing stress and anxiety: The relaxing nature of cupping may help reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate menopause symptoms10.
For people going through menopause, there are some cupping points that are considered beneficial, including11:
- Back points: Heart Shu (心俞), Liver Shu (肝俞), Spleen Shu (脾俞), Kidney Shu (肾俞), corresponding to organs affected by hormonal changes.
- Abdominal points: Qi Hai (气海), Guan Yuan (关元), related to Qi and blood regulation.
- Leg point: Zu San Li (足三里), a general tonic point in TCM.
Also read:
What Does the Research Say?
While cupping has been used for centuries, scientific research on its effectiveness for menopause is limited. Some small studies suggest potential benefits for pain management and reducing hot flashes12, but more rigorous research is needed.
A review published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (Cao et al., 2012) examined several studies on cupping for various conditions. While the review found some evidence for pain relief, it concluded that more high-quality studies are necessary to draw definitive conclusions about its effectiveness for other conditions, including menopausal symptoms13.
It’s crucial to understand that cupping is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment for menopause. Hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and other medical interventions may be more effective for managing severe symptoms.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Cupping is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and qualified practitioner. However, some potential side effects include14:
- Skin discoloration: Circular bruises or discoloration are common after cupping. These usually fade within a few days or weeks.
- Skin irritation: Mild skin irritation, burns (especially with fire cupping), or infection can occur.
- Discomfort: Some people may experience mild discomfort during the procedure.
Important considerations:
- Choose a qualified practitioner: It’s essential to seek treatment from a licensed and experienced TCM practitioner who is trained in cupping techniques.
- Discuss any underlying health conditions: Inform your practitioner about any existing medical conditions or medications you are taking.
- Not suitable for everyone: Cupping may not be appropriate for people with certain skin conditions, bleeding disorders, or pregnancy.
Q&A
Q: Can I do cupping at home?
A: It’s strongly recommended to have cupping performed by a trained professional. Improper technique can lead to injuries.
Q: How often should I have cupping for menopause symptoms?
A: The frequency of cupping sessions will depend on your individual needs and the practitioner’s recommendations. The provided materials suggest courses of 7-10 sessions.
Q: Can cupping completely eliminate menopause symptoms?
A: There’s no scientific evidence to suggest that cupping can completely eliminate menopause symptoms. It may offer some relief for certain symptoms, but it’s not a cure.
Bottom line
Cupping is a traditional therapy that may offer some relief for certain menopause symptoms, particularly those related to pain and stress. However, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for menopause is limited. It’s crucial to approach cupping as a complementary therapy and not a replacement for conventional medical treatment. If you’re considering cupping, consult with your doctor and a qualified TCM practitioner to determine if it’s right for you.
Trusted source
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/ ↩︎
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/sleep-problems-and-menopause-what-can-i-do#:~:text=Hot%20flashes%2C%20especially%20night%20sweats,can%20contribute%20to%20poor%20sleep. ↩︎
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/what-menopause ↩︎
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/menopause-and-perimenopause-a-to-z ↩︎
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397 ↩︎
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cupping ↩︎
- https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E6%8B%94%E7%BD%90%E6%B3%95/10853014 ↩︎
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411014000509 ↩︎
- https://cms.pokoi.org.hk/treatment_07 ↩︎
- https://www.webmd.com/balance/cupping-therapy ↩︎
- https://embracehealth.hkbu.edu.hk/html/eclassroom_book_detail.php?bookid=24§ionid=163&id=1101 ↩︎
- https://auctoresonline.org/article/the-effect-of-wet-cupping-therapy-on-menopause-specific-quality-of-a-randomized-controlled-trial ↩︎
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22203873/ ↩︎
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324817 ↩︎
