Jump to:
- What Is Cupping Therapy?
- How Does Cupping Work?
- Benefits of Cupping Therapy
- Is Cupping Effective?
- Cupping's Risks and Side Effects
- Should You Try Cupping Therapy?
MH cover star David Beckham’s 21-year career at the pinnacle of elite football wasn’t down to talent alone; you don't turn out 724 times for club and country unless you take recovery pretty seriously. But it wasn't all stretching and protein shakes. In fact, one of his go-to methods was – and still is – 'cupping', a traditional Chinese therapy.
'I love acupuncture and I love cupping,' he tells Men's Health. 'The one thing throughout my career, whenever I was injured, even now, whenever I've got an issue, I’ve got a guy called James who sees a lot of the rugby players. He comes down, kills me with cups and gets the needles out. It’s the one thing that gets me out of it.'
The England legend, now 49, is also a fan of ice baths – preferring them over cryotherapy. 'My ice bath is at one degree,' he says, 'and I chop and change going from sauna for 15, bath for five on repeat.' The combination of ice baths and cupping forms a holistic recovery routine that Beckham swears by.
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What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that’s been practiced for centuries. The process involves placing heated glass cups on the skin, creating a vacuum that suctions the skin and underlying tissue upwards. This suction is believed to increase blood flow and promote healing. Beckham, who’s been using cupping for years, is just one of many athletes – including Olympic legend Michael Phelps – who swear by it.
How Does Cupping Work?
To perform cupping, an acupuncturist lights a cotton ball soaked in alcohol and places it inside a glass cup. The fire removes the oxygen, and when the cup is placed on the skin, a vacuum is created. As the air inside the cup cools, it contracts, pulling the skin and tissues upward. This stretching and contracting process is believed to increase circulation and blood flow, helping with both muscle recovery and pain relief.
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Benefits of Cupping Therapy
Advocates of cupping claim it increases blood flow, which, according to Dr Houman Danesh of Mount Sinai Hospital, can 'jumpstart or restart a blunted healing response' in muscles. For athletes, this could mean faster recovery times and better muscle repair post-workout.
Dr Reid Blackwelder, past president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, tells MH US that cupping can be thought of as creating a 'sterile inflammation'. By drawing blood into the tissue, the body reacts as if it's been injured, triggering an inflammatory response. This, Dr Blackwelder says, can help mobilise antibodies and speed up the healing process.
Is Cupping Effective?
While there’s no definitive scientific proof that cupping works, some studies suggest it can help with pain relief, particularly for conditions like lower back pain and chronic neck pain. However, there’s a catch: the results may be influenced by the placebo effect, which means simply believing the treatment works might be enough to experience some benefits.
Science is divided on cupping's effectiveness, as it’s hard to isolate its impact in clinical studies. Dr Blackwelder notes that cupping is often used alongside conventional treatments, which makes it difficult to determine if it's the cupping itself or other therapies contributing to the relief.
Cupping's Risks and Side Effects
Cupping therapy is generally safe, with minimal risks involved. The most common side effect is the appearance of circular bruises on the skin, which are caused by the suction. These marks are not painful and typically disappear after a few days. However, anyone with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should avoid cupping, as it can aggravate the condition.
Should You Try Cupping Therapy?
If you're considering cupping, it could be worth trying, especially if you’re an athlete or dealing with muscle pain or tension. Dr Blackwelder suggests it could be a beneficial add-on if conventional methods like physical therapy or medication haven’t provided enough relief. Just keep in mind that while cupping may help some, it’s not a substitute for traditional medical treatments.
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Isaac Williams
Multiplatform Editor
Isaac Williams is Multiplatform Editor for both Women’s Health UK and Men’s Health UK, guiding and supporting the content teams to create content across all platforms. Isaac’s love of health and fitness began at Loughborough University, where he graduated with a History and English degree in 2014. His first job was at Men’s Running magazine, where he progressed from Staff Writer to Editor. Among his highlights of those four years include completing a 24-hour track race (never again), just about finishing a multi-day ultramarathon in the Azores, and chugging his way around a ‘beer mile’. Isaac ventured into the world of freelance journalism in 2018, interviewing some of the biggest names in sport – like Anthony Joshua and Ben Stokes – and writing features for the likes of The Guardian, Red Bull, ShortList and BBC Countryfile. He was also a regular contributor to an adventure series called ‘The Man Who’: speaking to some of the world’s most extreme explorers from the wilds of Caffè Nero. In late-2019, Isaac became Editor of Men’s Fitness UK. In his five years there, Isaac was responsible for editing the monthly magazine and managing website content, ultimately helping the brand transition to a ‘digital-first’ approach. He joined Hearst UK as Multiplatform Editor in December 2024, where he manages day-to-day digital output, edits content and writes articles on all things health and fitness. When he’s not hammering at his keyboard, Isaac enjoys exercise and trying – unsuccessfully, so far – to teach his baby son to kick a football. You can follow Isaac on Instagram @isaacw1993.
