To What Extent Does Science Support the Recommendation of Cupping Therapy for Migraines? A Step toward Creating Guidelines Based on Evidence

Abstract

Background: Migraines are extremely incapacitating headaches. Cupping therapy is a successful treatment that lessens the severity of headaches and migraines. The study aims to determine the level of scientific support for cupping therapy as a treatment for migraines. Methods: Published systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) about cupping therapy for migraines were examined. PubMed, Research Gate, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Trip, OVID, Cochrane Library, and CINAHIL were among the medical databases that were reviewed. Cupping therapy's safety and effectiveness in treating migraines, either by itself or in combination, were evaluated. Results: Three systematic reviews incorporated eighteen clinical trials and CPGs of Traditional Korean Medicine were reviewed. Sixteen wet cupping and two dry cupping studies were used. The study found significant treatment success with cupping therapy compared to controls. Cupping therapy significantly reduced pain intensity either alone or in combination with drugs. One to eight cupping points are used with different treatment regimens according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Prophetic Medicine, Korean Medicine and Persian Medicine. Conclusion: Migraines can be effectively treated with wet cupping either alone or, more effectively, in conjunction with other medications. It emphasizes the need for improved quality and transparency in research and is a major step towards comprehending the evidence and recommendations for cupping therapy within the CPGs in migraine. It is required that cupping therapy be included in the recommendations for treating migraine headaches.