Can children have cupping therapy?

Generally, cupping refers to "fire cupping." In most cases, healthy children can undergo cupping, but caution is advised; if a child has broken skin, cupping is not recommended. The reasoning is as follows:

Cupping is a traditional Chinese medicine external therapy that uses cups to create negative pressure, causing them to adhere to affected areas or acupuncture points and induce localized congestion, thereby achieving therapeutic effects. Cupping may be applied for certain conditions—such as colds, pneumonia, abdominal pain, or diarrhea—in children, but it must be performed under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Children have delicate skin, so cupping sessions should not last too long nor be performed too frequently to avoid skin damage. During the procedure, the child's response should be closely monitored. If symptoms such as dizziness, paleness, nausea, or vomiting occur, cupping should be stopped immediately and appropriate measures taken.

If a child has broken or damaged skin, cupping is not recommended. Additionally, children under the age of 3 are generally not advised to undergo cupping, as their bodies are particularly sensitive and may not tolerate the stimulation.

After cupping, parents should ensure the child’s skin remains clean and dry to prevent infection.