Update evidence of effectiveness on pain relieving of cupping therapy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

doi:10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2025.02.002

Abstract

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To update the current best evidence on the effectiveness and safety of cupping therapy in pain management.

METHODS: The protocol of this systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021261308). An updated literature searching in 7 databases was conducted from January 2014 to January 2023. Two authors extracted data and assessed the risk of bias independently. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software (Cochrane Collaboration, London, UK). Meta-analysis with a random effect model was conducted when there was no serious statistical heterogeneity among trials (I2≤75%). Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was also conducted to assess the quality of evidence.

RESULTS: Seventy-two trials with 5720 participants were included. All included trials were assessed as having high risk of bias. The majority of the included trials reported the benefit of cupping plus other therapy or cupping alone on improving cure rate (average risk ratio more than 1.15) and reducing visual analogue scale [average mean difference (MD) reduction 0.16 to 7.0 cm], improving quality of life, quality of sleep or other symptoms related to pain condition. And there was low/very low quality evidence that the incidence of adverse events in the cupping groups were lower than that in the control groups. Although the heterogeneity between studies and the methodological quality of the study itself lead to the low evidence strength of the current conclusions, the results of this study are a valuable supplement to the founding of previous review.

CONCLUSION: Cupping therapy alone or combined with other therapy was considered benefit in relieving pain, improving the quality of life, and increasing the cure rate of patients with pain conditions, though supported by the low quality of evidence. According to the limited evidence, cupping therapy seems to have less harm than drugs when treating pain conditions.

Key words: Cupping therapy, pain, systematic review, Meta-analysis

WANG Yiying, DONG Shuai, LI Bo, HAN Mei, CAO Huijuan. Update evidence of effectiveness on pain relieving of cupping therapy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials[J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2025, 45(2): 234-253.

Figures/Tables 4

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Study ID	Disease type		Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measurement		Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID	Disease type		T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measurement		Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Cupping therapy vs waiting list/no treatment or usual care
Teut M et al 2012²²		Osteoarthritis of theknee	5/16	8/ 11	68.10±7.20	69.30± 6.80	2.90± 0.46	2.81± 0.55		①②③⑥	a	The knee joint	10	Twice weekly	NA	Wait-list	NA	2
Kim JI et al 2011²³		Non-specific low back pain	5/16	3/8	44.20±9.40	48.00± 5.40	5.81± 1.12	5.27± 8.00		①②⑥	b	Bilateral BL23, BL24, BL25	5	Three times weekly	SAC	Wait-list	NA	14
Lauche R et al 2011²⁴		Non-specific neck pain	7/15	4/ 20	48.60±11.2	53.00± 11.40	4.55± 2.09	4.23± 1.08		①③⑥	a	Tender points	10-20	Every 3-4 d	NA	Wait-list	NA	14
Wu ZS 2007²⁵		Acute ankle sprain	10/ 21	11/19	NR	NR	8.61± 1.06	8.74± 0.92		①④⑥	b	Tender points	10	Once daily	NA	Wait-list	NA	5
Zhang QE, Lai Z 2017²⁶		Low back pain	50/ 52	52/54	NR	NR	4.03± 0.89	3.62± 0.91		①③④	e	From DU14 to DU2 on the back midline	10	Once every 2 d	NA	Usual care 1^k	30 min, once every 2 d.	14
Dong G et al 2014²⁷		Low back pain	28/ 22	27/23	54.50 (39.00-70.00)	54.00 (38.00-70.00)	7.45± 1.48	7.38± 1.35		①④	f	BL23, DU3, BL40 and Ashi (bilateral)	5-15	Once every 2 d	NA	Usual care 2	20-30 min, once daily.	10
Farhadi K et al 2009²⁸		Non-specific low back pain	30/ 18	37/13	44.90± 14.80	41.80± 13.90	2.70± 0.80	2.70± 0.90		①⑥	b	Tender points	3-5	Once every 2 d	NA	Usual care 3	See notes for details.	6
Lauche R et al 2013²⁹		Chronic neck pain	6/24	10/21	54.50± 12.30	53.70± 13.40	5.58± 1.97	5.63± 1.86		①②③⑥	d	NA	10-15	Twice weekly	NA	Usual care 4	20 min, twice weekly.	84
Cramer H et al 2011³⁰		Chronic neck pain	4/20	6/ 18	44.50± 10.80	47.90± 13.50	4.12± 1.45	4.20± 1.57		①②③⑥	ad	Ashi	10-15	Once every 3-4 d.	NA	Usual care 5	See notes for details.	14
Kim TH et al 2012³¹		Neck pain	7/13	11/9	25.50 (22.50-40.50)	28.00 (25.00-31.50)	5.93± 1.63	6.49± 1.49		①②③⑥	b	Ashi	5-10	Three times weekly.	NA	Usual care 1^l	10 min, 3 times weekly.	49
Study ID	Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome mea-surement	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID	Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome mea-surement	Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
MichalsenA et al 2009³²	Carpal tunnel syndrome	2/ 24	4/ 22	57.20±7.70	59.30±8.30	6.15± 2.49	5.86± 2.51	①②③⑥	b	Tender points	5-10	Treatment once	NA	Usual care 1^m	Once 15 min	7
Cupping therapy vs drugs
Xue M et al 2021³³	Dysmenorrhea	0/ 29	0/ 29	26.48±4.82	27.71±4.01	NR	NR	②④	b	SP8	10	Once a month	NA	Ibuprofen	0.3-0.6 g, twice daily	90
Wang L et al 2020³⁴	Postherpetic neuralgia	16/19	17/ 18	58.60	57.80	9.15± 0.31	9.07± 0.27	①④⑤⑥	b	Ashi	15-20	Once every 2 d	NA	Gabapentin capsule	0.3 g, 3 times daily (once or twice on the first two days)	16
Li XJ et al 2019³⁵	Postherpetic neuralgia	16/16	14/ 18	46.90± 13.90	46.70± 14.30	6.90± 1.30	6.97± 1.40	①④⑥	b	Zhuang medicine acupoints	10-15	Once every 3 d	NA	Gabapentin capsule	300 mg，3 times daily	60
Liu MH, Wang GY 2017³⁶	Postherpetic neuralgia	18/17	19/ 14	52.00	49.00	7.91± 1.35	7.88± 1.47	①④⑤⑥	b	NA	5-10	Once daily	NA	Flupentixol; Melitracen	10.5 mg, twice daily; 0.5 mg, 3 times daily.	28
Luo CY et al 2017³⁷	Postherpetic neuralgia (AIDS)	8/ 14	10/ 12	48.00± 18.00	50.00± 18.00	8.30± 1.50	8.30± 1.40	①④	b	Ashi	20-30	Once every 2 d	NA	Meco-balamin; Carba-mazepine	10 mg, 3 times a day; 0.5 mg, 3 times a day; 0.1 g, 3 times a day.	20
Zhang XQ, Hu CL 2015³⁸	Postherpetic neuralgia	14/24	16/ 22	60.20±9.70	61.40± 10.20	NR	NR	②④	b	The affected skin	NA	Once every 5 d	NA	Amitriptyline	25 mg, once daily at bedtime.	30
Study ID		Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measurement	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID		Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measurement	Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Feng LF 2015³⁹	Postherpetic neuralgia		22/16	20/18	56.32±9.81	58.24±9.29	7.21± 1.16	7.18± 1.21	①④	b	Ashi	10	Once every 3 d	NA	Mecobalamin; Indomethacin	5 mg, twice daily; 5 mg, twice daily.	30
Xing YK et al 2017⁴⁰	Herpes zoster		14/14	15/13	40.02±19.62	42.50±18.32	7.80± 1.75	7.78± 1.70	①②④⑥	b	NA	NA	Once daily	NA	sodium phosphonate (intravenous drip); Valaciclovir	3 g, once daily; 0.15 g, twice daily	14
Li ZQ 2018⁴¹	Acute herpes zoster		26/33	28/31	44.83±15.36	44.44±15.33	NR	NR	④	b	Tender points	1-2	Once every 3 d	NA	Acyclovir; Mecobalamin;	0.2 g, 3 times daily; 0.5 mg; 3 times daily.	10
Chen W et al 2014⁴²	Acute herpes zoster		12/18	10/20	Range 40.00-76.00	Range 46.00-80.00	7.63± 1.19	7.40± 1.11	①④⑥	b	Tender points	10-15	Once every 2 d	NA	Valaciclovir hydrochloride (Fasting before meals).	0.3 g, twice daily.	10
Liu Y, et al 2016⁴³	Migraine		10/20	12/18	41.47±13.51	42.47 ±13.60	5.73± 2.01	6.07± 1.61	①②④	b	EX-HN5 (bilateral) and its nearby	NA	NA	NA	Diclofenac sodium	75 mg, once daily.	90
Jiang HW et al 2015⁴⁴	Migraine		7/23	9/21	20.00-65.00	18.00-57.00	NR	NR	④⑥	b	BL17	20	Twice weekly	NA	Ceftriaxone hydrochloride	10 mg every night.	28
Song N et al 2013⁴⁵	Migraine		16/29	18/27	35.40±3.10	36.10 ±2.30	6.76± 1.48	6.44± 1.78	①②④	b	G20, GV14	15	Twice weekly	NA	Flunarizine	10 mg, once daily at bedtime.	56
Zhou YC 2016⁴⁶	Neck myofascial pain syndrome		7/23	9/21	38.33±8.63	36.90 ±9.03	6.03± 1.32	5.93± 1.36	①②	b	Ashi	10	Once every 3 d	NA	Lidocaine	2 mL at each point, once every 3 d.	15
Wu K 2013⁴⁷	Osteoarthritis		8/22	7/23	56.70±6.60	57.40±5.80	6.97± 0.85	7.00± 0.87	①⑥	b	Ex-LE4, Ex-LE5, ST34, SP10, SP9, Ashi	3-4	Once every 2 d	NA	Diclofenac	50 mg, twice daily.	14
Study ID	Disease type		Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treat-ment duration
Study ID	Disease type		T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measure-ment	Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Com-bination frequency	Combin-ation on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treat-ment duration
Cupping therapy plus drugs vs drugs
Hou YW et al 2022⁴⁸		Postherpetic neuralgia	13/17	14/16	49.79±3.46	55.34±1.78	8 (8,9)	8 (7,9)	①②④	j	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Dihydrocodeine Tartrate Tablets	60 mg, 3 times daily	20
Luo TW, Wu XY 2022⁴⁹		Haemorr-hoids	15/12	15/18	38±16	39±14	6.18± 1.85	6.27± 1.89	①④	b	BL57	5	Once every 4 d	SAC	Diosmin tablets; Yinglong Ma musk hemorrhoid Cream; Potassium permanganate solution	1 g, twice daily; (applied externally), 20 min, twice daily; (sitting bath) twice daily	14
Xia ZY et al 2022⁵⁰		Pain after fracture	25/19	23/21	67.72±0.68	67.32±1.11	NR	NR	①②	b	GB34, GB39, BL57, Ashi, BL-25, BL54, GB30, etc	8	Once daily	SAC	Self controlledanalgesics (intravenous injection)	5 mL (first), 15 min, 2 mL/h (sustained dose), a single dose of 0.5 mL	7
Zhang CF 2022⁵¹		Herpes zoster	22/18	24/16	45.26±3.74	45.48±3.62	6.94± 0.54	7.05± 0.57	①②④	b	Ashi	10	Once daily	SAC	Valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets, Mecobalamin tablets	0.3 g, twice daily 0.5 mg, 3 times daily	10
Li H 2022⁵²		Acute herpes zoster	14/18	15/17	Range27-78	Range20-76	7.21± 1.21	7.15± 1.14	①④	b	Ashi	3-5	Once daily	SAC	Acyclovir sodium needle, Me-cobalamin	0.5 g, 3 times daily; 0.5 mg, 3 times daily	7
Zhang LQ et al 2021⁵³		Postherpetic neuralgia	16/15	17/13	61.69±8.43	61.42±7.96	7.09± 1.33	7.05± 1.30	①②④⑥	b	Ashi	15-20	Once every 2 d	SAC	Pregabalin	150 mg, twice daily.	30
Yang C et al 2019⁵⁴		Postherpetic neuralgia	33/32	34/31	39.78±5.24	40.15±4.92	39.78±5.24	40.15± 4.92	①③④	b	The herpes area	NA	Once every 2 d	SAC	Rat nerve growth factor (Injected intra-muscularly)	30 μg, once daily.	14
Study ID		Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID		Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measure-ment	Type of cup-ing	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combina-tion frequency	Combina-tion on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Su ZY et al 2020⁵⁵	Acute gouty arthritis		18/ 12	11/ 19	38.10±5.30	39.20±5.60	8.43± 1.17	8.46± 1.12	①②④⑥	b	NA	3-5	Once every 2 days	SAC	Fibulinastat	40 mg, once daily.	5
Wang D, Huang CZ 2020⁵⁶	Acute gouty arthritis		31/ 19	30/ 20	65.13±14.24	15.55±4.49	8.35± 1.50	8.23± 1.45	①④⑥	b	ST44, BL66, GB43	10-15	Once every 2 d	SAC	Diclofenac sodium	75 mg, once daily.	16
Jiang GL et al 2019⁵⁷	Acute herpes zoster pain		18/ 12	16/ 14	47.30±13.20	44.20±15.30	7.26± 1.34	7.18± 1.47	①⑥	b	The herpes area	10-15	NA	SAC	Valaciclovir hydrochlorideMecobalamin	0.3 g, twice daily; 0.5 mg, 3 times daily; 10 mg, 3 times daily.	15
Liu Z 2019⁵⁸	Herpes zoster acute blister		22/ 20	20/ 21	44.80±13.70	44.30±15.80	6.60± 1.31	6.46± 1.55	①④⑥	a	The herpes area	10	Once every 4 d	SAC	Valaciclovir hydrochloride	300 mg, twice a day; 10 mg, 3 times a day.	12
Tong LS 2016⁵⁹	Herpes zoster		24/ 18	22/ 18	45.00±8.40	44.50±5.30	NR	NR	④⑥	b	Ashi	15	Once 2 d	SAC	Acyclovir ointment; Acyclovir tablets	3 times daily; 0.4 g, 5 times daily.	10
Feng L, Huang SY 2018⁶⁰	Cervicalspondylotic radiculo-pathy		10/ 10	8/ 12	53.00±14.00	46.00±14.00	6.40± 1.54	6.30± 1.95	①②④	c	DU14, GB21, SI11, SI15, SI14, SI13, Ashi	5-10	Once daily	SAC	Loxoprofen sodium	60 mg, 3 times a day.	30
Zhang HY 2014⁶¹	Lumbodor-sal myofasciitis		22/ 38	24/ 36	39.20±3.40	40.10±3.60	6.81± 2.26	6.77± 2.34	①④	de	Bladder meridians	10	Once 2 d	SAC	Votalin emulsion	3-4 times daily.	10
Li BJ 2022⁶²	Cervical spondyosis		23/17	22/ 18	47±6	46±7	7.48± 0.51	7.42± 0.55	①④⑥	b	GV14, SI11	8	Once every 5 d	SAC	Electro-acupuncture	20 min, once daily	20
Cupping therapy plus acupuncture vs acupuncture
Xu J, yANG LL 2022⁶³	Lumbago		18/17	19/ 16	56.47±3.18	56.42±3.16	8.16± 1.05	8.09± 1.02	①②④	b	BL40, BL17, Ashi, BL23	5	Once every 2 d	SAC	Warm needling (acupuncture)	30 min, once daily	30
Study ID		Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID		Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measure-ment	Type of cup-ing	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Wu XY et al 2022⁶⁴	Scapulo-humeral periarthritis		14/19	11/20	52.36±4.99	51.35±5.10	5.70± 2.08	5.71± 2.20	①④	d	Ashi	NA	Once every week	SAC	Acupuncture	30 min, Once every 2 d	14
Huang HP et al 2022⁶⁵	Scapulo-humeral periarthritis		20/16	19/17	50.78±2.98	51.21±3.23	7.43± 1.04	7.45± 1.11	①②④	b	TE14, LI15, SI11, Ashi	3-7	Once daily	SAC	Warm needling (acupuncture)	30 min, Once every other day	10
Dong JP et al 2021⁶⁶	Dysmenorr-hea		0/26	0/26	18.00-35.00	20.00-33.00	9.56± 1.71	9.75± 1.81	④⑥	ad	Bilateral of spine	NA	Once every 3 d	SAC	Acupuncture	40 min, once daily	90
Zhang QH 2020⁶⁷	Postherpetic neuralgia		19/16	20/15	56.90±3.30	57.30±3.10	8.20± 0.50	8.10± 0.70	①④⑤⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Fire-acupuncture	NA, Once every 2 d	20
Zhao XX 2018⁶⁸	Postherpetic neuralgia		NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	①④⑤⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Fire-acupuncture	NA, Once every other day	10
Zhang HX et al 2009⁶⁹	Herpes zoster		10/15	12/13	18.00-66.00	19.00-67.00	NR	NR	①④	b	Ashi	5-10	Once daily	SAC	Electro-acupuncture	30 min, NA.	10
Xie FL et al 2019⁷⁰	Lumbar disc herniation		86/64	80/70	48.70±4.60	46.20 ±4.10	5.24± 0.54	5.35± 0.61	①③④⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once in 2-3 d	SAC	Acupuncture	30 min, 3 times weekly	14-21
Wang ZJ et al 2018⁷¹	Lumbar disc herniation		43/37	46/34	48.15±4.43	47.88 ±4.43	4.61± 0.79	4.53± 0.76	①⑥	c	Wrist and ankle	10	Once daily	SAC	Acupuncture (Wrist ankle acupuncture therapy)	30 min, once daily.	7
Cupping therapy plus acupuncture vs acupuncture
Lu P et al 2016⁷²	Lumbar disc herniation		17/14	15/16	47.48±7.05	45.70±8.37	6.452±0.624	6.355±0.733	①⑥	eg	EX-B2, BL17 BL23, BL25 and EX-B6 (bilateral)	5	Once daily	SAC	Acupuncture	30 min, once daily	28
Study ID		Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID		Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measure-ment	Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combina-tion on therapy	Control group	Usage
Chen WJ et al 2019⁷³	Chronic low back pain		17/20	16/21	58.00±6.20	58.00±7.80	8.11±1.22	8.05±0.97	①⑥	i	Ashi	NA	Once daily	SAC	Acupuncture	30 min, once daily	10
Liu HY 2020⁷⁴	Low back pain		20/20	21/19	42.48±2.59	41.22±1.96	NR	NR	①④	a	Dai meridian	≤15	Every 2 d	SAC	Acupuncture	15 min, once daily	NR
Ma LY, Bi Y 2020⁷⁵	Knee osteoarthritis		16/14	15/15	53.36±5.15	55.73±5.66	6.48±1.52	6.60±1.40	①④⑥	c	Ashi, EX-LE2, EX-LE4, EX-LE5, SP10, ST35, ST36, GB34, GB33, SP9Y	5-10	Once daily	SAC	Acupuncture	30 min, once daily	10
Zhu WJ et al 2017⁷⁶	Dorsal myofasciitis		15/20	16/19	36.20±6.70	35.80±7.30	6.31±1.62	6.42±2.05	①④⑥	h	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Electro-acupuncture	30 min, once daily	16
Chen JJ 2009⁷⁷	Scapulohumeral periarthritis		16/14	15/13	52.00±1.56	53.00±1.25	4.63±1.42	4.63±1.42	①④⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Electro-acupuncture	30 min, once daily	60
Cupping therapy plus other therapy vs other therapy
Malik S et al 2022⁷⁸	Chronic plantar fasciitis		0/15	0/15	22.2±1.85	22.8±2.18	7.67±0.90	7.07±0.96	①	a	Affected side	10	Thrice a week	SAC	Excercise	25-30 min, 3 times/ week	28
Han LL et al 2022⁷⁹	Breast carbuncle		0/32	0/32	36.75±4.87	36.91±4.49	7.00 (5.25,8.00)	6.50 (6.00,8.00)	①②④	b	Ashi	NA	Once every 5 days	SAC	Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula	twice daily	14
Jiang Q, Chen Y 2022⁸⁰	Acute lumbago		27/20	25/22	42.09±6.35	42.18±6.44	6.10±0.72	6.03±0.68	①③④⑥	j	Du Meridian and Bladder Meridians	5-10	Once every 3 days	SAC	Celecoxib capsules; Yulong powder (External Applied)	100 mg, twice daily; once daily	21
Sun ZZ et al 2022⁸¹	Cervical spondyosis		20/25	21/23	45.91±5.47	46.35±5.41	5.82±0.81	5.74±0.77	①⑥	d	Shoulder dorsal to lumbar	45	Once every 3 days	SAC	Massage	30 min	21
Study ID	Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Out-come measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID	Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Out-come measure-ment	Type of cup-ping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Liang NJ 2022⁸²	Cervical spondyosis	17/27	19/25	52.84±3.91	53.02±3.12	6.74±0.55	6.88±0.51	①④⑥	c	Cervical Jiaji	5-8	Once daily	SAC	Massage	20 min	12
Dong PP, Li FF 2022⁸³	Acute lumbar posterior joint disorder	46/49	43/52	42.6±5.9	42.3±5.7	5.94±0.55	5.87±0.58	①④⑥	f	Ashi	10-15	Once daily	SAC	Massage	Once daily	14
Wan FD et al 2022⁸⁴	Cervical spondyosis	17/13	16/14	46.87±5.34	46.43±5.74	5.67±1.56	5.61±1.63	①④⑥	c	Acupoints were selected based on meridian flow	8-10	Once daily	SAC	Massage	Once daily	14
Moura CC et al 2021⁸⁵	Chronic back pain	15/73	15/79	48.20±11.62	47.87±13.18	NR	NR	①⑥	a	Selection according to the region of pain	10	Once a week	SAC	Ear acupuncture	Once a week	42
Xiao BE et al 2021⁸⁶	Chronic non-specific low back pain	36/32	38/30	57.65±5.37	57.27±5.62	7.18±1.05	7.10±1.08	①⑥	j	Du Meridian and Bladder Meridians	5-10	Once every 3 d	SAC	Exercise	Core muscle group training (NA)	28
Chen JX et al 2021⁸⁷	Chronic non-specific lower back pain	27/21	26/22	63.50±3.40	64.20±3.40	6.33±1.72	6.29±1.66	①③⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Exercise	McKenzie therapy once a day	10
Feng WH, Shao P 2017⁸⁸	Low back and leg pain	NR	NR	NR	NR	8.73±0.51	8.80±0.47	①⑥	c	DU3, EX-B2, BL25 point, and Ashi	8	Twice weekly	SAC	Exercise	Physical therapy (NA)	14
Chen JX et al 2020⁸⁹	Low back pain	22/26	25/23	46.10±3.20	42.30±3.50	7.73±1.21	7.78±1.23	①⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once daily	SAC	Exercise	McKenzie therapy, once a day	10
He YM et al 2020⁹⁰	Breast pain	0/40	0/40	35.60±3.40	35.80±3.20	6.17±1.08	5.96±1.15P	③④⑥	bj	LA14	5	Twice weekly	SAC	Xiaopi oral liquid	15-30 mL, 3 times daily	60
Wang J et al 2019⁹¹	Shoulder pain	14/9	13/10	56.71±5.49	56.31±5.63	NR	NR	①	a	GB21, Ashi	8-10	Treatment only once	SAC	Massage	NA	2
Study ID	Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID	Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measure-ment	Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Chen X et al 2017⁹²	Scapulohumeral periarthritis	17/23	18/22	52.72±10.35	51.34±11.37	5.82± 0.71	6.13± 0.74	①④⑥	a	Ashi, SI11, SI9, and LI15 of the affected side	10	Once a week	SAC	Gua-sha therapy	10 min, once weekly	28
Ouyang Q et al 2001⁹³	Hemiplegic shoulder pain	18/8	22/8	58.20 (27.00-75.00)	56.80 (29.00-71.00)	6.37± 3.22	6.25± 3.01	①⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Exercise	30 min once daily	30

Study ID	Disease type		Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measurement		Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID	Disease type		T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measurement		Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Cupping therapy vs waiting list/no treatment or usual care
Teut M et al 2012²²		Osteoarthritis of theknee	5/16	8/ 11	68.10±7.20	69.30± 6.80	2.90± 0.46	2.81± 0.55		①②③⑥	a	The knee joint	10	Twice weekly	NA	Wait-list	NA	2
Kim JI et al 2011²³		Non-specific low back pain	5/16	3/8	44.20±9.40	48.00± 5.40	5.81± 1.12	5.27± 8.00		①②⑥	b	Bilateral BL23, BL24, BL25	5	Three times weekly	SAC	Wait-list	NA	14
Lauche R et al 2011²⁴		Non-specific neck pain	7/15	4/ 20	48.60±11.2	53.00± 11.40	4.55± 2.09	4.23± 1.08		①③⑥	a	Tender points	10-20	Every 3-4 d	NA	Wait-list	NA	14
Wu ZS 2007²⁵		Acute ankle sprain	10/ 21	11/19	NR	NR	8.61± 1.06	8.74± 0.92		①④⑥	b	Tender points	10	Once daily	NA	Wait-list	NA	5
Zhang QE, Lai Z 2017²⁶		Low back pain	50/ 52	52/54	NR	NR	4.03± 0.89	3.62± 0.91		①③④	e	From DU14 to DU2 on the back midline	10	Once every 2 d	NA	Usual care 1^k	30 min, once every 2 d.	14
Dong G et al 2014²⁷		Low back pain	28/ 22	27/23	54.50 (39.00-70.00)	54.00 (38.00-70.00)	7.45± 1.48	7.38± 1.35		①④	f	BL23, DU3, BL40 and Ashi (bilateral)	5-15	Once every 2 d	NA	Usual care 2	20-30 min, once daily.	10
Farhadi K et al 2009²⁸		Non-specific low back pain	30/ 18	37/13	44.90± 14.80	41.80± 13.90	2.70± 0.80	2.70± 0.90		①⑥	b	Tender points	3-5	Once every 2 d	NA	Usual care 3	See notes for details.	6
Lauche R et al 2013²⁹		Chronic neck pain	6/24	10/21	54.50± 12.30	53.70± 13.40	5.58± 1.97	5.63± 1.86		①②③⑥	d	NA	10-15	Twice weekly	NA	Usual care 4	20 min, twice weekly.	84
Cramer H et al 2011³⁰		Chronic neck pain	4/20	6/ 18	44.50± 10.80	47.90± 13.50	4.12± 1.45	4.20± 1.57		①②③⑥	ad	Ashi	10-15	Once every 3-4 d.	NA	Usual care 5	See notes for details.	14
Kim TH et al 2012³¹		Neck pain	7/13	11/9	25.50 (22.50-40.50)	28.00 (25.00-31.50)	5.93± 1.63	6.49± 1.49		①②③⑥	b	Ashi	5-10	Three times weekly.	NA	Usual care 1^l	10 min, 3 times weekly.	49
Study ID	Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome mea-surement	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID	Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome mea-surement	Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
MichalsenA et al 2009³²	Carpal tunnel syndrome	2/ 24	4/ 22	57.20±7.70	59.30±8.30	6.15± 2.49	5.86± 2.51	①②③⑥	b	Tender points	5-10	Treatment once	NA	Usual care 1^m	Once 15 min	7
Cupping therapy vs drugs
Xue M et al 2021³³	Dysmenorrhea	0/ 29	0/ 29	26.48±4.82	27.71±4.01	NR	NR	②④	b	SP8	10	Once a month	NA	Ibuprofen	0.3-0.6 g, twice daily	90
Wang L et al 2020³⁴	Postherpetic neuralgia	16/19	17/ 18	58.60	57.80	9.15± 0.31	9.07± 0.27	①④⑤⑥	b	Ashi	15-20	Once every 2 d	NA	Gabapentin capsule	0.3 g, 3 times daily (once or twice on the first two days)	16
Li XJ et al 2019³⁵	Postherpetic neuralgia	16/16	14/ 18	46.90± 13.90	46.70± 14.30	6.90± 1.30	6.97± 1.40	①④⑥	b	Zhuang medicine acupoints	10-15	Once every 3 d	NA	Gabapentin capsule	300 mg，3 times daily	60
Liu MH, Wang GY 2017³⁶	Postherpetic neuralgia	18/17	19/ 14	52.00	49.00	7.91± 1.35	7.88± 1.47	①④⑤⑥	b	NA	5-10	Once daily	NA	Flupentixol; Melitracen	10.5 mg, twice daily; 0.5 mg, 3 times daily.	28
Luo CY et al 2017³⁷	Postherpetic neuralgia (AIDS)	8/ 14	10/ 12	48.00± 18.00	50.00± 18.00	8.30± 1.50	8.30± 1.40	①④	b	Ashi	20-30	Once every 2 d	NA	Meco-balamin; Carba-mazepine	10 mg, 3 times a day; 0.5 mg, 3 times a day; 0.1 g, 3 times a day.	20
Zhang XQ, Hu CL 2015³⁸	Postherpetic neuralgia	14/24	16/ 22	60.20±9.70	61.40± 10.20	NR	NR	②④	b	The affected skin	NA	Once every 5 d	NA	Amitriptyline	25 mg, once daily at bedtime.	30
Study ID		Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measurement	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID		Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measurement	Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Feng LF 2015³⁹	Postherpetic neuralgia		22/16	20/18	56.32±9.81	58.24±9.29	7.21± 1.16	7.18± 1.21	①④	b	Ashi	10	Once every 3 d	NA	Mecobalamin; Indomethacin	5 mg, twice daily; 5 mg, twice daily.	30
Xing YK et al 2017⁴⁰	Herpes zoster		14/14	15/13	40.02±19.62	42.50±18.32	7.80± 1.75	7.78± 1.70	①②④⑥	b	NA	NA	Once daily	NA	sodium phosphonate (intravenous drip); Valaciclovir	3 g, once daily; 0.15 g, twice daily	14
Li ZQ 2018⁴¹	Acute herpes zoster		26/33	28/31	44.83±15.36	44.44±15.33	NR	NR	④	b	Tender points	1-2	Once every 3 d	NA	Acyclovir; Mecobalamin;	0.2 g, 3 times daily; 0.5 mg; 3 times daily.	10
Chen W et al 2014⁴²	Acute herpes zoster		12/18	10/20	Range 40.00-76.00	Range 46.00-80.00	7.63± 1.19	7.40± 1.11	①④⑥	b	Tender points	10-15	Once every 2 d	NA	Valaciclovir hydrochloride (Fasting before meals).	0.3 g, twice daily.	10
Liu Y, et al 2016⁴³	Migraine		10/20	12/18	41.47±13.51	42.47 ±13.60	5.73± 2.01	6.07± 1.61	①②④	b	EX-HN5 (bilateral) and its nearby	NA	NA	NA	Diclofenac sodium	75 mg, once daily.	90
Jiang HW et al 2015⁴⁴	Migraine		7/23	9/21	20.00-65.00	18.00-57.00	NR	NR	④⑥	b	BL17	20	Twice weekly	NA	Ceftriaxone hydrochloride	10 mg every night.	28
Song N et al 2013⁴⁵	Migraine		16/29	18/27	35.40±3.10	36.10 ±2.30	6.76± 1.48	6.44± 1.78	①②④	b	G20, GV14	15	Twice weekly	NA	Flunarizine	10 mg, once daily at bedtime.	56
Zhou YC 2016⁴⁶	Neck myofascial pain syndrome		7/23	9/21	38.33±8.63	36.90 ±9.03	6.03± 1.32	5.93± 1.36	①②	b	Ashi	10	Once every 3 d	NA	Lidocaine	2 mL at each point, once every 3 d.	15
Wu K 2013⁴⁷	Osteoarthritis		8/22	7/23	56.70±6.60	57.40±5.80	6.97± 0.85	7.00± 0.87	①⑥	b	Ex-LE4, Ex-LE5, ST34, SP10, SP9, Ashi	3-4	Once every 2 d	NA	Diclofenac	50 mg, twice daily.	14
Study ID	Disease type		Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treat-ment duration
Study ID	Disease type		T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measure-ment	Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Com-bination frequency	Combin-ation on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treat-ment duration
Cupping therapy plus drugs vs drugs
Hou YW et al 2022⁴⁸		Postherpetic neuralgia	13/17	14/16	49.79±3.46	55.34±1.78	8 (8,9)	8 (7,9)	①②④	j	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Dihydrocodeine Tartrate Tablets	60 mg, 3 times daily	20
Luo TW, Wu XY 2022⁴⁹		Haemorr-hoids	15/12	15/18	38±16	39±14	6.18± 1.85	6.27± 1.89	①④	b	BL57	5	Once every 4 d	SAC	Diosmin tablets; Yinglong Ma musk hemorrhoid Cream; Potassium permanganate solution	1 g, twice daily; (applied externally), 20 min, twice daily; (sitting bath) twice daily	14
Xia ZY et al 2022⁵⁰		Pain after fracture	25/19	23/21	67.72±0.68	67.32±1.11	NR	NR	①②	b	GB34, GB39, BL57, Ashi, BL-25, BL54, GB30, etc	8	Once daily	SAC	Self controlledanalgesics (intravenous injection)	5 mL (first), 15 min, 2 mL/h (sustained dose), a single dose of 0.5 mL	7
Zhang CF 2022⁵¹		Herpes zoster	22/18	24/16	45.26±3.74	45.48±3.62	6.94± 0.54	7.05± 0.57	①②④	b	Ashi	10	Once daily	SAC	Valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets, Mecobalamin tablets	0.3 g, twice daily 0.5 mg, 3 times daily	10
Li H 2022⁵²		Acute herpes zoster	14/18	15/17	Range27-78	Range20-76	7.21± 1.21	7.15± 1.14	①④	b	Ashi	3-5	Once daily	SAC	Acyclovir sodium needle, Me-cobalamin	0.5 g, 3 times daily; 0.5 mg, 3 times daily	7
Zhang LQ et al 2021⁵³		Postherpetic neuralgia	16/15	17/13	61.69±8.43	61.42±7.96	7.09± 1.33	7.05± 1.30	①②④⑥	b	Ashi	15-20	Once every 2 d	SAC	Pregabalin	150 mg, twice daily.	30
Yang C et al 2019⁵⁴		Postherpetic neuralgia	33/32	34/31	39.78±5.24	40.15±4.92	39.78±5.24	40.15± 4.92	①③④	b	The herpes area	NA	Once every 2 d	SAC	Rat nerve growth factor (Injected intra-muscularly)	30 μg, once daily.	14
Study ID		Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID		Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measure-ment	Type of cup-ing	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combina-tion frequency	Combina-tion on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Su ZY et al 2020⁵⁵	Acute gouty arthritis		18/ 12	11/ 19	38.10±5.30	39.20±5.60	8.43± 1.17	8.46± 1.12	①②④⑥	b	NA	3-5	Once every 2 days	SAC	Fibulinastat	40 mg, once daily.	5
Wang D, Huang CZ 2020⁵⁶	Acute gouty arthritis		31/ 19	30/ 20	65.13±14.24	15.55±4.49	8.35± 1.50	8.23± 1.45	①④⑥	b	ST44, BL66, GB43	10-15	Once every 2 d	SAC	Diclofenac sodium	75 mg, once daily.	16
Jiang GL et al 2019⁵⁷	Acute herpes zoster pain		18/ 12	16/ 14	47.30±13.20	44.20±15.30	7.26± 1.34	7.18± 1.47	①⑥	b	The herpes area	10-15	NA	SAC	Valaciclovir hydrochlorideMecobalamin	0.3 g, twice daily; 0.5 mg, 3 times daily; 10 mg, 3 times daily.	15
Liu Z 2019⁵⁸	Herpes zoster acute blister		22/ 20	20/ 21	44.80±13.70	44.30±15.80	6.60± 1.31	6.46± 1.55	①④⑥	a	The herpes area	10	Once every 4 d	SAC	Valaciclovir hydrochloride	300 mg, twice a day; 10 mg, 3 times a day.	12
Tong LS 2016⁵⁹	Herpes zoster		24/ 18	22/ 18	45.00±8.40	44.50±5.30	NR	NR	④⑥	b	Ashi	15	Once 2 d	SAC	Acyclovir ointment; Acyclovir tablets	3 times daily; 0.4 g, 5 times daily.	10
Feng L, Huang SY 2018⁶⁰	Cervicalspondylotic radiculo-pathy		10/ 10	8/ 12	53.00±14.00	46.00±14.00	6.40± 1.54	6.30± 1.95	①②④	c	DU14, GB21, SI11, SI15, SI14, SI13, Ashi	5-10	Once daily	SAC	Loxoprofen sodium	60 mg, 3 times a day.	30
Zhang HY 2014⁶¹	Lumbodor-sal myofasciitis		22/ 38	24/ 36	39.20±3.40	40.10±3.60	6.81± 2.26	6.77± 2.34	①④	de	Bladder meridians	10	Once 2 d	SAC	Votalin emulsion	3-4 times daily.	10
Li BJ 2022⁶²	Cervical spondyosis		23/17	22/ 18	47±6	46±7	7.48± 0.51	7.42± 0.55	①④⑥	b	GV14, SI11	8	Once every 5 d	SAC	Electro-acupuncture	20 min, once daily	20
Cupping therapy plus acupuncture vs acupuncture
Xu J, yANG LL 2022⁶³	Lumbago		18/17	19/ 16	56.47±3.18	56.42±3.16	8.16± 1.05	8.09± 1.02	①②④	b	BL40, BL17, Ashi, BL23	5	Once every 2 d	SAC	Warm needling (acupuncture)	30 min, once daily	30
Study ID		Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID		Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measure-ment	Type of cup-ing	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Wu XY et al 2022⁶⁴	Scapulo-humeral periarthritis		14/19	11/20	52.36±4.99	51.35±5.10	5.70± 2.08	5.71± 2.20	①④	d	Ashi	NA	Once every week	SAC	Acupuncture	30 min, Once every 2 d	14
Huang HP et al 2022⁶⁵	Scapulo-humeral periarthritis		20/16	19/17	50.78±2.98	51.21±3.23	7.43± 1.04	7.45± 1.11	①②④	b	TE14, LI15, SI11, Ashi	3-7	Once daily	SAC	Warm needling (acupuncture)	30 min, Once every other day	10
Dong JP et al 2021⁶⁶	Dysmenorr-hea		0/26	0/26	18.00-35.00	20.00-33.00	9.56± 1.71	9.75± 1.81	④⑥	ad	Bilateral of spine	NA	Once every 3 d	SAC	Acupuncture	40 min, once daily	90
Zhang QH 2020⁶⁷	Postherpetic neuralgia		19/16	20/15	56.90±3.30	57.30±3.10	8.20± 0.50	8.10± 0.70	①④⑤⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Fire-acupuncture	NA, Once every 2 d	20
Zhao XX 2018⁶⁸	Postherpetic neuralgia		NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	NR	①④⑤⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Fire-acupuncture	NA, Once every other day	10
Zhang HX et al 2009⁶⁹	Herpes zoster		10/15	12/13	18.00-66.00	19.00-67.00	NR	NR	①④	b	Ashi	5-10	Once daily	SAC	Electro-acupuncture	30 min, NA.	10
Xie FL et al 2019⁷⁰	Lumbar disc herniation		86/64	80/70	48.70±4.60	46.20 ±4.10	5.24± 0.54	5.35± 0.61	①③④⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once in 2-3 d	SAC	Acupuncture	30 min, 3 times weekly	14-21
Wang ZJ et al 2018⁷¹	Lumbar disc herniation		43/37	46/34	48.15±4.43	47.88 ±4.43	4.61± 0.79	4.53± 0.76	①⑥	c	Wrist and ankle	10	Once daily	SAC	Acupuncture (Wrist ankle acupuncture therapy)	30 min, once daily.	7
Cupping therapy plus acupuncture vs acupuncture
Lu P et al 2016⁷²	Lumbar disc herniation		17/14	15/16	47.48±7.05	45.70±8.37	6.452±0.624	6.355±0.733	①⑥	eg	EX-B2, BL17 BL23, BL25 and EX-B6 (bilateral)	5	Once daily	SAC	Acupuncture	30 min, once daily	28
Study ID		Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID		Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measure-ment	Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combina-tion on therapy	Control group	Usage
Chen WJ et al 2019⁷³	Chronic low back pain		17/20	16/21	58.00±6.20	58.00±7.80	8.11±1.22	8.05±0.97	①⑥	i	Ashi	NA	Once daily	SAC	Acupuncture	30 min, once daily	10
Liu HY 2020⁷⁴	Low back pain		20/20	21/19	42.48±2.59	41.22±1.96	NR	NR	①④	a	Dai meridian	≤15	Every 2 d	SAC	Acupuncture	15 min, once daily	NR
Ma LY, Bi Y 2020⁷⁵	Knee osteoarthritis		16/14	15/15	53.36±5.15	55.73±5.66	6.48±1.52	6.60±1.40	①④⑥	c	Ashi, EX-LE2, EX-LE4, EX-LE5, SP10, ST35, ST36, GB34, GB33, SP9Y	5-10	Once daily	SAC	Acupuncture	30 min, once daily	10
Zhu WJ et al 2017⁷⁶	Dorsal myofasciitis		15/20	16/19	36.20±6.70	35.80±7.30	6.31±1.62	6.42±2.05	①④⑥	h	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Electro-acupuncture	30 min, once daily	16
Chen JJ 2009⁷⁷	Scapulohumeral periarthritis		16/14	15/13	52.00±1.56	53.00±1.25	4.63±1.42	4.63±1.42	①④⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Electro-acupuncture	30 min, once daily	60
Cupping therapy plus other therapy vs other therapy
Malik S et al 2022⁷⁸	Chronic plantar fasciitis		0/15	0/15	22.2±1.85	22.8±2.18	7.67±0.90	7.07±0.96	①	a	Affected side	10	Thrice a week	SAC	Excercise	25-30 min, 3 times/ week	28
Han LL et al 2022⁷⁹	Breast carbuncle		0/32	0/32	36.75±4.87	36.91±4.49	7.00 (5.25,8.00)	6.50 (6.00,8.00)	①②④	b	Ashi	NA	Once every 5 days	SAC	Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula	twice daily	14
Jiang Q, Chen Y 2022⁸⁰	Acute lumbago		27/20	25/22	42.09±6.35	42.18±6.44	6.10±0.72	6.03±0.68	①③④⑥	j	Du Meridian and Bladder Meridians	5-10	Once every 3 days	SAC	Celecoxib capsules; Yulong powder (External Applied)	100 mg, twice daily; once daily	21
Sun ZZ et al 2022⁸¹	Cervical spondyosis		20/25	21/23	45.91±5.47	46.35±5.41	5.82±0.81	5.74±0.77	①⑥	d	Shoulder dorsal to lumbar	45	Once every 3 days	SAC	Massage	30 min	21
Study ID	Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Out-come measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID	Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Out-come measure-ment	Type of cup-ping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Liang NJ 2022⁸²	Cervical spondyosis	17/27	19/25	52.84±3.91	53.02±3.12	6.74±0.55	6.88±0.51	①④⑥	c	Cervical Jiaji	5-8	Once daily	SAC	Massage	20 min	12
Dong PP, Li FF 2022⁸³	Acute lumbar posterior joint disorder	46/49	43/52	42.6±5.9	42.3±5.7	5.94±0.55	5.87±0.58	①④⑥	f	Ashi	10-15	Once daily	SAC	Massage	Once daily	14
Wan FD et al 2022⁸⁴	Cervical spondyosis	17/13	16/14	46.87±5.34	46.43±5.74	5.67±1.56	5.61±1.63	①④⑥	c	Acupoints were selected based on meridian flow	8-10	Once daily	SAC	Massage	Once daily	14
Moura CC et al 2021⁸⁵	Chronic back pain	15/73	15/79	48.20±11.62	47.87±13.18	NR	NR	①⑥	a	Selection according to the region of pain	10	Once a week	SAC	Ear acupuncture	Once a week	42
Xiao BE et al 2021⁸⁶	Chronic non-specific low back pain	36/32	38/30	57.65±5.37	57.27±5.62	7.18±1.05	7.10±1.08	①⑥	j	Du Meridian and Bladder Meridians	5-10	Once every 3 d	SAC	Exercise	Core muscle group training (NA)	28
Chen JX et al 2021⁸⁷	Chronic non-specific lower back pain	27/21	26/22	63.50±3.40	64.20±3.40	6.33±1.72	6.29±1.66	①③⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Exercise	McKenzie therapy once a day	10
Feng WH, Shao P 2017⁸⁸	Low back and leg pain	NR	NR	NR	NR	8.73±0.51	8.80±0.47	①⑥	c	DU3, EX-B2, BL25 point, and Ashi	8	Twice weekly	SAC	Exercise	Physical therapy (NA)	14
Chen JX et al 2020⁸⁹	Low back pain	22/26	25/23	46.10±3.20	42.30±3.50	7.73±1.21	7.78±1.23	①⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once daily	SAC	Exercise	McKenzie therapy, once a day	10
He YM et al 2020⁹⁰	Breast pain	0/40	0/40	35.60±3.40	35.80±3.20	6.17±1.08	5.96±1.15P	③④⑥	bj	LA14	5	Twice weekly	SAC	Xiaopi oral liquid	15-30 mL, 3 times daily	60
Wang J et al 2019⁹¹	Shoulder pain	14/9	13/10	56.71±5.49	56.31±5.63	NR	NR	①	a	GB21, Ashi	8-10	Treatment only once	SAC	Massage	NA	2
Study ID	Disease type	Sample size (M/F)		Age (years, MD ± SD) or M (Q1,Q3)		Pain intensity at baseline		Outcome measure-ment	Intervention group operation					Control group operation		Treatment duration
Study ID	Disease type	T	C	T	C	T	C	Outcome measure-ment	Type of cupping	Points of selection	Time of cupping retained (min)	Combination frequency	Combination on therapy	Control group	Usage	Treatment duration
Chen X et al 2017⁹²	Scapulohumeral periarthritis	17/23	18/22	52.72±10.35	51.34±11.37	5.82± 0.71	6.13± 0.74	①④⑥	a	Ashi, SI11, SI9, and LI15 of the affected side	10	Once a week	SAC	Gua-sha therapy	10 min, once weekly	28
Ouyang Q et al 2001⁹³	Hemiplegic shoulder pain	18/8	22/8	58.20 (27.00-75.00)	56.80 (29.00-71.00)	6.37± 3.22	6.25± 3.01	①⑥	b	Ashi	10	Once every 2 d	SAC	Exercise	30 min once daily	30

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