Wet cupping for hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (4th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Shuting; Du, Shizheng; Fish, Anne; Tang, Cong; Lou, Qingqing; Zhang, Xuefang
• Is Part Of: Clinical and experimental hypertension. Volume 41:Number 5(2019)
• Page Start: 474
• Page End: 480
• Publication Date: 2019-07-04
• Subjects: Wet cupping -- hypertension -- effect -- meta-analysis -- systematic review; Hypertension -- Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; Hypotensive agents -- Periodicals; 616.132
• DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2018.1510939
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1064-1963

Abstract

ABSTRACT: To assess the efficacy and safety of wet cupping in adults with hypertension, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using 13 databases. Wet cupping alone or in combination with antihypertensive medication or acupuncture was used. Seven randomized trials were included, most not of high methodological quality. A few small studies suggested that wet cupping alone versus antihypertensive medication significantly reduced blood pressure and Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome (hypertension-related symptoms). However based on current evidence, no firm conclusions can be drawn and no clinical recommendations made. Research projects included need validation. Studies indicate that wet cupping is a safe therapy.