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A Review of Wet Cupping’s Effects on Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance

Article information

J Korean Med. 2025;46(2):206-220
Publication date (electronic) : 2025 June 1
doi : https://doi.org/10.13048/jkm.25029
Insun Yu1orcid_icon, Junyoung Hur1orcid_icon, Junghyo Cho2orcid_icon, Horyong Yoo1orcid_icon, Jungeun Choi1,orcid_icon, Miso S. Park1,3,orcid_icon
1Department of Cardiology and Neurology of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University
2Department of Hepatology and Hematology of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University
3Clinical Trial Center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University
Correspondence to: Jungeun Choi, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, 75 Daeduk-daero 176 beon-gil, Seo-gu, Daejeon, Tel: +82-42-470-9000, Fax: +82-42-477-9007, E-mail: satya01@naver.com
Correspondence to: Miso S. Park, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, 75 Daeduk-daero 176 beon-gil, Seo-gu, Daejeon, Tel: +82-42-470-9541, Fax: +82-42-470-9486, E-mail: miso.sophia.park@gmail.com
Received 2025 April 15; Revised 2025 May 19; Accepted 2025 May 22.

Abstract

Objectives

We investigated the potential mechanisms and preliminary clinical advantages of wet cupping therapy (WCT) in reducing oxidative stress and improving insulin resistance. Traditionally used in Eastern and Middle Eastern medicine to address blood stasis, WCT is now being explored for its broader metabolic and anti-inflammatory implications. The therapy involves skin incisions and negative pressure to remove blood, potentially eliminating oxidative metabolites (e.g., malondialdehyde) and inflammatory mediators while enhancing antioxidant defenses such as superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Methods

We selectively reviewed literature published within the past decade on physiological responses associated with WCT, with particular focus on oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzyme activities, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic parameters. Additional evidence was examined from studies investigating improvements in microcirculation, immune modulation, and restoration of insulin signaling via the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Results

Preliminary findings suggest that WCT may contribute to reductions in fasting glucose, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum ferritin, indicating its potential as an adjunctive approach in managing chronic metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Several studies report declines in oxidative stress markers (MDA, MPO) and increases in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, CAT). However, much of the current evidence stems from small-scale, short-term, or non-randomized studies, limiting the strength and generalizability of the conclusions.

Conclusions

WCT appears to offer preliminary metabolic benefits through oxidative stress reduction and insulin sensitivity enhancement. Nonetheless, well-designed randomized controlled trials and long-term studies are essential to confirm its clinical efficacy and establish standardized treatment protocols.

Keywords: wet cupping; oxidative stress; insulin resistance; antioxidant system; metabolic syndrome
Fig. 1

Hypothetical mechanism of wet cupping therapy in reducing oxidative stress and improving insulin resistance

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Fig. 1

Fig. 1

Hypothetical mechanism of wet cupping therapy in reducing oxidative stress and improving insulin resistance