Cupping vs UVB: Comparable Psoriasis Outcomes?

Randomized study found no statistically significant differences in disease improvement between treatments over 8 weeks.

By
Meg Barbor
April 9, 2026
2 min

Conexiant

Objective:

To compare the short-term effects of sliding cupping therapy and narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy on plaque psoriasis.

Key Findings:

Mean PASI scores decreased by 62% in the cupping group and 67% in the NBUVB group by week 8.
69% of cupping patients and 79% of NBUVB patients achieved at least a 30% improvement in PASI scores.
Both treatments showed comparable improvements in PASI scores, body surface area involvement, Physician’s Global Assessment scores, and itch severity.
Adverse events were mild and infrequent, with no serious adverse events reported.

Interpretation:

Sliding cupping therapy may provide similar short-term benefits for plaque psoriasis as NBUVB, but the mechanisms remain unclear and should be interpreted cautiously.

Limitations:

The trial was small and conducted at a single center.
Short-term follow-up limited the assessment of long-term effects.
Baseline disease severity was relatively modest and the population was predominantly Chinese.
The study was not fully blinded and cupping is operator-dependent.

Conclusion:

Sliding cupping and NBUVB were associated with similar short-term clinical outcomes, but further larger and longer-term studies are needed to clarify the role of cupping therapy in psoriasis treatment.

Cupping vs UVB: Comparable Psoriasis Outcomes?

Objective:

Key Findings:

Interpretation:

Limitations:

Conclusion:

Original Source(s)

Cupping vs UVB: Comparable Psoriasis Outcomes?

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