https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/bireme/viz/ventosaterapia_en/evidence-map

The map provides an overview of the available evidence on the effects of cupping therapy. Based on a comprehensive literature search (PubMed, VHL, EMBASE, and CINAHL), 25 review studies were included in the map: 15 systematic reviews with meta-analysis, 5 systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials, 3 systematic reviews, and 2 meta-analyses. To assess the level of confidence in the reviews, the AMSTAR 2 tool was applied, resulting in 2 reviews rated as high, 1 as moderate, 12 as low, and 10 as critically low. All studies were assessed, characterized, and categorized by a team of researchers specializing in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Main Findings ● The reviews evaluated the effects of cupping therapy across four types: cupping only, multimodal cupping with TCM, multimodal cupping with TCM and non-TCM, and multimodal cupping with non-TCM. ● The interventions were associated with 19 health outcomes, distributed across 3 groups: Well-being, Vitality, and Quality of Life; Pain; and Pathological Conditions. ● In total, 40 associations were identified between interventions and outcomes, with the majority (22) involving multimodal cupping with TCM and non-TCM, and for outcomes in the Pain group (20). ● The Pain outcome group concentrated the highest number of associations (20), followed by the Pathological Conditions (15). Key highlights among the outcomes include cervical pain (6), low back pain (4), pain relief (4), myalgia (3), and herpes zoster (3). The remaining 15 outcomes were associated 1 or 2 times. Implications for Practice and Research ● Positive effects were reported in 14 associations, particularly for the following outcomes: cervical pain (3), low back pain (3), acne vulgaris (2), and herpes zoster (2). ● Potentially positive effects were reported for 20 associations, mainly for the following outcomes: cervical pain (3), pain relief (2), hypertension (2), osteoarthritis (2), and functional capacity (2). ● Inconclusive or mixed effects were reported for 6 associations (2 for the outcome myalgia), and 1 for each of 4 other outcomes (acne vulgaris, stroke, pain relief, and mobility). ● No negative effects were reported.