A model to standardize safety and quality of care for cupping therapy

Cupping therapy has historical, traditional and religious value. It is increasingly popular in the field of complementary, alternative and integrative medicine. However, standards for safety and quality of service are absent. Although it is generally considered safe, cupping therapy can cause adverse events. Most of these events are predictable and preventable. A comprehensive approach to patient eligibility and therapist selection, along with compliance with standard operational procedures is essential to regulate the safety of the practice. Here we discuss a model framework for standardizing safety and quality of care. We recommend that this model be used routinely by cupping therapists and their associations on a nation-wide scale.