Full course description
How to start the course?
To be able to watch the course materials/videos, please follow the instructions for your device.
IOS: Download the Canvas Student app from the App Store. Inside the app, navigate to the video under each module and tap the "Launch External Tool" button to play it.
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App Store Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/canvas-student/id480883488
Android: Download the Canvas Student app from the Google Play Store. Inside the app, navigate to the video under each module and tap the "Launch External Tool" button to play it.
Laptops: When you get to the video, click the icon in your browser's address bar (it looks like a slashed-out eye in Chrome or a shield in Firefox) and select "Allow Cookies." The video will then load and play.
Course Introduction
Cupping therapy (CT), one of the oldest and most widely practiced traditional health modalities, is gaining renewed attention in modern clinical settings as a complementary and integrative therapeutic option. This self-paced course offers a comprehensive introduction to cupping therapy, including its historical and cultural origins, types (such as dry, wet, and fire cupping), physiological mechanisms, safety standards, and clinical applications, particularly in pain management and preventive care.
Designed with future health professionals in mind, this course integrates multimedia content, current scientific literature, and reflective assessments to provide an engaging and evidence-based learning experience. Whether you're new to CT or seeking to expand your knowledge, this course will help you build a foundational understanding of how and when to apply this ancient modality safely and effectively.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Define cupping therapy and distinguish between the main types and techniques used in traditional and modern practice.
Describe the underlying physiological mechanisms of CT, including its effects on circulation, inflammation, and musculoskeletal systems.
Summarize the current body of evidence supporting CT's use in pain relief and other clinical conditions.
Identify appropriate indications and contraindications for cupping therapy, along with its associated risks and clinical benefits.
Apply fundamental principles of hygiene, infection control, and procedural safety when performing CT.
Review the legal and regulatory framework governing cupping therapy in the United States, including professional scope and patient safety considerations.
Module Topics Include
Introduction to Cupping Therapy
Overview of the historical origins, cultural significance, and resurgence of CT in modern healthcare.
Types of Cupping Therapy
Exploration of dry, wet, fire, and other modern adaptations, with comparative analysis of techniques.
Mechanism of Action
Scientific theories and current research on how CT affects the body, including circulation, inflammation, and nerve signaling.
Adverse Events and Safety Guidelines
Identification of potential complications, risk factors, and essential safety and hygiene protocols.
Clinical Cases from Literature
Review and discussion of published case studies highlighting the use and outcomes of CT in various clinical scenarios.
Health Benefits and Evidence
Summary of therapeutic effects supported by research, with a focus on pain relief, inflammation, and wellness.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Overview of CT regulations in the U.S., including licensing, scope of practice, and ethical guidelines.
Assessment and Application
Interactive assessments and reflective exercises to test knowledge and reinforce safe, evidence-based practice.
Director, Preventive Medicine SHHS
Dr. Navin Kaushal, PhD, FACSM, FAHA
Associate Professor | Director of Research, Department of Health Sciences
Associate Editor, Applied Psychology: Health & Wellbeing
Dr. Navin Kaushal is a behavioral medicine researcher specializing in theory-driven health promotion, preventive medicine, and physical activity interventions. As Director of Research for the Department of Health Sciences and Director of the Preventive Medicine Lab at Indiana University Indianapolis, Dr. Kaushal’s work focuses on developing and evaluating interventions to reduce health disparities, promote cardiovascular health, and improve physical activity engagement among underserved populations.
His expertise integrates behavioral science frameworks such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Health Belief Model (HBM) into applied research and community-based interventions. Dr. Kaushal has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributes to the scientific community as an Associate Editor for Applied Psychology: Health & Wellbeing. He is a Fellow of both the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM) and the American Heart Association (FAHA), reflecting his leadership in the fields of exercise science and cardiovascular health.
Meet the Instructor
Abdulaziz bin Abbar Alanazi, BSPH, HHP, MPH, MPA, PhD
Dr. Abdulaziz Alanazi is a healthcare educator, researcher, and practitioner recognized for his commitment to excellence, innovation, and advancing integrative health approaches. His work focuses on Rehabilitation Health and Preventive Medicine, integrating traditional healing methods into evidence-based clinical frameworks to enhance patient safety, promote non-pharmaceutical options for pain management, and support overall well-being.
Dr. Alanazi is the first researcher to systematically focus on cupping therapy (CT) in the U.S. healthcare context after its expansion in public and professional interest. He has published peer-reviewed studies on adverse events associated with CT and developed a comprehensive taxonomy for classifying these events, contributing significantly to the scientific literature. Additionally, he authored a health policy brief addressing regulatory gaps in CT practice, aiming to inform policy development and ensure safer, standardized use of CT across healthcare settings.
Driven by a focus on practical innovation, Alanazi developed a novel cupping therapy device featuring an integrated pressure gauge to standardize clinical practice and enhance patient safety.
He currently leads a theory-based educational intervention targeting students and professionals across health and rehabilitation sciences. His initiative equips future healthcare providers with essential knowledge to safely and effectively incorporate non-pharmaceutical therapies for pain and well-being into modern clinical practice.
Alanazi’s professional contributions reflect a sustained record of merit and service. He serves as a peer reviewer for the American Public Health Association (APHA) 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo, including the Committee of Health Equity Program and the Public Health Education and Health Promotion (PHEHP) Section. He is also a registered reviewer for Medical Acupuncture: The Official Journal of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
His work exemplifies a dedication to evidence-based healthcare education, patient-centered innovation, and the advancement of integrative medicine practice.
Course Length:
Approximately 1–2 hours (self-paced, flexible completion)
Department:
Prevention Medicine Lab under the SHHS, Indiana University
Credit:
Certificate of Completion
Intended Audience:
Health professions students, healthcare practitioners, wellness educators, and faculty interested in complementary and integrative health practices