The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre is launching a series of working papers designed to document and examine traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) worldwide. The inaugural publication, Cupping therapy: descriptive synthesis of training , provides a first-of-its-kind overview of training approaches for cupping therapy primarily based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The series covers two streams: comprehensive traditional medicine systems and specific therapeutic modalities. Drawing on scientific evidence, accreditation frameworks and expert inputs, the series describes traditional medicine practices within their respective theoretical frameworks and in relation to contemporary biomedical evidence. The working papers are descriptive and contribute to strengthening the evidence base for traditional medicine, in line with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 . By systematically documenting existing knowledge, training and practice, the series seeks to provide a shared, neutral foundation for informed discussion on education, professional practice, regulation, health-system integration and research.
First publication: Cupping therapy – descriptive synthesis of training
The first working paper, Cupping therapy: descriptive synthesis of training, was published in October 2026. It presents an evidence-informed overview of how cupping therapy training is reported and organized across different settings. Drawing primarily on a systematic scoping review, it describes reported training pathways, curriculum content, competency domains, learning outcomes, approaches to delivery and assessment, trainer qualifications, training facilities and accreditation arrangements.
The analysis focuses primarily on cupping therapy within TCM, while acknowledging the diversity of cupping practices across traditional medical systems. Designed as a descriptive, non-normative reference, the paper is intended to support informed discussion among policy-makers, regulators, education and accreditation bodies, health professionals, researchers and cupping therapy practitioners in different training and regulatory contexts.
Upcoming publications in the series
Additional papers are forthcoming in 2026–27, addressing training in chiropractic, Siddha, Taijiquan and TCM; as well as papers dedicated to practice inNuad Thai, Siddha and TCM.
These publications will further expand the series, contributing to a growing collection of descriptive, evidence-informed references on traditional medicine
