• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.243-252
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• 2005

Objective : This study was performed to investigate the effect of blood-letting cupping treatment for acute ankle sprain because there are few studies with evidence-based approach. Method : Twenty-nine patients, who had no fracture and had injured by external force and had less than 1 week passed since onset and had not been treated, were randomly divided into control or treatment group by tossing a coin. The treatment group received blood-letting cupping. After 3rd treatment, the outcomes were assessed using Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AHS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Result : Nineteen out of 29 patients were finally assessed. The treatment group (n=11) was significantly different from the control group (n=8) in AHS and NRS (p=0.041, 0.026, respectively). Conclusion : The blood-letting cupping has an objective effect on reduing pain for acute ankle sprain.