11 Complementary Therapies from India Gaining Popularity

11. Water Therapy & Cupping

Hydrotherapy and cupping are two modalities that appear in Indian wellness clinics alongside other traditional practices. Hydrotherapy uses hot-cold contrast, baths, or compresses to support circulation and recovery, while cupping—borrowed and adapted from several traditional systems—uses suction cups for localized relief. Both approaches are accessible in spa and clinical settings and are often used to complement physical therapy or massage. Scientific evidence varies by use case: hydrotherapy has solid support for rehabilitation and pain relief in some conditions, while cupping shows mixed results and needs careful application to avoid side effects (Nature reports). If you try cupping, seek experienced therapists who use sterile techniques and clear aftercare instructions. Hydrotherapy can be easily adapted at home with baths and compresses, but check with a clinician where cardiovascular or skin conditions are present. These therapies work best as part of a larger, coordinated care plan rather than as stand-alone cures.