OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of "general regulation" acupuncture and cupping therapy on osteoporosis. METHODS: Sixty cases of primary osteoporosis were treated with the "general regulation" acupuncture-cupping therapy: warming needle moxibustion, plum-blossom needle, moving cupping and retaining the cup, thrice each week, for 3 months. The therapeutic effect was assessed by modified life quality scale for the patient of osteoporosis. RESULTS: Of the 60 cases, 3 cases did not complete the therapeutic course and 48 cases had a significant increase of life quality, the score of the life quality scale decreased from (67.45 +/- 15.67) before treatment to (42.28 +/- 27.89) after treatment with a significant difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The "general regulation" acupuncture-cupping therapy can effectively increase life quality of the patient with osteoporosis, which is an effective therapy for osteoporosis.