Objective To explore the effects of Huo-Long cupping therapy in patients with Qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome pattern of shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke. Methods A total of 94 patients with Qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome pattern of shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke were randomly divided into either a control group (n=47) or an intervention group (n=47). Both groups were given conventional treatment and rehabilitation training, while the intervention group additionally received Huo-Long cupping therapy. The severity of upper limb pain and hand swelling, as well as motor function and muscle strength of the two groups were evaluated pre-and 2, 4 weeks post-intervention. Results Forty-five patients in both groups completed the study. The intervention group had lower upper limb pain and milder hand swelling, but higher improvements in motor function and muscle strength at 4 weeks post intervention compared with the control group (P＜0.05 for all). There were no adverse events such as scald, blister and pruritus during the cupping therapy. Conclusion Huo-Long cupping therapy can effectively and safely alleviate Qi-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome pattern of shoulder-hand syndrome after stoke and promote recovery of the upper limbs.