Cupping

Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People utilize cupping for many purposes, including  pain relief, reduction in inflammation, increase in blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.

There are two different types of cupping- wet and dry. During both types of cupping, your therapist will put a flammable substance such as alcohol, herbs, or paper in a cup and set it on fire. As the fire goes out, they will put the cup upside down on your skin.

As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes your skin to rise and redden as your blood vessels expand. The cup is generally left in place for up to 3 minutes.