Cupping therapy involves the use of suction cups placed on the skin to create a partial vacuum, which stimulates blood flow, promotes healing, and relieves muscle tension.

The suction from the cups lifts the skin, tissue, and muscles upward. The purpose of the suction is to encourage proper blood flow, relieve pain, remove stagnation, and pull out toxins that can linger in the body’s tissues.

Cupping is often performed in stationary positions or with patient movement to help promote more sliding of the tissues. The treatment may leave circular marks or bruises on the skin, which are temporary and typically result from the suction drawing blood to the surface.