Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. The treatment helps with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.

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 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.

Cupping therapy is used to treat:

• Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
• Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
• Fertility and gynecological disorders
• Skin problems such as eczema and acne
• High blood pressure
• Migraines
• Anxiety and depression
• Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma
• Varicose veins