What Exactly is Cupping Therapy?

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.

People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.

Types

• Dry

• Wet

Today's version of cupping uses a rubber pump instead of fire to create the vacuum inside the cup. Sometimes therapists use silicone cups, which they can move from place to place on your skin for a massage-like effect.

Wet cupping creates a mild suction by leaving a cup in place for about 3 minutes. The therapist then removes the cup and uses a small scalpel to make light, tiny cuts on your skin. Next, they do a second suction to draw out a small quantity of blood.

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

Cupping is fairly safe, as long as you go to a trained health professional.