Cupping is an ancient therapy that has been used for thousands of years in various cultures, including China, Greece, and Egypt. The Greek physician Hippocrates, who is often referred to as the father of modern medicine, used cupping to treat a variety of ailments. The Egyptians used cupping to treat fever, pain, and other conditions.

Cupping involves the use of special cups that are applied on the skin, either using fire or a suction device to create a vacuum effect, drawing up the underlying tissues such as the fascia, and muscles, blood and other fluid, close to the surface of the skin. The suction helps to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote the body’s natural healing process.

Depending on the treatment goals, the cups may either be slid along the skin, or may be left stationary on specific areas. Many like to think of cupping as a reverse massage, where instead of pressing into the tissues, negative pressure is applied instead, allowing the targeted area to be flushed with blood and qi. Promoting circulation to the area helps to break up adhesion, prevent fibrosis, reduce tension and discomfort, improve joint mobilization and range of motion, and may help to improve quality of life.

Cupping also works on the lymphatic system by drawing up toxins, stagnant blood and cellular debris close to the surface. This can improve immunity, as well as enhance athletic performance in athletes by lubricating the fascia for more efficient muscle movements and aiding muscle recovery during the repair phase of an injury.

Today, cupping has become popular among other healthcare practitioners as well, including chiropractors, and massage therapists to relieve pain, increase mobility, and speed up recovery time.