What is Cupping?
Cupping can be used to treat many different issues from pain, to asthma, to food poisoning, and even symptoms of the common cold! Traditional cupping, or fire-cupping, uses special glass "cups" that are designed to create a suction effect when flame is passed through the cup. It is quickly placed on the body and the negative pressure pulls tissue into the cup, much the way a vacuum would if your were to place your hand over the end of the hose.
Sometimes cups will be left in place and sometimes they will be slid around on the body. This can sometimes feel like a intense massage, but is generally not painful. Most people enjoy the way cupping feels, but beware that it can leave temporary marks as it brings blood to the surface of the skin. These marks can be surprising for someone who is not expecting them and can range from barely noticeable to very dark. They will go away on their own in as little as a few days or a few weeks. Some people do not have marks at all afterwards.
Sometimes cups will be left in place and sometimes they will be slid around on the body. This can sometimes feel like a intense massage, but is generally not painful. Most people enjoy the way cupping feels, but beware that it can leave temporary marks as it brings blood to the surface of the skin. These marks can be surprising for someone who is not expecting them and can range from barely noticeable to very dark. They will go away on their own in as little as a few days or a few weeks. Some people do not have marks at all afterwards.