What is cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy promotes blood circulation within the muscles by placing glass or plastic cups on the skin to create suction. The suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cups can be gently moved across the skin. Much like the inverse of massage, cupping uses gentle pressure to move muscle tissue upward.

The suction increases circulation in the local area and can help to relax the muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system. Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, rheumatism, and to reduce high blood pressure. Cupping is also very valuable for the lungs; it can clear congestion from a common cold, or help to regulate a person's asthma and respiratory conditions.

Cupping targets the meridian channels, stimulating the 'opening' of these channels - the paths through which life energy flows freely throughout the body, through all tissues and organs - thus providing a smoother and more free-flowing qi (life force).

Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available. Toxins can be released, blockages can be cleared, and veins and arteries can be refreshed.