Cupping is an ancient healing therapy that some people use to ease the pain. A provider places cups on your back, stomach, arms, legs or other parts of your body. Inside the cup, a vacuum or suction force pulls the skin upward. Cupping is a form of traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine. People have practised cupping therapy for thousands of years.
Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin. Your body treats the cupping area like an injury. It sends more blood to the area to stimulate the natural healing process. Some people theorize that cupping clears the pores and releases toxins
Cupping may ease symptoms of:
Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Back pain, neck pain, knee pain and shoulder pain.
Breathing problems, such as asthma.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel disease (IBD).
Headaches and migraines.
High blood pressure (hypertension).