a.k.a SUCTION CUPPING THERAPY Cupping involves creating a vacuum in a suction cup over various parts of the body for therapeutic effects. The classical method of cupping was to briefly heating the air in an inverted cup, which then produces a vacuum when the air cools after the cup is quickly applied to the skin. The resultant low pressure under the cup causes a localized expansion of tissue, which produces a profound vasodilatation reaction.

Suction cupping is used therapeutically to draw blood flow to areas of ischemic pain, thus flushing capillary beds and re-supplying vital nutrients. Suction also mobilizes and stretches soft tissue by pulling it up and away from underlying structures, thus loosening areas of adhesion or restriction and activating muscle spindle reflexes that relax contractile tissue.