Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine that utilizes suction, or reverse pressure, on the skin. The suction forces the cup to adhere to the skin, gently pulling the body’s surface tissue up into the cup. Cupping can actually get several inches deeper than massage can! This prolonged suction is what provides the therapeutic effect, and the odd circular bruising afterwards.
While cupping is generally considered very safe, there are certain conditions where cupping should not be used. Cupping is not advised for any patient taking blood thinning medication, or who has a sunburn, wound, skin ulcer, or recent physical trauma.