Cupping

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine. It promotes blood flow in order to promote healing.

In the case of flame cups the use of heat creates the suction. The air inside the cup is heated and the rim is then applied to the skin, forming an airtight seal (suction).

As the air inside the cup cools, it contracts, forming a partial vacuum. It enables the cup to suck and pull the soft tissue. In the case of mechanical devices hand or electrical pumps, extraction of air is responsible to create the suction.

On both cases, the area starts to have a better blood circulation. When this happens, the tissues have more oxygen too. Lymphatic drainage or clean up of toxins then takes place and the patient improves.

It may leave temporary look-a-like bruise marks on the skin. These marks are not a damage to the area; they are of more blood circulating on the area, not of trauma.