The History of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice that is now considered part of the complementary and alternative (CAM) medicine category. During a cupping therapy session, a therapist applies suction cups to various areas of the body. The cup may be made of bamboo, plastic, or glass; traditionally, horns and shells have also been used.While the cup is in place, suction stimulates blood flow and even causes blood to leak into the skin and produce a hickey-like red or purple bruise. Reported benefits include joint and muscle pain relief, increased blood flow, and reduced inflammation.