Cups are placed on the skin to create suction.  These cups are made of different materials such as glass, bamboo, silicone, pottery, plastic and so on. Once placed on the body, the cup draws the skin tissue inside the ‘bell’ of the cup creating negative pressure.  This pressure lifts the muscle fiber and draws blood to the area. This effect is the opposite massage which uses direct pressure to release tension!  This decompression of the muscle fibers and tissue removes stagnation or muscle tension to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing.

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There are different types of cupping. Flash cupping where cups are quickly applied and removed. Dry cupping involves suctioning cups onto the skin, removing the air underneath and decompressing the tissue. Wet cupping is done after dry cupping, small incisions are made in the area to draw out the blood. And lastly, massage or glide cupping which involves moving the cup(s) over areas of concern to combine massage with cupping to create myofascial release.

You’ve likely noticed ‘bruises’ after cupping and wondered, is this helpful or hurting?  Since cupping brings blood flow to the surface with suction, this force breaks open tiny blood vessels under the skin leaving marks similar to bruises that fade in a week or two.  The body will reabsorb the blood and the mark will disappear.