Between then and now, although the methods of implementation differ, the general idea has remained that same. A cup is placed on the skin and the oxygen beneath is removed. This creates a vacuum effect. This suction anchors the cup to the skin. Think of it as the opposite of massage—instead of pressing down on the muscle, a light pressure pulls it up.
Methods:
Dry cupping involves using heat to warm the cup, creating suction against the skin as it cools. Sometimes this means warming the rim of the glass or inverting the whole cup over a flame.
Air cupping : a small pump is used to slowly pull oxygen out of the cup. Plastic or silicone cups are used creating suction.
Fire cupping : is very similar to dry cupping, but is a more traditional method that uses an alcohol-soaked cotton ball. The cotton ball is set on fire then placed into the cup and removed quickly. This eliminates the oxygen in the cup before application.
Massage cupping : cups are applied to the skin and left to sit for a while. They are then moved around in a gliding motion, creating a massage effect.
Benefits
Cupping may spur the body’s natural healing process by stimulating blood flow, as opposed to drugs or medical intervention. This reduces pain and eases muscle soreness, breaking obstructions and drawing toxins out of the body. A recent study suggests that the short-term effects of cupping therapy on pain reduction (especially neck or shoulder pain) are more intense than no therapy or conventional drugs. Since cupping is non-invasive and low-risk, it’s a perfect therapy for temporary relief from musculoskeletal problems—making it hugely popular among competing athletes and chronic pain-sufferers alike.
