A practice of traditional medicine in many parts of the world, notably China and the Middle East, people have used cupping for thousands of years to reduce headaches, neck and back pain, and more.
Cupping therapy involves forcing your blood toward the skin through suction with a cup and suction. Suction removes oxygen from the cup and is applied to the skin, creating negative pressure in the cup. The resulting vacuum draws fluid into the treated area, expanding and breaking open capillaries under the skin. As a result, your body reacts to the treated area as if it were an injury, sending more blood to the area to help in the body’s natural healing process.
Traditional medical practitioners endorse cupping for many health benefits, including releasing toxins, clearing pores, and helping the body reduce inflammation. In addition, athletes use cupping to relieve muscle tension and tightness, while many others find relief from pain, stiffness, and even breathing problems.