cupping

Cupping is the use of small specialized glass cups or bamboo jars that create suction on the skin in order to break up tension and stagnation. Once the cups are placed, they may be left static or they may be moved gently across the skin, also known as gliding cupping. Cupping is much like the inverse of a massage - rather than applying pressure to the muscles, gentle pressure is pulling them upward. The suction created during a cupping treatment causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup which allows for the release of muscle tension and focuses the blood flow. This encourages the tissues to release toxins through the lymphatic system. Mild bruising may occur with this therapy.