Cupping is one of the oldest methods used in traditional Chinese medicine.  Cupping is a method of warming air inside a glass cup that is then placed on the body. This action stimulates the skin by opening the pores, which encourages the flow of blood to the area, removes obstructions, draws out toxins, and realigns the flow of the body. This method can be beneficial to pain syndromes, respiratory and GI conditions, arthritis, colds/flus, and stress. This therapy does leave temporary marks on the body, which has been seen numerous times on pro-athletes and Hollywood stars alike.  The marks can turn red or purple and usually last for a couple days.

Cupping is an effective therapy for tight sore muscles and can be used on the back, shoulder and neck area, muscles of the leg and/or abdomen area.  The back picture to the left was taken from a treatment given for the early signs of a common cold.  The concept is to draw the pathogen out of the body before it has a chance to settle deeper in the body and make the sickness worse.  The alternate photo is cupping on the quadriceps muscle to release tightness and pulling on the knee.