Cupping

Refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (by using change in heat or by suctioning out air),so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into the held in the cup. The cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active ,causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (the technique is called gliding cupping).Today,cupping is mainly recommended for the treatment of pain,paralysis,though it can be used for other disorders as well.