What is cupping?

Cupping is an ancient modality of body work used to promote health and wellbeing.  Cups made of glass, silicone, rubber, bamboo, or plastic are placed on the body in specific areas.  Some practitioners use vaso-pneumonic devices that require a pump to adhere the cup to the body.  Glass cups require fire to suck out the air before they are quickly placed on the body.  The cooling of the heated air creates the suction.  Typically a cotton ball soaked in isopropyl alcohol is ignited and placed in the cup while being held by a pair of clamps or scissors. The flame is flushed through the cup and then the cup is quickly placed on the body.  As with acupuncture, each provider has specific training in cupping, and a philosophy that supports their style of cupping.  Stationary cupping, moving cupping, wet cupping, and dry cupping are a few of the most mainstream styles of cupping.