Cupping a form of alternative medicine in which a therapist places special cups on the oiled skin for a few minutes to create suction.

Cupping is a type of deep tissue massage that increases circulation to the spot where the cups are placed supplying oxygen to cells, loosening knots, draining excess fluids and toxins from the area. It relieves inflammation, muscle tension and promotes cell repair.

Cups are typically applied to acupressure points or can be used in a smooth sliding motion with oil applied to the skin to strip muscle tissue as is done with deep tissue massage.

Cupping can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions in particular conditions that create muscle aches and pains.