Cupping

Cupping is the practice of using suction cups to loosen muscles and encourage blood flow; it is used in combination with an acupuncture treatment, but can also be used alone. Cupping is used to relieve pain (stiff muscles), and is generally used on the neck and back but also elsewhere on the body. Cupping is a deep-tissue therapy, so toxins can be released. After a cupping treatment the area on the body that was cupped can turn a variety of colors, this is a normal part of the therapy so no need to be worried. This sometimes creates soreness after the treatment, so it is advised to drink plenty of water afterward.