Cupping
Cupping uses suction on the skin. It left those round marks on Olympic swimmers.
How a cup goes on and comes off
Making the suction
A flame briefly heats the air inside a glass cup, then comes out before the cup meets skin. Pump cups simply draw the air out.
Staying or sliding
Cups usually stay on for 5 to 15 minutes. With oil on the skin, the practitioner may slide them along the back. That is called zou guan.
Afterward, keep warm
Cover the area and drink some water. Traditionally people avoid cold showers and drafts for the rest of the day.
Long before glass, the cups were animal horn.
Choosing cups for home
Cupping is not a substitute for medical care. See a licensed practitioner. Avoid it with blood thinners, bleeding disorders, pregnancy, or thin or broken skin. Fire cups can burn, and long sessions can blister.
Cupping
Hand-picked pieces are on the way.
Good to know
How long do cupping marks last?
Usually from a few days to about two weeks. The marks come from tiny blood vessels breaking under suction, much like a bruise. Traditional practitioners read dark marks as a sign of stagnation.
Does cupping hurt?
Usually not. Most people feel a tight pull on the skin. If it stings, say so right away and the practitioner can release the suction.
Why do Olympic athletes have circles on their backs?
Those are cupping marks. Michael Phelps made them famous at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Some athletes use cupping in their recovery routines, though research on its benefits is limited.
