What Is Cupping? Here’s What You Need to Know

Cupping therapy might look like something out of a history book—and that’s because it kind of is. This old practice comes from traditional Chinese medicine, and even though it might seem strange, cupping has become popular among people today. Many athletes, celebrities, and regular folks use it to help with pain or stress. But what exactly is cupping, and does it really work? Here is everything you need to know about cupping.The Basics of Cupping TherapyCupping is a type of therapy where special cups are put on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. This suction is believed to increase blood flow, help with healing, and reduce muscle tension. This practice is at least 1,500 years old and has been used in many cultures—not just in China but also in the Middle East and other parts of the world.There are two main types of cupping: dry cupping and wet cupping. Dry cupping uses suction alone, while wet cupping involves making small cuts to draw out a little blood. The cups are usual...