Cupping (also known as myofascial decompression) is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. This ancient therapy has been dated all the way back to Egyptian hieroglyphics and has proven effective treatment for athletes and those undergoing physical therapy.
One way to think about cupping is that it is the inverse of massage. Rather than applying pressure to muscles, the suction uses pressure to pull skin, tissue and muscles upward. It is commonly used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold. According to modern medicine, cupping can also help with more chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
