Cupping is a therapeutic practice that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. It’s used in various traditional and modern healing systems — most notably Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), but also in Middle Eastern (Hijama), Greek, and Eastern European traditions.

A cup (usually made of glass, silicone, bamboo, or plastic) is placed on the skin, and suction is created — either by heat (traditional method) or mechanical suction (modern pumps).

The suction draws the skin and superficial muscle layer into the cup, which is said to increase blood flow, loosen fascia and muscles, and promote healing.

The mechanism may involve localized increased blood flow, anti-inflammatory responses, and activation of the immune system.

Western medicine does not consider cupping a proven medical treatment, but many athletes (like Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps) use it for muscle recovery.