Cupping therapy, an ancient healing practice rooted in traditional Chinese and Middle Eastern medicine, has gained significant popularity in recent years, with celebrities and athletes showcasing the distinctive circular marks it leaves on the skin. ^{This therapeutic technique involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction, drawing the underlying tissues upwards. While the visual aftermath might seem intense, proponents and practitioners attest to a wide array of benefits, ranging from pain relief and improved circulation to stress reduction and enhanced well-being}.

How Cupping Works: The Science Behind the Suction

The fundamental principle of cupping therapy lies in the creation of negative pressure or suction on the skin. This suction can be achieved in various ways, most commonly through:

• Fire Cupping: A practitioner quickly ignites a flammable substance (like alcohol-soaked cotton) inside a glass cup, then removes the flame and immediately places the cup on the skin. ^{As the air inside cools, it creates a vacuum.}
• Manual/Pump Cupping: