Cupping is a therapeutic technique that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. It is an ancient practice that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. There are different cupping techniques, but the most common ones involve using glass (fire cupping), plastic, or silicone cups (I use silicone). Cupping is often done at the end of the treatment to help further reduce tension, as it breaks down muscle adhesions, creates space for new blood flow, and flushes out inflammation. The increased blood flow and release of tension in the muscles can help alleviate soreness, pain, and muscle stiffness as new blood is drawn to the area to further stimulate healing. Cupping also helps to flush out ‘stagnate blood’, which lacks movement and nutrients. It is commonly used for conditions like back pain, neck pain, acute and chronic conditions, along with neurological conditions. Cupping may leave circular marks on the skin, often referred to as "cupping marks" or "hickies." These marks are not bruises; they are a result of the suction and increased blood flow which burst micro-capillaries under the skin. They typically fade within a few days to a week. Cupping can move blood as deep as 4 inches under the skin, as it pulls blood through deep layers of muscles making it a very powerful modality for recovery. Cupping feels like a deep tissue massage, but rather than a ‘deep digging’ sensation, you feel a ‘pulling’ sensation. It may be slightly uncomfortable at first, but it does not have to be painful as the pressure can be adjusted to your comfort level. It is common to feel slightly sore after cupping, as the muscles are being stretched and ‘worked’, however this soreness usually dissipates after 24-48 hours.