Cupping uses suction to draw blood to or away from specific areas of your body. People mostly use cupping to relieve conditions that cause pain. Some people say it also helps with chronic (ongoing) health issues. Cupping may ease symptoms of:

• Arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.

• Back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain.

• Asthma and other breathing issues.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like irritable bowel disease (IBD).

• Headaches and migraines.

• High blood pressure (hypertension).

• Procedure Details

How does cupping work?

Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under your skin. Your body replenishes the cupped areas with healthier blood flow and stimulates healing at a cellular level. Because of this effect, some people think that cupping releases toxins.

How do healthcare providers perform cupping?

There are different ways to do cupping. The steps vary slightly depending on the chosen method. Your provider will leave the cups in place for several minutes. Some treatments involve briefly moving the cups to stretch and massage the area.