Chinese cupping therapy

Cupping therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin. Through suction, the skin is drawn into the cup by creating a vacuum in the cup placed on the skin over the targeted area. The vacuum can be created via a mechanical pump or rubber cups. The cup is usually left in place for somewhere between five and fifteen minutes. Cupping therapy mobilizes the immune system to fight. It often works wonders for patients with the flu, colds, coughs, back and muscle pain, poor circulation, anxiety, red itchy skin conditions (though cups are not applied to inflamed areas), allergies, fevers, aches and myriad other pains.

Cupping causes the skin to temporarily turn red, blue or purple, especially if there is an injury or energetic blockage under the area that was cupped. The skin discoloration can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, but is rarely painful. Once the marks have cleared, the procedure can be repeated until the condition or ailment is resolved.

Celebrity cupping enthusiasts are growing in numbers. It was about 10 years ago when cupping first appeared in the tabloids. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow showed up on the red carpet with obvious round cupping marks on her back. She received a lot of press and later explained to Oprah, "It feels amazing and it's very relaxing." Last April, Jennifer Aniston arrived at the premiere of her movie, "Call Me Crazy" looking stunning in a strapless black dress which revealed cupping marks. She is known to be a long time fan of cupping and acupuncture. Others stars who are outspoken proponents of cupping are Jessica Simpson, Lady Gaga and Victoria Beckham. They have spoken about using cupping for various physical complaints as well as for relaxation. Exes have picked up on the treatment too. Chris Martin (Paltrow's "consciously uncoupled" partner) showed off his cupping circles while working out in London. Brad Pitt is also rumored to have tried cupping.