Cupping is part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments that is needle-free and can provide an especially pleasant experience. Cupping feels very similar to a deep tissue massage and can be used alone or in conjunction with an Acupuncture treatment.

There are two types of cups that are used, the first and more traditional is called Fire Cupping. This is where fire and glass cups are used to create suction from the heat to the skin. Massage oil is placed on the skin, and then a cotton swab dipped in alcohol is set on fire then inserted and quickly taken out before the glass cup is placed on the skin, creating a suction between the cup and the skin. The glass cups are often moved around, this is called sliding cupping, and feels like a deep tissue massage. The warmth for this technique brings blood flow to the surface to promotes circulation, healing, and loosening of tight muscles.

The other more modern technique of cupping is where a plastic cup is placed directly on the skin and with a hand-pump and is manually sectioned to the skin. These stay stationary and there is no warmth, but still offer a lot of the same benefits.

Deep purple marks, much like bruises,  are a side effect from cupping. However, this is one from blood being brought to the surface and the release of toxins, and do not actually hurt. The marks can last anywhere from three days to a week.