Glass or plastic cups are used to suck onto the soft tissue areas to move obstruction and improve energy flow.

Heat is placed inside a cup to create a vacuum which is then placed onto the skin creating a suction effect.  This is used to remove toxins and old blood from sore muscles.  It also invigorates Qi and blood flow to help reduce muscular aches and pains.  As a result of this the skin may appear bruised at the site of the cupping due to the toxins coming up to the surface.  There is no discomfort and the marks will disappear after a couple of days