Cupping brings fresh blood to the area, So it tends to improve circulation. It also helps open up the chest and benefit the lungs and can even benefit menstrual problems and digestive problems, too. Most commonly, it’s used for aches and pains of various types as well as respiratory problems, cough, wheezing, things like that. Cupping therapy is usually used as part of acupuncture or body work treatment. It’s been part of Chinese medicine for over 2,500 years. Originally, animal horn was the original cup. The horn method is the original thing. Later on brass, ceramic, bamboo cups were used. Fire cupping is the traditional, most effective method. Some practitioners choose to use the suction cup method, where you pump up the suction cup and that’s it. Same kind of thing – just doesn’t use flame. There are very few conditions in which cupping should not be used, such as high fever, skin disease or tendency to bleed easily. Each cupping session last about 10 to 15 minutes and it can be repeated, once the marks are cleared, until the problem is resolved. To get a treatment, seek a licensed acupuncturist.