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The traditional method uses fire. Gaeta holds a cotton ball and wets it with alcohol. Then ignites the soaked cotton ball and places it in the cup.

He says, Fire cupping uses a flame to create suction in the cup - youll see a flame in the cup - and then, well apply the cup to the body

The skin gets sucked up and rises under the cup as blood rushes up.

Cupping brings fresh blood to the area, Gaeta says. 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, its used for aches and pains of various types as well as respiratory problems, cough, wheezing, things like that

It feels a bit strange,” the patient says. Definitely doesnt hurt. It just feels like someones pulling at your skin
 

Gaeta notes, Cupping therapy is usually used as part of acupuncture or body work treatment. Its 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

It looks like something out of medieval alchemy, but Gaeta says, it is just an alternate method of treatment.

He adds, 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 thats it. Same kind of thing - just doesnt 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, Gaeta says. To get a treatment, he says, seek a licensed acupuncturist.