What is Cupping Therapy ? ( also known as myofascial decompression ) Cupping is an ancient therapy used in Ancient Egypt, China and the Middle East for over 3,500 years, in which the therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. The cups may be made of glass, silicone or plastic. Sometimes the cups are warmed before placement to create a vacuum which draws tissue up into the cup. Cups are often placed on the back, neck and shoulders or a pain site . The cups are left in place anywhere from five to 20 minutes depending on the nature of the individual's condition and which type of cupping treatment is given. A general course of treatment involves four to six sessions in intervals starting from three to ten day gaps. What is the purpose of the suction? The suction raises the skin, muscles and fascia into the cup, thus increasing the blood flow, loosening the fascia or connective tissue to release stagnation (blockages or imbalances) of life force energ...