Fire cupping is an alternative, non-invasive treatment technique that uses special cups placed on the skin to encourage blood flow to damaged areas. This unique therapy is often recommended to patients who suffer from muscular pain, joint pain, skin problems, and/or respiratory disorders.
During treatment, a physical therapist puts a flammable substance inside of a glass or silicone cup before lighting it on fire. The physical therapist allows the fire to go out before placing it on the skin. The cup is left on the skin for up to three minutes, creating a suction that causes your skin to rise and redden within the cup. This process causes your blood vessels to expand, encouraging blood flow and increased circulation to the damaged area(s).
The British Cupping Society reports that cupping can be used to mitigate: