Cupping therapy is a modality within Chinese medicine that is used to help bring blood to an area. Blood has white blood cells that can be used to clear away blockages and pathogens. These blockages and pathogens cause pain, and with blood redirected with cupping the body remembers how to address the pain.
You may have seen USA olympic swimmers with deep discolored circles on their bodies, these are cupping marks. Cupping does not always have to involve bleeding, there are time where “dry” cupping is just as effective.