Dry cupping is an ancient form of alternative therapy that originated in China and is primarily used to ease pain. It involves placing specially designed cups on the skin on the back, stomach, arms, legs, or other body parts to create suction, drawing fluid to the affected area. This suction expands and breaks open the tiny blood vessels under the skin.

The body then treats the cupping areas as an injury, increasing blood flow to the area to stimulate the natural healing process. This can relieve muscle tension, improve overall blood flow, promote cell repair, and more. It can also help form new connective tissue and create new blood vessels.