Page "Cupping therapy" Paragraph 1

The air inside the cup is heated and the rim is then applied to the skin, forming an airtight seal.

As the air inside the cup cools, it contracts, forming a partial vacuum and enabling the cup to suck the skin, pulling in soft tissue, and drawing blood to that area.

Alternately, the suction is created by a hand-pump and blood is allowed to collect.

According to the American Cancer Society, " vailable scientific evidence does not support cupping as a cure for cancer or any other disease ".

It can leave temporary bruised painful marks on the skin and there is also a small risk of burns.