Cupping therapy is a system of Chinese medicine wherein glass cups are placed on acupressure points on the body creating a vacuum. After the cups are taken off, a red welt is seen. It is believed that cupping improves circulation and promotes healing.

In dry cupping, a glass cup is placed on strategic acupressure points on the body for 5 to 10 minutes which leaves a red circular welt ring after they are taken off. In wet cupping, the skin is punctured prior to cupping. It is believed that cupping improves circulation and promotes healing.

Cupping therapy may cause pain, swelling, redness, dizziness, skin pigmentation, and nausea. Some patients may also experience scars and burns which remain after treatment.

Cupping therapy has been helpful in treating conditions such as headaches, migraines, muscle and knee pains, sports injuries, and soreness.

In the Arabic system of healing, hijama is referred to as wet cupping. In hijama, blood is drawn from a small skin incision. HIjama has been a popular remedial practice in the Islamic world.