Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and a partial vacuum is created in the jars, so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (the technique is called gliding cupping). This method is utilized in treating consumptive and rheumatic diseases.

Traditional cupping, with use of heated cups, also has some common things with moxibustion therapy. Heating of the cups was the method used to obtain suction: the hot air in the cups has a low density and, as the cups cool with the opening sealed by the skin, the pressure within the cups declines, sucking the skin into it. In this case, the cups are hot and have a stimulating effect something like that of burning moxa wool.

Generally speaking, the cup is left in place for 10-15 minutes. The skin becomes reddened due to the congestion of blood flow. The cup is removed by pressing the skin along side it to allow some outside air to leak into it, thus equalizing the pressure and releasing it. Some bruising along the site of the rim of the cup is expected.

Cupping helps soften long standing muscle tightness and adhesions. Cupping helps loosen tight muscles where other massage techniques or even myofascial release have not been enough. Nowadays, Cupping is mainly recommended for the treatment of pain, gastro-intestinal disorders, lung diseases (especially chronic cough and asthma), and paralysis, though it can be used for other disorders as well.