Cupping massage is an ancient form of alternative medicine that uses suction to create a vacuum on the skin for several minutes. The cups used in cupping massage can be made of glass, bamboo, earthenware, or silicone. Cupping therapy is used for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. There are different methods of cupping, including dry cupping, wet cupping, and needle cupping. During dry cupping, suction is applied to the skin for several minutes, while wet cupping creates a mild suction by leaving a cup in place for about 3 minutes, and the therapist then removes the cup and uses a small scalpel to make light, tiny cuts on your skin. Needle cupping involves the therapist first inserting acupuncture needles and then putting cups over them. Cupping therapy is used to relieve conditions that cause pain, such as arthritis, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. Cupping therapy is generally safe, and side effects tend to be limited to the pinch experienced during skin suction, and circular discolorations that fade over a number of days or weeks. Cupping massage can benefit almost anyone, and it is used to treat lack of mobility, tight muscles, scars, and many diagnoses like headaches, tendinitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and release of trigger points. After treatment, mild soreness is to be expected from the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle tissue, but less soreness than a deep tissue massage. Bruises are to be expected and can last up to a week. Cupping benefits include releasing scar tissue and fascial adhesions, reducing painful trigger points, improving circulation, blood and lymph circulation, relieving pain, promoting mobility and range of motion, improving mature scars, and decreasing toxins.