Cupping: What It Is And How It Works

Cupping, something I've heard about a few times within the past week...so I figured I'd learn more about it.

It's sounds weird, but it's supposed to be beneficial for your health!  What it is: an ancient Chinese treatment used to treat ailments like back pain, neck pain, and even cancer, using heated suction cups directly applied to the skin. The suction is said to redirect your Qi (pronounced like "Chi"), which is basically the flow of energy in your body.

There are 3 different kinds of cupping, dry, wet and fire. Dry cupping is most common, where suction cups are put on the skin and a machine is used to suction the skin. Cupping is used by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham, and they have admitted to being big fans of it.

Here's the catch though, because these "cups" are suctioning the skin, they leave behind big red, unsightly marks!! See for yourself here: stylecaster.com.  It looks totally painful!

I have to admit, while reading about "cupping" and moving around your "Qi", I was wondering if acupuncture would do the same thing, and be more comfortable?  I've had acupuncture many times, and personally love it.  I'm pretty sure I'd prefer tiny, painless needles in my body, over weird cups being suctioned onto my skin, but hey, to each their own, right?  :)