The use of suction cups is an effective adjunct to your traditional Chinese medicine treatments. A simple and safe procedure, cupping involves either the combustion of oxygen inside a glass jar (‘fire cupping’) or a pumping action inside specifically designed plastic cups to create a vacuum. When placed on the skin, this vacuum causes a suction making the cups grip to the skin. Where as massage is a pressing technique, suction cups have a pulling action. Stationary cupping is where the cups are placed on specific points and retained, while for sliding cupping the cups are moved along muscle regions or acupuncture channels. A lubricant such as massage oil is used for this technique. Cupping is a useful way to invigorate stagnate qi and blood, promoting their circulation through the channels and muscle tissue.