Cupping Pictures

Before the cups are applied the skin is often "prepped" with a hammer called a plum blossom. It has 7 very fine points that help open up the skin. The Chinese say this helps facilitate the release of heat and toxins from the area. It certainly increases blood flow and provides a neurological stimulus as well.

In this picture the cups are in place for a full back treatment. Before they are placed on the skin the inside air is quickly heated. Once the cup is on the skin the air cools which creates a vacuum. This suction helps restore blood flow to the area, thus releasing the toxic by-products of metabolism that accumulate in areas of muscle pain. 

This is what the skin looks like right after the cups have been removed. Don't panic! Many of these red spots fade over several hours but several may bruise superficially giving the skin a "pepperoni" appearance for up to 7-10 days. No matter how prominent the bruise, I have never seen one not go away.