Cupping

As the name implies, cups (typically glass, plastic, and/or silicone) are used on specific areas of the body to help in various ways! From relieving muscle tension, clearing congestion, to improving digestion. 

It involves creating a vacuum inside the cup (either by heat from a flame for a glass cup AKA fire cupping, by a pump for a plastic cup, or by pressure with a silicone cup), which draws tissue up into the cup when applied to the skin. It works in a similar way to a deep tissue massage for improving blood circulation and reducing pain except it "pulls" the skin up rather than "pushing" skin down. 

Note: It is possible you could look like you've made out with an octopus a few days after cupping, which is completely normal. Cupping can leave temporary "hickey-like" bruises that last for a couple days to a week depending on the suction and level of tension/stagnation in an area. 

Patients often express the great relief they feel after a cupping session. Combined with acupuncture, it's an awesome duo!