Although the actual mechanism of cupping is not fully understood.  Researches indicated that  cupping may improve microcirculation, promote capillary endothelial cell repair, accelerate granulation and angiogenesis in the regional tissues. It also improve subcutaneous blood flow and to stimulate the autonomic nervous system.  In the cupped region, blood vessels are dilated by the action of certain vasodilators, it helps to improve blood circulation, expedite the removal of toxin or noxine material from body tissue, and promote fluid and lymph drainage.

Cupping is most commonly performed in conjunction with acupuncture for local pain relief, such as headaches, neck pain. Professional therapist will also extend it for wider usage, like treating insomnia, anxiety and specific disease.  In a cupping session, cups rest on the skin for 3–10 minutes and often leave darkened circles on their skin. The darkened circle will normally subsided within 1 week.  For people who has concern on the dark circle, alternative ways of application may be used to achieve similar result without leaving a mark.

[1] Aboushanab TS, AlSanad S. Cupping therapy: an overview from a modern medicine perspective. Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies. 2018 Jun 1;11(3):83-7.

[2] Al-Bedah AM, Elsubai IS, Qureshi NA, Aboushanab TS, Ali GI, El-Olemy AT, Khalil AA, Khalil MK, Alqaed MS. The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. 2019 Apr 1;9(2):90-7.