Relatively unknown to most people living in the West until recently, cupping therapy is an alternative therapeutic method that has been popular in China since around 1000 B.C. Some records show that variations of cupping practices might actually be much older — possibly dating as far back as 3000 B.C. Cupping involves the use of cups applied to a patient in a series of positions in order to produce suction. The vacuum effect targets areas of skin and deep tissue, which is beneficial for dulling pain, breaking up deep scar tissue, and relaxing tender muscles or connective tissue. The purpose of cupping is to enhance circulation, help relieve pain, remove heat and pull out the toxins that linger in your body’s tissues.