Who doesn’t recall the huge red spots all over Michael Phelps’ lithe torso during the 2016 Summer Olympics?  I certainly do. When the source of those circular hickeys was identified as coming from a procedure called “cupping,”, I Googled the term to learn more. Before long, celebrities were proudly displaying their ring-shaped marks, even on the red carpet.

The Chinese-based medicine has been practiced for centuries. In ancient days, animal horns or sections of bamboo were used to suction out impurities through the skin. Modern practitioners use glass orbs. Enthusiasts say the procedure is excellent for stimulating blood flow, calming the nervous system, loosening the muscles and removing toxins from your system.

Since my case of shingles over the Christmas holidays, I’ve experienced a bit of tightness in my upper back, an area where I tend to hold tension. Instead of a traditional massage, I decide to visit my local day spa to try fire cupping.

What could it hurt?

I’m a healthy senior woman. I eat semi-clean, hike, bike and do yoga. Regular visits to my doctor and chiropractor show no irregularities in my well-being. But even with the best lifestyle, I suffer from recurring bouts of fibromyalgia. I’m pretty confident this brief interlude in alternative medicine will boost my chi and relax the golf ball-sized knot under my left shoulder blade. What could it hurt, indeed?

The good

Allow me to relieve your suspense. The good part is that in spite of the name, it does not hurt. To begin my procedure, I strip to the waist and lay face down on a massage table. A therapeutic oil is lightly massaged into my back. I hear the lighter being struck and rise up to see a small flame inside  one of the glass globes that will be placed on my back, forming a tight suction. I immediately begin to sweat, in anticipation of the hot glass that will soon sear my skin. But the flame burns out so quickly, there’s just enough heat to break the chill of the glass. It is gently placed on my back and I begin to feel a slight pulling of my skin. Quickly, the glass globes line either side of my spine.                                                                                                                                        

My practitioner stays in the room with me, keeping watch over the globes and observes how I tolerate the procedure. After 15 minutes, the orbs easily pop off my back with a quiet “smop” sound. The therapist sweeps her hand lightly up and down my back, stimulating more circulation of blood. When I sit up, I feel a tad light-headed, but not overly dizzy. I notice less tension in my neck and shoulders.

The bad

Children, the elderly, women who are pregnant and hemophiliacs should not consider this course of treatment. Few people experience side effects, but they can occur. Some patients may experience headaches and nausea from the release of toxins. In rare cases, clients experience burns, bruising and blisters. This is usually due to a practitioner’s negligence and in the care of their equipment.

The ugly

The ugly part, for me, was how my back looked afterward (see photo below). Some patients have purplish spots that can last up to a week. Mine, thankfully, disappeared within 24 hours.

The conclusion

I suffer no adverse effects from cupping. I enjoy more fluidity of movement, but it still cannot top a great massage. Here’s a friendly caveat: perform your due diligence before your try this. Make sure the practitioner you choose has received adequate training. And, don’t expect to go swimming afterward, unless you want to scare the small tots at the pool.

DISCLAIMER: I tried this procedure because I am interested in alternative medicine. Should you wish to try this form of therapy, I cannot be held responsible for any results.