Often described as a 'reverse massage', Cupping is a technique used to stimulate larger areas of the body. It helps to ease pain and inflammation by helping the blood and qi to flow more easily in areas of stagnation, and aids detoxification.  A vacuum is created inside the glass cup using a flame, and then quickly placed onto the skin where treatment is needed. Several cups can be used and they may be left in place from a few minutes up to 20 minutes. Slide cupping is another method and involves using massage oil and moving the cups over the affected areas of the body. Cupping isn't painful and can be described as the feeling of having a deep massage. It can leave reddish/purple circles on the body which may last for a couple of days, however no trauma has been inflicted on the muscles.