What technique is used in cupping to create a vacuum on the skin?

The technique of creating a vacuum on the skin in cupping is most commonly achieved by heating the cup. When the inside of a cup is heated, it causes the air inside to expand. Once the heated cup is placed on the skin, the heat dissipates and the air inside the cup cools down, leading to a reduction in pressure. This difference in pressure creates a vacuum effect that draws the skin and underlying tissue into the cup.

Cupping is often used for a variety of therapeutic purposes, such as pain relief, inflammation reduction, and promoting blood flow. The heating method is traditional and is particularly effective in ensuring a secure attachment of the cups to the skin, enhancing the treatment's efficacy.

While suction techniques using pumps or manual suction are also used in some modern variants of cupping, heating remains a staple in traditional practices. Other options like injecting air or freezing the cup do not align with the established methods used to create the desired vacuum effect in cupping therapy.