MODEL RELEASED. Cupping. Therapist heating cups on a client's back. Cupping, or fire cupping, is a is a practice derived from Chinese medicine and is used in the treatment of respiratory conditions and musculoskeletal pains. The treatment claims to relieve the body of stagnant energy (Qi) which may be the cause of ailment. Heated cups are placed on the client's back, trapping a vacuum of air. Further heat may be applied (as show here) to warm the trap air. As the air warms, suction draws the skin into the cup. This process is believed to stimulate the movement of energy, thereby removing the ailment.