Lifestyle trends change in the same manner as fashion trends. Health fads come and go, like eating gluten-free everything, drinking chia seed with water, juicing, joining expensive workout classes, etc. A century old technique of cupping is now resurfacing. It involves using suction cups to release muscle tension and increase circulation.

Hollywood celebrities and U.S. Olympic athletes embrace this ancient practice. Most notable athlete to take part of this therapy is Michael Phelps. During the Olympics, he received media attention for sporting round marks on his back that resembles bruises. Celebrities like Lena Dunhman, Kelly Osborne, and Kim Kardashian have also tweeted their fondness of this technique.

The process involves therapists using special cups, often made out of bamboo, glass, or silicone, on the skin for a few minutes to create suction. According to WebMD online, “As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes your skin to rise and redden as your blood vessels expand.” On average, the cups stay suctioned for at least three minutes.

Cupping has been around for thousands of years, initially practiced in Egypt, China, and Greece. China has done extensive research over the years, using this practice in hospitals.

Athletes are not the only ones who can benefit from this technique. The benefits of cupping range from releasing toxins in the body, stimulate blood flow, relieve anxiety, and relieve endless types of pains. Web MD also reports that it can help relieve acne and face paralysis.

Aside from the reported benefits, skeptics have pointed out there are not enough studies to prove cupping is an efficient form of practice. As reported on Net Doctor online, “Like acupuncture, cupping is not a scientifically proven technique – and solid research to prove its efficiency is currently limited. Some say – at best – cupping could be a profound placebo or some sort of counter irritation. However, alongside anecdotal reports, and professional athlete testimony, many claim that it is effective in easing aches and pains.”