Defining Cupping

In any conversation about ‘Cupping’ – it is important to first distinguish which type of Cupping we are referring to, as they are very different in both practice and effect. There are primarily TWO types of Cupping – Blood Cupping and Dry Cupping. Blood Cupping (also referred to as Wet cupping) is defined by the removal of blood from the body. (Hijama is in this category). Dry cupping is the type of Cupping that involves NO removal of blood. This is the type that has become visibly popular amongst Olympic athletes recently as it leaves circular marks on the skin.