Cupping is a form of therapy by which cups are placed on the skin to create suction. The principles of cupping are similar to those of acupuncture. The aim is to free the energy in the particular areas of the body in order to balance the flow of energy. Like acupuncture, cupping follows the lines of the meridians and targets specific areas. By targeting the meridian channels, cupping helps free these channels of stagnations, providing improved energy flow. Toxins and inflammation can be released, blockages can be relieved, and blood circulation can be refreshed. Usually cupping is combined with acupuncture to achieve therapeutic results for many health conditions, including pain, coughs and colds, allergies, anxiety, etc...