Let's begin by looking at the different types of cupping before we focus on massage cupping.

Massage cupping involves the application of suction to create a subatmospheric pressure in the body by placing glass or plastic cups on the skin. Cupping therapy is described in several ancient healing systems and is practiced in different forms all around the world. 

Massage cups may be used in a variety of ways:

• Placed and left in a stationary position on the client, with static level of negative compression or with pumping in which air is pumped in and out of the cup to change the level of negative compression applied to the body. 
• The amount of time the tissue is under negative compression is a key variable in the treatment and will vary according to the stage of healing and client comfort levels. 
• The amount of negative pressure used is another key variable and also should vary according to the stage of healing and client comfort levels. 
• Massage cups may also be moved across the client’s skin in a variety of ways, including a gliding or twisting motion. 
• One cup or many cups may be used, 
• Varying levels of negative pressure may be used and 
• Cup diameter can be of varying sizes.