Cupping is a traditional Chinese medical therapy that involves placing cups on the skin surface to create negative pressure, which suctions the skin and soft tissues. This practice aims to promote blood circulation, relieve pain, dispel wind, and disperse cold, among other therapeutic effects. Below are the main characteristics and steps of cupping:

### Main Characteristics

1. **Tools**: Commonly used cups include glass cups, bamboo cups, plastic cups, or silicone cups.

2. **Methods**: Negative pressure is created inside the cups through fire, suction, or squeezing, which adheres the cups to the skin.

3. **Areas**: Primarily performed on areas with thicker muscles, such as the back, shoulders, and lower back.

4. **Reaction**: After cupping, circular bruise-like marks, known as "cup marks," may appear on the skin and usually fade within a few days.