Cupping is a method of relieving local congestion by applying a partial vacuum that is created in a cup(s), by suction. The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system (which makes it an excellent treatment for high blood pressure). Cupping is much like the inverse of massage. Rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward through suction. For most clients, this is a particularly relaxing and relieving sensation.