If you see someone with red or purple circular marks on their neck, it would be easy to assume they are smokers on the patch trying to wean themselves off nicotine. A safer bet is that they have experienced cupping, an ancient Chinese therapy said to provide immediate pain relief.

As a therapy with a history of several thousand years, cupping is now recommended for the treatment of minor pain, gastrointestinal disorders, lung diseases (especially chronic coughing and asthma) and paralysis.

Peng Zhiwei, a traditional Chinese masseur at Inlong International Spa, said the treatment has some relation to massage techniques but it is mainly about drawing blood to specific places to improve circulation.

Peng, who has been a masseur since 1981, demonstrated the cupping therapy on the back of one of his patients, Lin Zhuoqi, who was suffering from a frozen shoulder.

"Cupping is usually applied to acupuncture points and regions of the body that are affected by pain," said the Hunan native. "Traditional cupping methods use fire to create suction in a cup. The cup is then applied to specific points on the body."

After soaking a cotton ball with alcohol, Peng then ignited the swab and placed it in the small cup. Very quickly, he then applied the cup to Lin's body, an action that sucked up the skin.

"Cupping brings fresh blood to an area and improves circulation. It also helps open up the chest and benefits the lungs. It can even benefit menstrual and digestive problems. Most commonly, it is used for aches and pains of various types, as well as respiratory problems, coughs and wheezing."

Generally, a cup is left in a place for about three to five minutes. The skin becomes red due to the congestion of blood flow. The practice is then repeated in the same place for another two to four times. The therapy lasts for 45 minutes and costs 68 yuan (US$8.50).

"In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of the skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle. This technique is called gliding cupping," Peng said.

"An application of medicated massage oils will also help the movement of the cups on the body and do more good for the blood circulation."

When there is a toxic heat syndrome, a pricking practice can be done to draw three to four drops of blood. Peng said this removes stasis and alleviates swelling and pain.

The cup is removed by pressing the skin gradually along the cup's edge to allow some outside air to leak in, thus equalizing the pressure and releasing it.

Lying on a treatment table, Lin said he enjoyed the simple procedure very much. "I had a slight feeling of swelling at first. After finishing the course of treatment, I had an immediate relief of pains and a feeling of refreshment."

Peng said there were a few conditions in which cupping should not be used. These include those with high fever, skin diseases and a tendency to bleed easily. It should also not be undertaken after drinking, eating or doing sport.

(Shanghai Daily December 12, 2006)