The basic concept behind cupping is suction. The traditional method is administered by taking a glass cup or jar containing a cotton ball swabbed with alcohol. The cotton ball is then ignited. After the cotton ball has been removed, the cup is then placed at a specific location on the patient’s skin. Because of the vacuum created inside the cup, the patient’s skin then rises up inside the cup and blood flow rushes to the area. This method is known as “Fire Cupping”. Practitioners believe it to be the most effective method.