The technique is the same as the above method but before creating the vacuum very tiny incisions using a disposable blade are made on the skin, cups are placed and vacuum is create by the mechanical pump.

This draws out a small quantity of blood which is then disposed of in a clinical waste bin.

Suction created over the skin pulls the skin, muscle, fascia and blood vessels in towards the cup. In the dry cupping no blood expelled whereas in the wet cupping blood is pulled to a certain area and expelled through the small incisions.

In 2010 a review of 550 clinical studies including 73 randomised controlled trials which are considered the gold standard study in the scientific community concluded that the majority of studies showed potential benefit. Another 2014 review of 16 studies with 921 patients reported favourable outcome.

I think you have to step back and say, if this has been part of an organised medical system for three thousand years, we probably shouldn't be too quick or arrogant to dismiss it out of hand as western scientists sometimes do.

Improving circulation, loosening up muscles and joints, relieving pain and inflammation are the most common of the reported findings. However, many other conditions such as headaches, hormonal imbalance, stress and detoxification and an increase in the immune system has been reported.

It has an effect on many conditions just like acupuncture through either balancing the flow of energy or by the influence of blood flow to the organs and muscles by embracing or detoxifying.

Pregnant women, children under 12 years, people with anaemia, blood disorders, and patients on blood thinning medication, diabetes, infections and cancer, should not undergo wet cupping but dry cupping can be used after careful history taking and examination.

The marks left by the cups become red or purple, they will disappear along with the incision marks within two to seven days. Some people may feel lethargic but that disappears if you drink plenty of water.

It can be performed on certain parts of the body points which has been already worked out by early Arab practitioners rather like acupuncture points. Patients who are prone to excessive scarring should not have wet cupping done on their face.

A qualified practitioner in dry and wet cupping should perform the procedure in a clinical environment. All equipment used must be sterile and disposable. Absolute guidance to strict hygiene and safety must be adhered to avoid infection, contamination and safety to practitioners and patients. Male practitioners treat male patients and female practitioners treat female patients.

This depends on the type of condition and how long the patient has had it. If the patient meets the treatment criteria it usually takes six treatments. Dry cupping can be performed on a week to three week basis, but wet cupping is on a four to six week basis.

This depends on the number of cups used. The initial consultation and examination takes about one hour and the treatment can take about thirty to forty minutes. Ask the reception for the cost of consultation and treatment. Cupping therapy can be done at this clinic. This is the only clinic in the South West that provides this service. Prices start from £35.