Expert: Master Shadow - 11/9/2006

Question
My sub is interested in cupping, and I need to find out what it is, and how is it done

Answer
Cupping is an ancient Chinese technique often used for such ailments as arthritis. Cupping is performed by placing an oil, or alcohol soaked cotton ball into a special container, similar to a small glass, lighting it, then immediately placing it on the patients(Or, in this case, subs) body where the arthritis is located. It creates a vacuum when the alcohol, or oil is burned off, adhering the cup to the patient or sub. This draws the blood to the surface of the skin, where, if being used for medicinal purposes, the medication would be located. In the case of scening, though, there would most likely be no medication, and the technique would be used to cause a hickey-like mark on the sub, and cause the area under the glass to swell with blood, possibly leaving a lump under the skin for anywhere from several hours to several days, depending on how long the cup were left in place, and the strength of the vacuum.

There are cupping sets available over the net, as well as in homeopathic supply stores. Some use the ancient flame technique, a sort of fireplay, while others utilize a small hand held vacuum pump. I hope this helps.

                                     SINcerely in Leather,
                                     Master Shadow.