Cupping is a medical technique that until the 20th century was found in virtually every culture worldwide because it is such a useful technique. In the west, records of Cupping are found in the Greek and Roman civilizations, Cupping stayed in use in Europe, Britain and America until the 1920's.

Cupping has never fallen out of use in the Far East, and Acupuncturists are now bringing about a revival in the West.

'Medical cups' come in many materials from glass, bamboo, plastic, or even metal, and vary in size from 1 - 4 inches diameter.
Here is a brief description of how Cupping works - the cup is placed on an affected area such as a painful joint, or on a particular Acupuncture point in the case of a cold; a vacuum is created inside the cup which causes skin and flesh in the surrounding area to be drawn up inside the cup.
 

The cup is left in place for a few minutes, once the compression is released the area is flooded with increased blood flow, and skin, follicle and sub-cutaneous stimulation. Cupping may be used for back pain, colds, arthritis, and much more.
If I am thinking of using cupping for your condition, I will of course discuss it with you beforehand.