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Collections of devices designed to apply suction to the surface of the skin. These devices typically consist of cup-shaped devices, typically constructed of glass or silicone, which are placed with the mouth of the cup on the skin surface. A vacuum is created in the cup by heating the air within the cup before placement, frequently by igniting a flammable substance within the cup (e.g., alcohol, paper). As the air cools it creates negative pressure within the cup. Alternatively, some cups have a second opening opposite the mouth of the cup appropriate for attachment of a rubber bulb or hand pump that can be used to create suction. Cupping sets typically consist of multiple cups and accessories (e.g., rubber bulbs, hand pumps) and are intended to be used in cupping therapy, a complementary and alternative medicine massage technique.
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