Does cupping help with chronic pain? 
I recently had the opportunity to try cupping for my chronic shoulder and wrist pain. Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy that helps to invigorate the blood, disperse congestion of qi and blood. It encourages the body's inherent ability to rejuvenate and maintain balance. Suction is usually created over the painful area on the body by a cup and placing the cup on the desired point. Cupping is said to improve circulation and draw toxins out towards the skin surface. I would say the more in line explanation according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, cupping helps draw out cold, wind, and damp.
 
How is cupping performed?
Small plastic vacuum cups with the mouth-down are placed on the skin above the pained muscle area or above an acupuncture point at the affected area. The vacuum created by the suction can dispel dampness from the body, warm the qi and reduce swelling. The cups are left in place for 5-15 minutes and then removed. When removed, they usually leave a round red bruise behind. Bruising usually occurs in spots where congestion existed and it can take several days to go away. The deeper the color of the bruise, the more congested the area is and the more treatments are warranted. Blisters sometimes will also appear in which they should be dressed and treated to prevent infection. 
 
Do I find cupping to be effective?
I definitely find cupping to be helpful with my shoulder pain. An interesting aspect of cupping is that as the quantities of the treatments increase, the round marks left by the cups becomes less and less noticeable and last for a shorter time. This can also be explained by the body is healing and the treatment is working. Chinese Medicine would say that the stagnation has now been cleared and the energy flow in the area has been greatly enhanced.