cupped

Cupped is the past participle of the verb cup and is used as an adjective to describe anything shaped like a cup or having a shallow hollow. It can also describe a forming action in which a surface is made into a concave cavity.

As a gesture, cupped describes hands arranged to form a bowl-like cavity to hold liquids or small objects, as in cupped hands to catch rain. The term is common in everyday descriptions of how one holds water, sand, or delicate items.

In botany and related sciences, cupped denotes structures that are bowl-shaped, such as cupped leaves or petals, and in geology or material science, cupped textures describe concave or bowl-like surfaces.

Cupping therapy is a traditional healing practice in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction, typically by heating air inside the cup or using a mechanical pump. It is used in some forms of traditional Chinese medicine and in Unani medicine, among other traditions. Proponents claim benefits for pain relief, inflammation, and other conditions, but high-quality evidence is limited and findings are often inconclusive.

Medical and regulatory perspectives emphasize caution. Cupping can cause skin irritation, bruising or marks, burns, and, in rare cases, infections. It should not replace evidence-based treatments, and individuals with skin conditions, bleeding disorders, or infection risks should consult a healthcare professional before undergoing cupping.