Have you ever seen pictures of Michael Phelps the Olympic swimmer and wonder what the octopus-looking marks were on his back? Those marks were from massage cupping. Although massage cupping has soared in popularity recently, the practice has been around for thousands of years. It’s a great way to relieve pain and musculoskeletal injuries. But before you try massage cupping, here’s what you should know: 1. Massage Cupping Increases Blood Flow Massage Cupping works by applying suction and negative pressure via cups. These cups soften tight muscles and loosen adhesions. This release of adhesions allows fluids and blood to enter body tissues, drains excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic.