Cupping is often used for ailments such as asthma, congestion from colds or influenza, backaches, and various other myoskeletal aches or pains. The method of cupping involves the application of glass cups to the surface of the skin. The cups are applied to the skin by taking the oxygen out of the cup by the use of an ignited flame. The cup is held above the skin near the area where it will be applied. A cotton ball is then lit, put inside the cup and quickly withdrawn before placing the cup on the skin. This then creates a vacuum suction on the skin due to the rapid decrease of oxygen. The cup or cups are usually left and or moved on the skin anywhere from 3-10 minutes. Cupping will leave a reddish purple mark on the skin that will disappear after about three to seven days at most.