from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cupping \Cup"ping\ (k?p"p?ng), n. (Med.)
The operation of drawing blood to or from the surface of the
person by forming a partial vacuum over the spot. Also,
sometimes, a similar operation for drawing pus from an
abscess.
[1913 Webster]
{Cupping glass}, a glass cup in which a partial vacuum is
produced by heat, in the process of cupping.
{Dry cupping}, the application of a cupping instrument
without scarification, to draw blood to the surface,
produce counter irritation, etc.
{Wet cupping}, the operation of drawing blood by the
application of a cupping instrument after scarification.
[1913 Webster]