Cupping Therapy Practised In Singapore

SINGAPORE - MARCH 18: (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES) In this composite image a comparison has been made between a patient's back before (L) and after a blood cupping session on March 18, 2013 in Singapore. Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures and is used to treat a variety of medical conditions ranging from skin problems, blood disorders, fertility disorders and stroke. The process involves pricking the skin with needles before immediately applying a cup on top to draw congealed blood. Although the treatment is used widely throughout Asia and the Middle East, western medical groups remain sceptical of the health claims made by supporters and practitioners of the therapy. (Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images)