Sollievo Massage and Bodywork, in Cambridge, now offers cupping massage therapy, also known as suction therapy, a technique that has been used by healers for more than 5,000 years. Sollievo massage therapist Perrin Schilling says that this ancient modality is safe, comfortable and effective for many health and muscular-health disorders.

“Massage cupping is good for lifting and relaxing the body’s soft tissue, loosening adhesions, aiding lymphatic drainage, increasing blood flow, releasing scar tissue and bringing hydration to the tissues,” Schilling says. “Similar to massage therapy, cupping is controlled and can be either gentle and soothing or deeper in focus. It can be part of a massage or used on its own.”

Schilling says that during a massage cupping session, glass and plastic cups are used to create suction and negative pressure. On occasion, massage cupping leaves a “cup-kiss” on the skin, which indicates the release of stagnant body fluids and toxins. This mark, which is not a bruise, disappears within a few hours to a few days.

Location: Sollievo Massage and Bodywork, 2285 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. For appointments and more information, call 617-354-3082 or visit Sollievo.org.