BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- It is an ancient Chinese practice that is gaining in popularity and leaving its mark in the Western culture.

Cupping is a method of Chinese medicine where a vacuum is created in a plastic or glass cup by heat then placed on the body. The suction is supposed to bring stagnant blood to the surface, according to acupuncturist and herbalist Dr. Sharon Zhang of the Chinese Medical Center.

Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Lisa Rinna and some athletes have all been spotted with these strange marks strewn across their back.

Even though the therapy has been around for centuries, it is only this century that is has finally been catching on with Americans.

Cupping therapy is supposed to open the meridians of the body, said Zhang. Meridians in the Chinese culture is an energy system by which chi (qi) is circulated throughout the body. The back has five meridian points, and when opened energy is able to travel to other parts of the body, said Zhang.

Suction created by the cups draws up underlying tissues, helping to release toxins, relieve chronic pain, improve the immunity system and help cleanse internal organs, said Zhang.

Jasmine Chen decided to get cupped because of her chronic back pain. While the marks left on her back look painful, Chen said the therapy was actually painless.

"It's very relaxing and it relieves pain," said Chen.

Zhang said the darkness on the marks left on the skin depend on what sickness the person is suffering from. The marks last no more than a week.

A cupping session can cost you around $65.