IT involves a burning flame and leaves red rings on your skin – but fire cupping isn't a form of torture, it's a treatment that celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Andy Murray swear by.

It is a type of deep-tissue massage that promotes stress relief and relaxation, and is also used to treat a variety of conditions such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, colds, musculoskeletal pain and digestive disorders.

Now York therapist Jane Wilson is offering the treatment at Core Remedial Bodyworks, which is based at Mr Snips in Yarburgh Way, Badger Hill.

Jane, 47, who has recently relocated from Waterworld at Monks Cross, said the technique was proving extremely effective in relieving her clients from pain.

She said: "One of my clients had had a bad back for ten to 15 years and literally within three sessions of cupping he was back doing a full work out in the gym. I couldn't believe it.”

The aim of fire cupping is to create a suction effect, drawing out impurities and balancing the body’s energy.

Jane creates this effect by inserting a flame into the cup to create a vacuum before applying the cup to the skin.

She said: "The vacuum has a suction effect, which draws the tissue into the jar, helping to break down any adhesions or fibrous tissue.

“The suction and heat also has a profound effect on the circulatory and lymphatic system, boosts immunity and helps to rebalance the body's natural energy.”

Jane knows more than anyone how debilitating chronic pain can be. In January 2000 a horrific car crash left her with a fractured spine.

Doctors told her she would have been paralysed had it not been for the strong back muscles she had built up over years of line dancing.

To find out more about the treatments she offers, visit her new website, coreremedialbodyworks.co.uk or phone her on 07857 620904.