Traditional medicine with a modern twist. This is "cupping". Burning medicinal herbs, or a candle flame are held inside a cup to heat the air. The cups are then placed on the body, the air cools creating a partial vacuum, and this draws blood to the afflicted area. The red areas are where cups have been applied. I had it done once; it hurt as much as it appears, but my sore back did feel better a day or two later.
The use of hypodermic needles to draw blood from between the knuckles is obviously a modern development. A medical advance?!?! I doubt it.