Cupping marks are the round, reddish or purplish circles that can show up after cupping therapy. They are common and usually not painful. Most fade within a few days to about two weeks. They are not bruises in the usual sense, since there is no impact involved, but they come from small blood vessels near the skin responding to the suction.
If you are curious about cupping, or you just had your first session and are looking at your back in the mirror, this guide explains what is going on.
What causes cupping marks?
During cupping, your practitioner places cups on your skin and creates suction. The suction lifts the skin and the tissue underneath. That pull can cause tiny blood vessels near the surface to leak a little, which shows up as color on the skin.
How strong the marks look depends on a few things:
- How strong the suction was and how long the cups stayed on.
- Whether the cups stayed still or glided across the skin.
- Your skin type and how easily you mark.
- How tight or tender the area was to begin with.
What do the different colors mean?
You may hear claims that the color of a cupping mark shows how many toxins are in your body. There is no good evidence for that, and I do not want to tell you something I cannot back up.
What we can say is simpler. Light pink marks are common with gentle or gliding cupping. Darker red or purple marks are more common with stronger, stationary cups or in areas that were very tight. Some people mark heavily no matter what, and others barely mark at all. Neither one means the session worked better.
How long do cupping marks last?
Most marks fade within three to ten days. Darker marks can take up to two weeks. They usually go from darker to lighter, and sometimes turn a bit yellow or brown as they fade.
If you have an event coming up, like a wedding, a beach trip or a race in a tank top, tell us. We can use lighter suction or gliding techniques that tend to leave fewer marks, or schedule your session for after the event.
Do cupping marks hurt?
Usually not. Some people feel mild tenderness for a day, a little like the soreness after a deep massage. If a mark is very painful, warm, swollen or blistered, call us.
How should you care for your skin after cupping?
- Keep the area warm and covered for the rest of the day if you can.
- Drink water and move gently.
- Skip very hot showers, hot tubs or saunas for the rest of the day.
- Avoid harsh scrubs on the area until the marks fade.
- Use sunscreen or cover the area if it will be in the sun.
What does a cupping session feel like?
Most people describe cupping as a pulling or lifting feeling, which is the opposite of the pressing you feel in a typical massage. With stationary cups, your practitioner leaves the cups in place for a few minutes. With gliding cupping, a little oil is used and the cups move slowly across the skin, which many people find relaxing.
Your practitioner will check in about the suction. If it feels too strong, say so and they can ease it right away. Cupping should feel intense at times, but it should not feel sharp or painful.
Who should avoid cupping?
Cupping is not right for everyone. Talk with your doctor first, and tell your practitioner, if you:
- Take blood thinners or bruise very easily.
- Have a bleeding or clotting disorder.
- Have broken, irritated or sunburned skin in the area.
- Are pregnant.
- Have a medical condition you are unsure about.
What is cupping used for?
People often use cupping to help with muscle tension, tight spots and recovery after training. Many find it pairs well with massage, since the lifting action feels different from pressing. Research on cupping is still limited and mixed, so we offer it as a comfort and recovery tool, not as a cure for any condition.
How much does cupping cost at Transcending Health?
A cupping therapy session on its own is $25. You can also add cupping to any massage or session for $10. Many clients add it to deep tissue massage or sports massage. You can see all prices on our pricing page, and compare styles of massage in Charlottesville.
We do not bill insurance, and we accept HSA and CareCredit.
Frequently asked questions
Do darker cupping marks mean more toxins?
There is no solid evidence for that idea. Darker marks are more likely related to suction strength, how long the cups stayed on and how easily your skin marks.
Can I get cupping without the marks?
Gliding cupping with lighter suction tends to leave fewer and lighter marks. Tell your practitioner if marks are a concern, and they will adjust.
Can I exercise after cupping?
Light exercise is usually fine. Many people prefer to skip very hard workouts the same day, especially if the area feels tender.
How often can I get cupping?
Most people wait until marks from the last session have faded before cupping the same area again. Your practitioner will suggest a schedule that fits your goals.
Curious whether cupping is right for you? Ask about it at your next massage, or add it when you book.
Ready to book? Book online or call (434) 465-2905.
