What Are Cupping Marks and How Long Do They Last?

If you’ve ever seen someone with round red, purple, or darker marks on their back after cupping, you may have wondered: What are those marks, and are they bruises?

Cupping marks are a normal and temporary response to cupping therapy. While they can look dramatic, they are generally not painful and typically fade on their own within several days.

What Causes Cupping Marks?

During cupping therapy, suction is created inside a cup placed on the skin. This gentle negative pressure lifts the skin and superficial tissues into the cup.

The suction can cause temporary changes in blood flow and bring blood toward the surface of the skin. This can result in a circular area of redness, pinkness, purple, or darker discoloration.

The appearance of the marks can vary from person to person and even from one treatment to another. Some people develop very light pink marks, while others may have deeper purple or reddish marks.

The intensity of the mark does not necessarily indicate how effective the treatment was. Your skin, circulation, the amount of suction used, and how long the cups remain in place can all influence the appearance of the marks.

How Long Do Cupping Marks Last?

Most cupping marks gradually fade within a few days to about one week, although darker marks can occasionally take up to two weeks or longer to completely disappear.

They usually change color as they heal, similar to a bruise, before gradually fading.

If you have an upcoming event, vacation, photos, or other occasion where you would prefer not to have visible marks, let your practitioner know so we can adjust the treatment accordingly.

What Is Glass Fire Cupping?

At our office, we commonly use glass fire cupping. With this traditional technique, a brief flame is used to remove oxygen from the glass cup, creating suction when the cup is placed on the skin.

The cups are then placed on specific areas of the body based on your individual needs. They may remain stationary for a short period of time or be used as part of a moving cupping technique.

Despite the name, the fire itself does not come into contact with your skin. The flame is used only to create the suction inside the cup.

What Is Gliding Cupping?

Gliding cupping, sometimes called moving cupping, uses suction while the cup is gently moved across the skin.

A small amount of oil or another appropriate lubricant is applied to the skin first, allowing the cup to glide smoothly over areas such as the back, shoulders, neck, or legs.

This technique can feel like a combination of massage and suction and is often used when we want to work over a larger area rather than leaving cups in one spot.

Because the cups are continuously moving, gliding cupping may produce less concentrated circular marking in some areas, although temporary discoloration can still occur.

Does Cupping Hurt?

Cupping should not be painful. Most patients describe the sensation as tightness, pulling, pressure, or a deep massage-like feeling.

Your practitioner can adjust the amount of suction based on your comfort level and the goals of your treatment.

Is It Normal to Have No Cupping Marks?

Yes! Not everyone develops visible marks after cupping.

Some people may have very subtle discoloration or no noticeable marks at all. The presence, absence, or darkness of a mark isn't a measurement of whether cupping "worked."

How Can I Prepare for Cupping?

It's generally a good idea to stay hydrated and let your practitioner know about any medications, health conditions, skin conditions, or concerns you may have before treatment.

After your session, keep the treated areas comfortable and avoid anything that may irritate the skin if it feels sensitive.

Interested in Trying Cupping?

Cupping is one of the therapies we offer alongside acupuncture and massage therapy at our Brea office. We can help determine whether stationary glass fire cupping, gliding cupping, or another approach is appropriate for you based on your individual goals.

If you're curious about cupping but aren't sure what type of treatment would be best, we're always happy to talk with you about what to expect at your first visit.