What Are Those Cupping Marks? A Complete Guide to Cupping Therapy

If you’ve seen circular marks on someone’s back after a massage or spotted them on an athlete during a competition, you’ve probably wondered what causes them. Those marks come from cupping therapy — and despite how they look, they’re not bruises in the traditional sense. Here’s what’s actually happening, and what to expect if you try cupping yourself.

Photo by Gustavo Fring on Pexels

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is a traditional technique that uses cups placed on the skin to create suction. It is commonly used for muscle tension and pain, although research on its effectiveness is still limited. At Queen’s Therapy, we offer two types as part of our acupuncture services:

• Fire Cupping — heated cups create suction on the skin, promoting circulation and helping relieve muscle tension.
• Blood Cupping — also known as wet cupping, involves lightly piercing the skin before applying suction so that a small amount of blood is drawn into the cup.

So, What Are Those Marks?

The circular marks left after cupping are caused by the suction drawing blood to the surface of the skin — similar to how a hickey forms, though the mechanism and intent are different. They’re typically not painful and are considered a normal, expected response to treatment rather than an injury.

How Long Do Cupping Marks Last?

This varies from person to person and can depend on factors such as the intensity and duration of suction. Marks can range from a light pink that fades within a day or two, to a deeper purple that takes a week or more to resolve. The color and intensity of cupping marks can vary between individuals and treated areas.

Is Cupping Right for You?

Cupping is often used alongside acupuncture for:

• Muscle tension and tightness, especially in the back and shoulders
• Recovery after physical activity
• General relaxation and circulation support

It’s not recommended for everyone — your practitioner will check in about your health history before treatment to make sure it’s a good fit.

Aftercare Tips

• Keep the treated area covered and out of direct sun until marks fade, since skin can be more sensitive to UV exposure
• Stay hydrated as you normally would after treatment
• Avoid intense exercise or hot showers immediately after treatment
• Expect marks to change color over the following days as they heal — this is normal

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cupping hurt?

Most clients describe cupping as a pulling or tight sensation rather than pain. Let your practitioner know if the suction feels too intense at any point.

Are cupping marks the same as bruises?

They look similar, but cupping marks come from suction drawing blood to the surface rather than impact trauma. They typically aren’t tender to the touch the way a bruise is.

How often can I get cupping done?

This depends on your goals and how quickly your marks fade. Many clients space sessions a week or more apart, especially if marks are still visible from a previous treatment.

Curious to try it for yourself? Book a cupping or acupuncture session at Queen’s Therapy in Coquitlam.