Cupping Therapy: Benefits, Myths, and What Those Marks Really Mean

If you've ever seen someone with mysterious round marks on their back — maybe at the gym or on an athlete during a big sports event — chances are they’ve experienced cupping therapy.

At Roots Acupuncture & Apothecary, we get a lot of questions about this ancient healing technique. Is it painful? Why does it leave marks? And what exactly does it do?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping is a therapeutic technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where we place suction cups are placed on the skin to create a vacuum-like seal. These cups are typically glass domes. Our practitioner, Dr. Kelly, uses a small flame to remove oxygen from the cup, and then quickly places it on the skin to create suction. This draws the skin slightly upward into the cup, increasing blood flow and helping the body release tension, stagnation, and toxins.

In TCM, we say that cupping moves Qi and blood, helping to clear out stagnation and restore balance to the system.

What Are the Benefits of Cupping?

Cupping can support a wide range of conditions, including:

• Muscle tension and pain relief
  (especially back, neck, and shoulder tightness)

• Headaches and migraines

• Respiratory issues
  (like coughs, asthma, or chest congestion)

• Improved circulation

• Stress and anxiety

• Detoxification support

• Improved sleep and digestion
  (both signs that the nervous system is responding positively)

What’s the Deal With Those Marks?

Ah, the famous “cupping circles.”

Here’s the truth: those dark marks are not bruises. They’re the result of stagnant blood, lymph, or toxins being brought to the surface. The color and intensity of the marks can tell us a lot.

• Light pink or no mark: mild stagnation, good circulation

• Red to purple: moderate stagnation

• Dark purple or brownish: more severe stagnation, often from chronic tension or past injury

These marks usually fade within 1–7 days. The more regularly you receive cupping, the less intense the markings become and the quicker the resolve — a sign that circulation is improving!

Common Myths About Cupping

Let’s bust a few myths:

• Myth: Cupping is painful.
  Truth: Most people find it relaxing and think it feels pleasant, like a deep-tissue massage. It might feel tight or warm at first, but that sensation fades quickly. Some people experience soreness afterwards or fatigue, but on the other side of that, they feel great.

• Myth: The marks are harmful.
  Truth: They’re a natural, harmless part of the healing process. Think of them like a temporary roadmap of where your body needed attention.

• Myth: Cupping is only for athletes.
  Truth: As we mentioned above, cupping can benefit a wide variety of conditions, so anyone can benefit — from busy moms and desk workers to weekend warriors and people recovering from illness.

Who Shouldn’t Get Cupping?

Cupping is generally very safe, especially when performed by a trained acupuncturist. However, it may be avoided in cases of:

• Broken or irritated skin

• Bleeding disorders or use of blood thinners

• Pregnancy (certain types or locations of cupping are avoided)

• Severe medical conditions without proper evaluation

Ready to Try It?

At Roots Acupuncture & Apothecary, we often combine cupping with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other therapies to create a truly holistic healing experience.

If you’re curious or want to know if cupping is right for your specific health goals, book an appointment and we can get started.