Cupping marks: what they are and how long they last
Those round marks look dramatic, but they are not bruises in the usual sense. Here is what causes them and what to expect.
2 min read
If you have seen swimmers or footballers with neat round marks on their backs, you have seen cupping. It is one of the treatments I use alongside massage, and the marks are usually the first thing people ask about. Here is what is going on.
What cupping is
Cupping uses cups placed on the skin to create suction. Instead of pressing into the muscle like massage does, the cups gently lift the skin and the tissue underneath. Sometimes the cups stay still; sometimes they are glided over oiled skin.
I use it within a massage on areas that feel tight and stuck, especially broad areas like the back, the thighs and the calves. It is never a replacement for the hands-on work, and it is always optional.
What causes the marks
The suction draws blood towards the surface of the skin under the cup. Where tiny blood vessels near the surface give a little, it leaves a round mark, a bit like a bruise in colour but without the knock that normally causes one.
The colour varies from person to person and from place to place. Some people get faint pink circles; others get darker red or purple ones. An area that is very tight often marks more than one that is not.
Do they hurt?
Usually not. Most people say the marks feel like nothing at all, or a little tender if pressed, for a day or so. The cupping itself feels like a strong pulling sensation, which most people find surprisingly pleasant once they are used to it.
How long do they last?
Most marks fade within a few days to a week. Darker marks can take a little longer. Keeping active, staying hydrated and having a warm shower all help.
When to avoid cupping
Tell me if you have a holiday, a wedding, a photo shoot or anything else coming up where you would rather not have marks on show. We can leave the cups out or keep them to an area that will be covered.
Cupping is also not suitable over broken skin, sunburn, varicose veins or recent injuries, and some medical conditions and medicines (such as blood thinners) mean it is best avoided. That is part of the chat at the start of every session.
Is it worth trying?
If you have a stubborn tight area that massage alone does not quite shift, cupping is worth a try. It is included in any treatment length, so there is nothing extra to book. Just mention it when you arrive.
Curious about cupping?
Book any treatment length and ask for cupping on the day.
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