Cupping Therapy: The Marks They Leave

What those circular marks actually mean, why people love cupping, and when it might make sense to add it to your massage.

Cupping therapy gets a lot of attention because of the marks it can leave behind. Those round red or purple circles can look intense, but they are not the whole point of the treatment. They also do not mean that “toxins” were pulled out of the body. [1]

In a massage setting, cupping uses gentle suction to lift the skin and underlying tissue. Instead of pressing down into the muscles, it creates a pulling sensation that can feel relieving in areas that feel tight, stuck, or overworked.

The marks happen because suction affects small blood vessels under the skin. They usually fade within several days, though everyone’s skin responds differently. Darker marks do not automatically mean the treatment worked better.

For some clients, cupping can be a great addition to massage, especially for the shoulders, back, hips, or areas that feel compressed from stress, workouts, or desk work. At Sacramento Massage Studio, we think of cupping as one helpful tool, not a magic trick. When it makes sense, it can be a great way to support a thoughtful, customized massage.

For more information about the cupping therapy we provide, see our Signature Cupping Massage Treeatment

Tag: Cupping Therapy: The Marks They Leave