Cupping therapy is an ancient practice involving specialized cups placed on the skin to create a vacuum, drawing the underlying tissue upward. This process, achieved through heat or a mechanical pump, increases localized blood flow and is often used for muscle relaxation and pain relief. A common and highly visible result is the appearance of circular, bruise-like marks where the cups were placed. These temporary discolorations are a normal side effect of the treatment.
The Biology of Cupping Marks
The marks left after a session are not typical impact bruises, which involve trauma and tearing of underlying muscle tissue. Instead, the intense suction creates negative pressure, pulling the skin and superficial tissue layers into the cup. This mechanical force causes small, fine blood vessels directly beneath the skin’s surface, known as capillaries, to rupture, resulting in a pooling of blood just outside the vessels.
The resulting mark, a type of hematoma, displays a color that ranges from light red to deep purple. This visible color change is a direct result of the breakdown of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen. As the body naturally metabolizes and clears this pooled blood, the color shifts through shades of green, yellow, and brown before fully disappearing.
Typical Duration and Fading Variables
Generally, the marks will last between three and seven days, although a range of factors can extend this duration up to two weeks. Lighter, reddish marks often fade quickly, sometimes within just a few days. Marks that are a deeper purple or black typically indicate greater blood stagnation or restricted flow in that area, and will take the longest to resolve.
The intensity of the cupping session is a primary variable; stronger suction or leaving the cups on for an extended period creates more pronounced marks. Individual physiological factors also play a significant role in the fading process. People with a faster metabolism and better overall circulation tend to clear the marks more quickly than others. Hydration status and overall health influence how efficiently the body can resorb the pooled blood. The area of the body treated can also matter, with marks on areas of high muscle tension, such as the back, sometimes appearing darker and lasting slightly longer.
Accelerating the Fading Process
Several post-treatment actions can gently encourage faster fading while the body completes its natural process of clearing the pooled blood. One effective strategy is to improve localized circulation and lymphatic drainage. Applying warmth to the area after the initial 48 hours, such as with a warm compress or shower, encourages blood flow. This increased flow helps the body transport the stagnant blood cells away from the area for processing.
Gentle massage around the edges of the marks, rather than directly on the fresh discoloration, can help stimulate the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for clearing cellular waste and fluid, and encouraging its function aids in the breakdown of the hematoma. Maintaining optimal hydration by drinking plenty of water is also beneficial, as it supports the body’s overall circulatory and waste-removal systems.
Some individuals find relief by using topical products containing arnica or Vitamin K, which are often used to support the healing of general bruises. Avoiding any further cupping on the marked area until the discoloration has fully resolved prevents excessive tissue stress.