Cupping Therapy Explained: Benefits, Those Circular Marks,and Aftercare

If you have ever seen an athlete on television with a cluster of dark circular marks on their shoulders, you have
seen the aftermath of cupping therapy. Once a niche practice mostly associated with Traditional Chinese
Medicine clinics, cupping has become widely recognized after appearing on Olympic swimmers and
professional athletes, but plenty of misconceptions still surround exactly what it does and why those marks
appear.
What Cupping Actually Is
Cupping involves placing round cups, typically glass, silicone, or plastic, on the skin and creating suction, either
with heat or a manual pump. That suction gently pulls the skin and underlying tissue upward into the cup, which
increases local blood flow, loosens tight fascia, and helps release muscle tension in a way that feels almost like
the reverse of a deep tissue massage. Cups are typically left in place for five to fifteen minutes, or moved slowly
across an oiled area of skin in a technique called sliding cupping.
Why Cupping Leaves Marks
The circular discoloration that cupping is known for is not a bruise in the traditional sense caused by trauma. It
happens because the suction draws stagnant blood and metabolic waste up to the surface of the skin, similar to
what happens with a hickey. The color and intensity of the mark, from light pink to deep purple, often reflects
how much tension or stagnation was present in that particular area, and marks typically fade within a few days
to two weeks with no lasting damage to the skin.
What Cupping Is Commonly Used For
Cupping is frequently used alongside acupuncture for back and shoulder pain, tight tech neck muscles, sports
injuries, and general muscle tension, since it can reach broader areas of tightness more quickly than needles

working point by point. Some practitioners also use lighter facial cupping for circulation and skin tone, and
cupping along the back is sometimes used to support respiratory health and general immune function.
Aftercare Tips for Cupping

Mild soreness in the treated area for a day or two afterward is normal.
Try Cupping at Bonafide Acupuncture
Whether paired with an acupuncture session or used on its own, cupping at Bonafide Acupuncture is tailored to
your specific areas of tension and comfort level. Dr. Siraj will explain exactly what to expect before your first
cupping treatment, including realistic expectations about marking. Visit the Prospect Heights or Bay Ridge
location, both of which accept most major insurance plans. Call (702) 907-7171 or book online to give cupping
a try.

Keep the treated area covered and warm for the rest of the day; avoid cold air or air conditioning directly on
the skin.

Drink plenty of water to help the body process and clear the released stagnation.

Avoid intense exercise, alcohol, and hot showers for several hours after treatment.

Do not expose cupping marks to direct sun until they have fully faded, to avoid uneven pigmentation.