What Are the Benefits of Cupping Therapy?

According to traditional Chinese medicine principles, cupping may help relieve pain associated with cold, internal imbalance, obstructed qi, poor blood circulation, and numbness.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is traditionally used to:

๐ Promote blood circulation

๐ Relieve muscle pain and stiffness

๐ Reduce swelling

๐ Relax tense muscles

๐ Relieve numbness

๐ Support the movement of qi and blood

๐ Reduce fatigue

๐ Relieve certain types of abdominal discomfort

๐ Promote relaxation and reduce feelings of stress

Cupping is also used in beauty and wellness treatments. By stimulating circulation near the skin, it is believed to help the complexion appear brighter and healthier.

Why Does Cupping Leave Marks on the Skin?

After cupping, circular red, purple, or dark marks may appear on the treated area. These marks are caused by suction drawing blood towards the surface of the skin.

The colour and intensity of the marks can vary depending on:

๐ The strength of the suction

๐ How long the cups remain on the skin

๐ The treatment location

๐ The person’s skin condition and sensitivity

๐ Local blood circulation

The marks are usually not the same as injuries caused by impact. They generally fade naturally within approximately five to seven days, although the recovery time may vary between individuals.

Interpreting Cupping Marks According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners may use the appearance of cupping marks as part of their assessment of qi, blood circulation, cold accumulation, and internal balance.

Dark Purple or Blackish Marks

Dark purple or almost black marks are traditionally interpreted as signs of blood stagnation and the accumulation of cold in the treated area.

Widespread Dark Marks After Moving Cupping

When moving cupping produces dark purple or black marks over a wide area, traditional Chinese medicine may associate them with exposure to wind-cold or internal cold.

Uneven Purple Spots

Scattered purple marks with different levels of intensity may traditionally indicate obstructed qi and blood stagnation.

Light Purple or Greenish Marks

Light purple marks with a greenish appearance may traditionally be associated with weakened qi and blood stagnation.

Bright Red Marks

Bright red marks may traditionally be interpreted as a pattern involving yin deficiency or relatively excessive yang energy.

These interpretations belong to traditional Chinese medicine theory and should be assessed together with the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and overall condition.

Safety of Cupping Therapy

Cupping should be performed by a trained and qualified practitioner using properly cleaned equipment and appropriate techniques.

People should inform the practitioner before treatment if they:

๐ Have a bleeding disorder

๐ Take blood-thinning medication

๐ Have broken, infected, or inflamed skin

๐ Bruise easily

๐ Are pregnant

๐ Have a serious underlying medical condition

Temporary skin marks, mild tenderness, or tightness may occur after treatment. However, severe pain, blistering, burns, signs of infection, or marks that do not improve should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Cupping may be used as a complementary approach for relaxation and certain types of muscular discomfort, but it should not replace appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment for persistent or severe symptoms.

 

Reference :

Qinglong Clinic Benefits of Cupping Therapy

ArokaGO Providers Qinglong Clinic