Cupping Color Meaning: What Each Color Reveals

After a cupping session, you may have noticed circular marks left behind on your skin – some light pink, others deep purple or bright red. 

These colours aren’t random. Each shade can indicate different things about your circulation, blood flow, and areas where stagnation may have occurred. Knowing how to read these marks can help you make sense of what's happening beneath your skin and understand what your body might be telling you.

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment where inverted glass, plastic, or bamboo cups are applied to specific points on your body. This technique has been practised for around thousands of years, with the earliest written records dating back to 300 AD in a text called A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies by Taoist herbalist Ge Hong.

Today, cupping is a well-recognised method used to promote health, prevent illness, and treat various conditions.

What are the benefits of cupping?

In TCM, pain happens when Qi (your energy) gets blocked or stuck in the body. Cupping works to clear these blockages and restore the body's natural flow of energy, which helps relieve pain and promote healing.

Cupping therapy can:

• Reduce pain and improve blood flow to the affected area

• Promote cell repair by improving circulation

• Support faster healing by improving how your body cells work

• Help your body remove excess fluids and waste

• Promote comfort and relaxation throughout the body

Many people find cupping helpful for:

• Muscle and joint pain such as chronic lower back pain, neck pain, and fibromyalgia

• Digestive concerns like bloating, gastric reflux, and constipation

• Respiratory issues such as cough, asthma, and common cold recovery

To help your body respond effectively, it’s often recommended that you do cupping therapy 1-2 times a week.

What are the different types of cupping?

Traditional cupping with glass cups can be done in two main ways, which are dry cupping and wet cupping.

Dry cupping

This is the most common approach. The cups are placed on specific areas of the body to create gentle suction. This action lifts the soft tissue and helps release tight muscles and connective tissue beneath the skin.

Dry cupping may be done in two ways:

• Stationary cupping:

  • The cups remain in one place for a short period. 

  • You may feel a gentle pulling or suction sensation in the treated area, which many people find relaxing.

• Gliding cupping:

  • Oil is applied to the skin, allowing the cups to move smoothly along the body.

  • This technique is often used for larger areas, such as the back and thighs, and helps cover a wider area more comfortably.

Wet cupping

This cupping method involves minimal blood release and is only recommended for specific conditions. It is performed by trained physicians and follows strict hygiene and safety standards.

In TCM, wet cupping is used to address areas of stagnation and is typically applied at selected points based on individual assessment.

Before you consider cupping, it’s important to consult a qualified physician to determine whether it is suitable for your health condition.

What do the cupping marks mean?

After a cupping session, you’ll likely notice circular marks on your skin. This is completely normal and happens because tiny blood vessels under your skin’s surface break slightly, similar to a bruise. The good news is they're usually painless.

In TCM, the colour and pattern of the marks show the level of Blood and Qi stagnation (slowed or blocked energy flow). Here's what your cupping marks might be telling you:

• Light pink or faint red marks may indicate good circulation with minimal stagnation

• Bright red marks often suggest mild inflammation or a recent strain 

• Dark red to deep purple marks reflect deeper stagnation, chronic tension, or toxin buildup

• A yellowish or greenish tint (as marks fade) shows the natural breakdown and clearing of stagnation

While cupping marks are not used to diagnose a condition, they help your TCM physician assess your body. This is important, as it may indicate whether to continue with the same frequency or adjust the intensity or technique.

If you’re curious about what the colour of your cupping marks may indicate about your health, request an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine. Our TCM physicians can evaluate your marks and guide you on the next steps to support your overall wellbeing.

When will the marks disappear?

These marks will gradually fade and disappear completely within approximately one week, depending on how quickly your skin naturally heals and renews itself. With regular cupping treatments, the marks typically become lighter over time.

If you prefer not to have marks on certain areas, such as visible parts of your body, let your TCM physician know beforehand.

Are there any side effects?

Cupping is generally well-tolerated and you may notice improvements after just a few sessions.

In rare cases, some people may experience:

• Temporary dizziness

• Sensitive skin around the treatment area

• Small blisters

If you're worried about needles, dry cupping is a good option. Wet cupping does use small needles for punctures, but both approaches are generally comfortable and relaxing for most people.

What should be done after cupping?

Proper aftercare helps you get the most from your treatment. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Keep the cupped area warm and covered:

  • Your skin and pores are more open after cupping, so it’s best to avoid cold wind or air conditioning.

• Rest and stay hydrated:

  • Cupping boosts circulation, so your body needs time to rebalance. 

  • Drink warm water or light herbal teas to support the process.

• Wait at least 2-4 hours before showering:

  • Avoid bathing immediately after cupping, especially cold showers, as your skin and pores are more sensitive. 

  • If needed, gently wipe the area with a warm damp towel.

• Avoid intense physical activity for 24 hours:

  • Light movement like stretching or walking is fine, but try to avoid intense workouts, saunas, or heat-heavy activities to give your body time to heal.

By following these simple steps, you'll help your body respond well to your cupping session and support your body's healing process.

Is cupping therapy suitable for everyone?

Although cupping therapy can be beneficial for most people, it may not be suitable for everyone. It’s generally not recommended if you:

• Have inflamed or sensitive skin

• Have a high fever or experience sudden body shaking (convulsions)

• Bleed easily or are taking blood-thinning medication (such as warfarin)

• Are pregnant (certain areas like the abdomen, lower back, and specific points should be avoided)

If you have any concerns about whether cupping is right for you, request an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine before starting treatment. Our physician can help to assess your condition and create a suitable treatment plan for you.

Cupping therapy at Thomson Medical

At Thomson Chinese Medicine, our practitioners are licensed and registered by the TCM Practitioners Board of the Singaporean Ministry of Health. They have undergone rigorous training and have extensive experience in performing cupping therapy.

Here’s what you can expect during a typical cupping session:

• Initial consultation:

  • You will discuss your health concerns and goals with the practitioner.

• Preparation:

  • You will be positioned comfortably on the bed with the treatment area exposed.

  • To ensure a relaxing experience, we offer a comfortable and serene environment equipped with modern facilities.

• Application of cups:

  • The cups are placed on the skin to create suction on the treatment area.

• Duration:

  • The cups remain in place for 10-15 minutes. Depending on the condition and areas of treatment, some sessions may last longer.

• Aftercare:

  • It’s crucial to follow certain guidelines after a cupping session to enhance the benefits and avoid adverse effects.

  • Avoid cold showers, baths and exposure to the cold for at least 2 to 3 hours to prevent discomfort. Refrain from vigorous exercise and limit your alcohol and caffeine intake to avoid dehydration.

The cost of one cupping session is from SGD 32.70 per treatment area. Please note that a separate consultation fee will be charged.

FAQ

Does cupping hurt? 

Cupping shouldn't cause pain, though you may feel some gentle tightness on your skin during the procedure. After treatment, you might feel slightly sore, but you shouldn't experience severe discomfort.

Why do I feel unwell after cupping?

You may feel fatigued or experience mild discomfort after the session. This is completely normal and may feel similar to flu-like symptoms. It's a temporary reaction as your immune system responds to the cellular waste that the treatment helps release.

What should I expect after cupping?

The suction force from cupping breaks open tiny blood vessels called capillaries under your skin. Circular red marks will appear that should fade within a week or two. While these marks look like bruises, they're not true bruises that damage muscle tissue.

Is darker cupping better?

Not necessarily. The colour of the marks is thought to be based on the levels of stagnation and waste products in your blood. If you’ve significant blood stagnation, the marks may appear darker. Light-coloured marks may indicate improved circulation and drainage.

What kind of toxins does cupping pull out? 

Cupping doesn't pull toxins out through the skin. Instead, it works by improving blood circulation and lymphatic movement (your body's natural waste-removal system). This helps clear away built-up waste products and reduces inflammation.

What does "thick blood" mean in wet cupping? 

In TCM practice, physicians look for thick, mucus-like blood during the procedure. Once it comes out from under your skin, it thickens and stays on the surface. This type of blood is different from fresh blood and is believed to show that stagnation is being released.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine today.