06/12/2026
We. Love. Cupping.
What a treat to get acupuncture followed by some soft tissue work with fire cups. Nothing makes our clients melt into the table more.
Fire cupping often leaves marks (not bruises), called petechiae, which is redness due to blood being pulled to the surface of the skin.
While they look painful, cupping marks don’t actually hurt! As cupping has become more mainstream, the marks are often worn as a badge of honour by our clients.
A word of warning - because you have more blood flow on the surface of your skin while cupping marks are visible, your skin becomes more photosensitive. Be mindful as the summer months approach that you don’t burn that badge of honour into your skin for the rest of the summer!
Wear high SPF sunscreen (ALWAYS anyways because it’s 2026 and we know better) or clothing over your cupping marks to keep you safe while your skin heals.
Cupping marks usually last for 3-5 days so if you’re going on vacation after your acupuncture session and are going to be in the sun, let your practitioner know!
🦊 Kris Zuk
📸 SHARON LITCHFIELD 何詩朗