09/07/2026
“Wait… Will My Cupping Session Leave a Mark?”
Yep, probably.
This is one of the most common questions I get about cupping, especially when someone sees those big circular marks on an athlete and thinks, “Uhhh… does that hurt?”
The good news? The cupping itself shouldn’t hurt, and the marks shouldn’t be painful either. You’ll feel the suction and a firm pulling sensation, but it shouldn’t feel like something is hurting you.
Cupping marks can definitely look like bruises, but they happen a little differently.
A typical bruise happens when an impact or injury damages small blood vessels under the skin.
A cupping mark comes from suction. The cup lifts the skin and superficial tissues, which can cause some of those tiny blood vessels near the surface to leak a little. That’s what creates the temporary red, purple, or dark circular color.
So yes, it can look dramatic. No, I didn’t beat you up.
How long does it last?
Usually a few days to about a week, although it can vary from person to person and from one session to another. Some people barely mark at all, while others get those gorgeous little purple circles that make it look like they’ve been attacked by a very organized octopus.
And no, you don’t need to panic if the marks look darker the next day. They should gradually fade on their own.
As a Licensed Massage Therapist with 12+ years of experience, I use cupping as one of several techniques in my toolbox for areas of muscular tension, restricted movement, and overworked tissues.
Curious but nervous about trying it? Ask me about it at your next massage!
🌈🤲Drop a comment if you’ve always wanted to try cupping but weren’t sure what the heck those circles were! 🐙
