August 18, 2023
Cupping therapy, a time-honoured technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained popularity worldwide for its ability to release tension, restore balance, and promote overall well-being.
Apart from its therapeutic benefits, one intriguing aspect of cupping therapy is the distinctive bruises it leaves behind. In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of cupping bruises, exploring their meanings and shedding light on what each colour signifies.
1) The Mechanics of Cupping Therapy:
Before diving into the colours of cupping bruises, let's understand how cupping therapy works. Cupping involves placing cups on specific areas of the body and creating a vacuum effect to draw the skin upward. This suction increases blood flow to the targeted regions, stimulating healing and releasing tension in muscles and tissues.
2) The Spectrum of Cupping Bruises:
The shades of cupping marks can vary, providing valuable insights into the body's response to the therapy:
A) Light to Medium Pink Colour:
● Light pink to medium pink marks indicate a relatively healthy body with minimal toxins or mild stagnation.
● These colours are often seen in regular and frequent cupping patients, where toxins have less time to build up between sessions.
● The marks typically peak in intensity within 4 to 5 days and gradually fade away as the body's healing processes take place.
B) Dark Reddish to Pinkish Colour:
● Deeper shades of pink or reddish marks suggest mild to moderate stagnation in the blood flow.
● They tend to develop within a day or two and may persist for about 10 to 12 days.
C) Dark Purple Colour:
● The darkest shades of purple indicate more severe stagnation or significant toxin build-up in the body.
● These marks are more common among first-time cupping users, as practitioners often draw out a larger amount of toxins during initial sessions.
● Dark purple marks tend to develop quickly and may remain for up to two weeks.
3) The Importance of Understanding Cupping Bruises:
While the appearance of variant bruises may seem alarming to some, understanding the colours and their meanings can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of cupping therapy. The intensity of the bruises allows the TCM practitioner to understand further the individual's overall health and help tailor-make future treatments regime accordingly.
4) Precautions and Aftercare:
To minimize the risk of excessive bruising, seeking cupping therapy from a qualified and experienced TCM practitioner is essential. In addition to the above, aftercare is crucial to promote faster healing and reduce the visibility of bruises. After a cupping session, keeping the treated areas warm and dry condition can aid in the recovery process.
