What is cupping?
Cupping is a treatment where cups—often glass or plastic—are placed on the skin to create gentle suction. This suction stimulates the flow of Qi (vital energy) and encourages blood circulation, drawing metabolic waste and toxins to the surface. In TCM philosophy, illness and pain result from stagnation of Qi and blood. Cupping works to clear these blockages and restore healthy flow.
How Does Cupping Work?
TCM Perspective:
Qi and Blood
- Blockages or imbalances in Qi flow can cause pain or illnesses.
- Cupping increases blood flow, hence reducing pain and enhances healing.
Expels pathogenic factors
- External pathogens such as wind, cold, dampness and heat causes blockages in the body.
- Cupping helps to draw these pathogens out of the body.
Strengthens Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)
- Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) circulates at the body’s surface and it’s the body’s first line of defense against illnesses.
- Cupping enhances circulation in the superficial layers, improving resistance to external pathogens.
Modern Scientific Perspective
Increases microcirculation
- Suction from the cups causes vasodilation that increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.
- This enhances capillary and lymphatic circulation, reduces swelling and improves tissue health.
Neurophysiological Effects
- Cupping stimulates sensory nerve endings in the skin, encouraging endorphin release, which reduces pain perception.
Fascial Decompression
- Fascia may become restricted due to injury, posture or repeated usage.
- Cupping creates a negative pressure that separates the fascial layers.
- This improves glide between tissues, restoring mobility and range of motion.
What can cupping treat?
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Pain Relief | Effective for chronic lower back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, and joint aches |
| Muscle Relaxation | Decreases muscle tension and improves flexibility |
| Improved blood circulation | Fresh, oxygen-rich blood flows to treated areas, speeding recovery |
| Faster Healing | Promotes cell repair, tissue regeneration, and reduces inflammation |
| Detoxification | Draws toxins to the surface, enhances elimination of waste |
| Digestive support | Can relieve bloating, constipation, and improve metabolism |
| Respiratory Recovery | Used for cough, asthma, colds and bronchial congestion |
| Mental and Emotional Well-Being | Induces relaxation, helps reduce stress and anxiety |
What to expect in a session?
1. Cups are applied to targeted body areas after gentle warming or manual suction.
2. The suction lifts the skin and underlying tissue, enhancing blood flow and loosening fascia.
3. Cups are typically left in place for several minutes before being removed.
4. Following the session, temporary circular marks or mild bruising may appear—these are harmless and fade quickly
Cupping Mark Colours and Their Meanings
In TCM, the colour and pattern of cupping marks provide insights into the body’s internal condition, particularly the flow of Qi, blood, and the presence of pathological factors such as heat, cold, dampness, or stagnation. Here’s what the typical colours mean:
Light Pink or Faint Red:
Indicates good blood circulation and minimal stagnation. The area has healthy Qi and blood flow with balanced yin-yang energies. This often reflects a healthy or mildly affected tissue state.
Bright Red:
Represents excess heat in the body or yin deficiency and dryness. It suggests that the body is lacking moisture and may need hydration and nourishment. This color can also indicate recent strain or mild inflammation.
Dark Red:
Suggests accumulation of heat or “pathogenic heat evils” in the body, which might be linked to inflammation or high blood cholesterol. This implies active inflammation or excess heat in the tissues.
Purple or Dark Purple with Spots:
Indicates significant blood stagnation and poor circulation, sometimes described as “cold” blood stasis. This can arise from long-standing blockages, overconsumption of cold foods, or trauma, and suggests that the affected area is congested and in need of circulation improvement.
Black or Very Dark Marks:
Shows severe blood stagnation and heavy toxin accumulation. These marks mean that the blockage is profound, often requiring more prolonged or recurrent treatment to resolve.
What Causes the Colours?
The marks are caused by the suction drawing blood to the surface, breaking small blood vessels beneath the skin. The discoloration resembles a bruise and usually disappears after a few days. The depth and duration of the colour reflects the level of stagnation or congestion in the tissues.
This acts as a guide for personalized TCM treatment focusing on restoring balance and promoting healing.
How Long Do Cupping Marks Last?
Cupping marks usually last from a few days up to about a week, fading naturally as circulation improves. Regular cupping treatments can result in lighter marks over time, signaling improved tissue health and circulation.
Teo Hong Boo TCM Clinic 