Balanced Health

One of the most common questions I get after a cupping treatment is…

"What do the marks mean?"

The colour and intensity of cupping marks can give us clues from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, but they're not a diagnosis.

Here's a general guide:

🟣 Dark purple or almost black – May suggest long-standing stagnation or areas where Qi and Blood have been restricted for some time.

🔴 Dark red – Often associated with heat, inflammation, or more active stagnation.

❤️ Bright red – Can indicate fresh stagnation with the body's circulation actively responding.

🩷 Pink or light red – Usually reflects good circulation and a milder response.

🤍 Very light or no marks – May suggest less stagnation in that area, although in TCM it can sometimes be seen with Qi or Blood deficiency.

Every person's body is different, and the same colour can mean different things depending on the individual, their health history, and the reason for treatment.

The marks are temporary, typically fading within a few days to a week, and they are not bruises caused by trauma.

Remember, cupping marks are just one small piece of the picture. Your treatment is always tailored to you as a whole person—not just what appears on your skin.

Have you ever had cupping? What colour were your marks? Let me know in the comments!

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A Personal Experience…

When I first started running more regularly, I assumed all running shoes were much the same. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that they aren’t.

I developed a tight, painful calf that needed treatment. Once it settled, I went for another run… and the pain came straight back. After more treatment, I changed to a different pair of running shoes and had no problems at all. To be sure, I tried my original trainers one more time—and within the run, the calf pain returned.

That experience taught me a valuable lesson: the right running shoe can make all the difference.

Every runner is different, and the shoe that suits one person may not suit another. Investing in the correct footwear isn’t just about comfort—it’s about reducing your risk of injury and enjoying your running.

If you’re just starting your running journey, don’t make the same mistake I did. Get your gait assessed, choose the right shoe for your foot type and running style, and give yourself the best chance of staying injury-free.

Mark Marshall – Manual Therapist
Balanced Health – Restore • Recover • Perform