Cupping Marks: How Long They Last and What Is Normal

Written by the Auckland Wellness Centre acupuncture team, led by Dr Robin Won PhD and Dr Boram Kim PhD. Rosedale and Milford. Last updated: October 2026.

Quick answer: Cupping marks usually fade over several days, and darker marks can take up to two weeks. They come from suction drawing the skin and the tissue under it up into the cup, not from an impact. They are not usually sore. If you have an event coming up, tell your practitioner before the cups go on.

Why cupping leaves marks

A cup creates suction. That suction lifts the skin and the soft tissue under it into the cup for the few minutes it sits there. Tiny blood vessels just under the skin show through as colour, which is why the mark is round and matches the rim of the cup.

Because nothing hits the skin, the marks behave differently from an ordinary bruise. Most people find they are not tender, or only mildly so, even when the colour looks dramatic.

How long they usually last

Light pink marks often settle within two or three days. Deeper red or purple marks usually take five to ten days. Occasionally a dark mark takes up to two weeks to clear completely.

Marks tend to fade from the edges in, and they often look lighter by the second or third day.

What makes them last longer

Stronger suction and longer time under the cup both tend to give darker marks. Fire cupping with glass cups usually draws more strongly than silicone cups. Sliding the cups along the muscle spreads a lighter mark over a wider area.

Skin type, the area being treated and whether it is your first session also play a part. Many people find their marks are lighter at later sessions.

Planning around a wedding, a photo or the beach

Tell your practitioner when you book or at the start of the session. They can use lighter suction, shorten the time, place the cups somewhere that will be covered, or leave cupping out that day. It is your call, and it is an easy change to make.

What is normal and when to call

Normal: round marks matching the cups, little or no tenderness, and colour that fades steadily over the following days.

Not normal: blisters, broken skin, pain that gets worse instead of better, or redness and heat that spread beyond the marks. If you notice any of these, call the clinic. If it is after hours or you feel unwell, see a GP or urgent care.

Looking after the area

A warm shower later the same day is fine. For the rest of the day skip very hot showers, saunas, spas and hard training, and keep the area covered and warm.

Cupping at Auckland Wellness Centre

At our Rosedale and Milford clinics, dry and fire cupping is done by CMCNZ-registered acupuncturists within an acupuncture session, with no extra charge. ACC acupuncture is no surcharge to $20 per visit depending on the practitioner, and private sessions start at $40. See our cupping page for practitioners, fees and who should not have cupping.

Frequently asked questions

How long do cupping marks last? Usually several days. Light marks can clear in two or three days, darker marks in five to ten days, and occasionally up to two weeks.

Do cupping marks hurt? Usually not, or only mildly. If an area becomes more painful over time, call the clinic.

Can I make cupping marks fade faster? Not reliably. Keeping the area warm and avoiding very hot showers, saunas and hard training on the day is the usual advice. If marks are a concern, ask for lighter suction or a different area.

Can I have cupping without marks? Not always. Lighter suction and shorter time make marks lighter, but some colour is common. You can also ask to skip cupping before an event.

Is cupping included in my acupuncture session at AWC? Yes. Cupping is done within your ACC or private acupuncture session when it suits, with no extra charge. We do not book cupping on its own.