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Many people are surprised by cupping marks after a session and may mistake them for cupping bruises. In reality, cupping therapy is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, where this ancient healing technique has been used for centuries to support blood flow, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the body's healing response.

At Body Balance Massage and Float, cupping therapy is integrated into professional massage therapy sessions to address muscle tension, tightness, and restricted soft tissue. During a cupping session, specialized cups create suction on the skin using controlled negative pressure. This suction effect gently lifts the underlying tissues, stimulates tiny capillaries, and encourages the movement of blood and the lymphatic system.

The visible cupping marks form because suction draws blood toward the surface, activating tissue repair and helping the body move out waste products, excess fluids, and other byproducts sometimes referred to as toxins. These cupping marks are not caused by impact trauma and are completely different from bruises.

How Long Do Cupping Marks Last After Treatment?

One of the most common questions is how long cupping marks last. In most cases, they fade within a few days, though some may remain visible for up to a week, depending on the body's condition and the treated area. In lighter cases, they may disappear in just a few hours.

How long cupping marks last depends on several factors: the level of stagnant blood or more stagnation present, overall blood circulation, skin sensitivity, hydration, proper care after treatment, whether you are taking blood thinners, and whether you allow enough rest for recovery

Areas with minimal stagnation tend to show lighter marks that fade more quickly. Areas with more stagnation may develop darker cupping marks that take longer to fade.

Benefits of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is designed to support the healing process by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. By stimulating circulation, it can help:

In recent years, cupping therapy has gained popularity among athletes seeking faster recovery and improved performance. Athletes often use cupping for muscle tightness and deep tissue restrictions, especially in the shoulders and neck.

Both dry and wet cupping are practiced in traditional Chinese approaches. Dry cupping relies purely on suction and negative pressure, while wet cupping involves small superficial incisions. Most modern massage clinics focus on dry cupping for safety and comfort.

Understanding Red Marks, Purple Marks, and Light Pink Reactions

The color of cupping marks can provide valuable insights into the body’s condition.

These marks suggest how the underlying tissues responded to suction. They are part of the body's natural healing response and are not harmful. As circulation improves, the cupping marks gradually fade.

When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider About Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is generally safe when performed by a trained professional. However, individuals with certain medical conditions, including those taking blood medication or with extreme skin sensitivity, should consult a healthcare professional before scheduling a session.

A licensed therapist will always evaluate your health history to ensure treatment is appropriate.

FAQ

Is cupping treatment painful?

Most clients find cupping treatment comfortable and relaxing. During a cupping session, gentle suction lifts the tissue rather than pressing into it, which makes it very different from deep pressure massage. While mild tenderness can occur in sensitive areas, it is rarely painful, and any discomfort typically fades quickly as part of the natural healing process.

So what are the cupping marks and what do they mean?

Cupping marks are the visible response to suction, drawing blood toward the surface. Unlike bruises caused by impact, these marks left behind reflect circulation changes and how the body responds to treatment. Darker marks may indicate areas that need more support in the healing process, while lighter ones often suggest better circulation. Cupping marks are a normal part of cupping and usually fade within a few days.

Can cupping help relieve shoulder pain and support soft tissue recovery?

Yes, cupping can support recovery by improving circulation and encouraging the removal of toxins from tight areas. By increasing blood movement and reducing restriction, cupping may assist the healing of strained tissue and help relieve pain. Many clients add cupping treatment to their regular treatment plan to enhance healing and mobility.

Why do cupping marks appear red or purple after a massage?

Cupping marks appear red or purple because suction brings blood to the surface of the skin. These marks are not bruises from trauma but a response to increased circulation. The color depends on how much stagnation was present before the cupping session. As the body continues healing, the marks gradually fade.

Is dry cupping safe for treating shoulder pain during massage therapy sessions?

When performed by a trained professional, this type of cupping is generally safe and effective. A properly applied cupping session uses controlled suction to support healing without damaging tissue. As with any treatment, clients with certain medical conditions should consult a provider beforehand, but for most people, cupping is a safe addition to a massage.

Many people haven’t heard of Reflexology massage, or if they have, they know it as a foot massage. Reflexology is much more than just a foot rub and I’m excited to share more about it today. The definition of Reflexology is: The practice of manipulating reflex areas in the feet, hands and ears. These reflex areas correspond to specific body parts and organs.

From ancient texts, illustrations, and artifacts dating back as far as 2500 B.C., we know that the early Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Russians, and Egyptians worked on the feet to promote good health. Because of the appearance of foot work in so many ancient cultures very removed from each other, it seems that the relationship between the feet and areas of the body must have been recognized by civilizations since before recorded history.

Around the turn of the century, Dr. William Fitzgerald used the theory of energy pathways as a basis for a method called “zone therapy”. Even though it gained some popularity with doctors and produced good results, there was still resistance from much of the medical community because science wasn’t able to demonstrate why it worked. In the 1930’s Eunice Ingham, a therapist in a physician’s office, became intensely interested in exploring zone therapy further.

Eunice discovered and worked on tender areas of the foot and kept track of the effects this had on the other areas of the body. Over time, she was able to systematically map out the zones of the feet in relation to the organs and the rest of the body. She even found that not only did the treatment reduce pain but it also had a healing effect on illnesses. After years of experimenting, she compiled her experiences into a book and named her method “Reflexology”.

So how does Reflexology work? Our bodies respond to the environment through reflexes. The eyes blink when dust blows. Muscles tense when we are startled. Similarly, Our bodies also have less visible reflexes which work to protect and maintain balance. Reflexology supports the premise of a relationship between areas of the hands and feet to specific parts of the body. Study results indicate that manipulation of the feet definitely affects other body parts and functions through stimulation of the nervous system.

These are some of the many benefits of Reflexology massage:

Many clients have made comments that massage therapy seems to be a fairly recent health trend. Nothing could be further from the truth! Massage is actually one of the earliest healing practices of humankind. The practice of massage is found in writings as early as 2000 B.C. During the last thousands of years, cultures around the world have instinctually used their hands, herbs, oils and various substances to heal physical discomfort as well as to promote well-being and physical appearance.

First, let’s be on the same page with what massage actually is! Massage is “the systematic or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body by such movements as rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, slapping and tapping, for therapeutic purposes such as promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of muscles, relief from pain, restoration of metabolic balance, and other benefits, both physical and mental.”

I’ll share some examples of how different cultures have utilized massage. As early as 3000 B.C., the Chinese used a procedure called “amma”. This procedure found points on the body where rubbing, pressing and stretching brought relief. The Chinese also used acupressure and acupuncture. The Chinese influence filtered into Japan around the 6th Century A.D. The Japanese were able to develop a style known as Shiatsu. The Chinese also influenced India around 1800 B.C. Kneading, tapotement and friction played a big role in the Hindu tradition.

After massage spread through the East, it made its way into Europe around 300 B.C. The Greeks embraced massage as part of their physical fitness regimen and in developing gymnastics. The Romans received their massage influence from the Greeks. They also used massage as part of their exercise and gymnastic routines. Documentation from many historians, including Plato, proved that massage helps fight disease and sore muscles.

Jumping to more modern times, Swedish physiologist, Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) is the man responsible for taking many techniques and organising them into the system that we know today as “Swedish Massage”. Ling suffered from a debilitating joint disease and traveled the world gathering information to develop his own approach to treatment. As a result, he was able to cure himself.

The movement continued to spread throughout European countries such as Sweden, Germany, Austria, Russia, and England. Through Ling’s pupils, it eventually ended up in the U.S. in 1856. The American introduction is credited to two brothers, Charles F. Taylor and George H. Taylor. Both contributed to massage popularity in America by publishing books, writing articles and running clinics.

Throughout the 20th Century, massage therapy and bodywork has developed many more modalities. Most massage modalities start with a foundation of swedish style massage. There are many effective modalities that deal with different elements of the human body. Whatever method the practitioner prefers, the objective of all professional practitioners of bodywork are generally the same: to provide a service that enhances the client’s physical health and sense of well-being.

Make an appointment to come and see us soon at Body Balance Massage and Float in American Fork, Ut and let us help you with your health and wellness journey!

Have you ever questioned what it means when you have a “knot” in your muscle? Wondered why the area your massage therapist is working on is more sensitive than other areas?  Thought about why you have shooting pains? Here are the answers from a massage therapist.

Muscle “knots” are extremely common, but common doesn’t mean they are normal or harmless. Research as far back as 1843 found tender, tight cords or bands in the muscles. Froriep, a pre-20th century author, named them “muscle calluses” and discovered that treating them would bring much relief to the patient. The research on myofascial pain has been ongoing throughout the last century. The most recent and well-respected research on what are now termed “myofascial trigger points”, is from Janet G. Travell M.D. and David G. Simons M.D. who put together two volumes of the most accurate and in-depth information about trigger points, their cause and treatments.

A “knot” is referred to as a “trigger point” among bodyworkers and is known to cause chronic pain, restriction of movement, and distortion of posture. A few characteristics of a trigger point include:

Some of the factors or activity patterns that can cause or reignite a trigger point include:

 

Here is the good news- there are many things you can do to get rid of any trigger points you may have and prevent new knots from forming:

MASSAGE! There are several massage modalities and techniques that are fantastic for breaking up adhesions in fascia and lengthening shortened or contracted tissue. Massage is also one of the best ways to increase circulation. When fresh blood circulates into the muscle tissue, it brings in vital oxygen and nutrients that the muscles need to stay healthy.

HYDRATION! Making sure you drink plenty of water with electrolytes and adding healthy oils into your daily routine will keep your muscle fibers and fascia properly hydrated and keep them from sticking together and forming adhesions. This amount should increase after exercise, during times of warmer weather, and during detox or when you are ill.

STRETCHING! When you stretch it can help to loosen and lengthen muscles and tissue that is tight or contracted. Yoga can be a great way to do this. Incorporating a few minutes of stretching into your daily routine can make a big difference in your muscle health.

FOAM ROLLING! If done correctly, foam rolling can be very useful to soften the hard taught areas of muscle tissue and help break up surface level adhesions. This can also help ease pain caused by trigger points and tension.

MOVEMENT! After working out the trigger points the muscles should be moved through its full range of motion to reestablish its normal function. Additionally, some trigger points can form due to a stagnant lifestyle or long periods of inactivity.

More movement=more life!

 

In part 1 of this article we began talking about how often you should be getting massage based on the different problems you may be struggling with or what may be causing those problems. If you are struggling with pain caused by any of these things come by and see us, if you are looking for massage in American Fork or any of the surround area we Body Balance Massage and Float is the place you’ve been looking for.

In part 1 I mentioned three different reasons you may be having pain 1) Pain from an injury, 2) Chronic or work related pain, and 3) Massage for Maintenance of your health. Last time we covered pain you may be having due to an injury and talked about how often you should be getting massage if you have had an injury. Today we are going to be finishing what we started by talking about chronic or work related pain and then massage for maintenance.

Pain and mobility are not so much a question of age as a question of maintenance.

I hope you have found these two articles helpful in understanding how often you should get massage depending on your situation. As you can tell massage is a great option for everyone in order to keep themselves in good condition. Again, if you are looking for massage in American fork or the surround area give us a call and set up an appointment today!

 

 

When designing our Float Spa in Utah we knew we wanted to create the most healing environment possible for the people working with us. Having experienced firsthand the amazing benefits of float therapy and seeing the emerging scientific research also showing those benefits we wanted to create a place that would be comfortable and accessible for a wide range of people to be able to also experience the same benefits that we have seen. That is why we chose to go with open float pools from Floataway, the same company that provides the pools used for scientific research into floating at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research (LIBR). As Dr. Justin Feinstein put it, “Each day I become more and more convinced that the positive clinical benefits we are witnessing in our research are enhanced by Floataway’s masterful engineering.”

What emotional benefits does floating provide? Dr. Feinstein has spent the past few years studying the effects of float therapy and is now beginning to publish his findings. In his most recently published paper he discusses the benefits of float therapy for those who suffer from various types and degrees of anxiety, stress, and depression including posttraumatic stress (PTSD), general anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, and social anxiety. In doing the study Dr. Feinstein wanted to see what kind of benefits people suffering with these types of problems could receive from just one session of floating. The benefits that those participating in the study experienced were overwhelmingly positive “with the top 3 being ‘A feeling of total serenity and peacefulness,’ ‘Total relaxation of the body (without any muscle tension),’ and feeling completely refreshed, like the reset button was hit.’” Incredibly, the study found that every single one of the float participants self-reported that they experienced a reduction in anxiety which approached non-anxious levels. The study participants also reported significant reductions in anxiety, stress, muscle tension, pain, depression, and negative emotions while at the same time experiencing an improvement in serenity, relaxation, happiness, positive emotions, overall well-being, energy levels, contentment, and peace.  The study concluded that float therapy “may be a promising technique for acutely reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression,” and noted that further “analysis revealed that those with the most severe anxiety reported the largest effects.” These results are very encouraging to say the least.

Ilona Houhanissyan, an employee at Just Float in Pasadena, floats in epsom salt, mixed in 11 inches of water, at a temperature of 94.5 degrees.

My biggest key takeaway from this study is the fact that all 50 of the participants had a reduction in negative emotions and an increase in positive emotions and those who suffered the most receiving the most relief with 82% of them stating they received more relief from the single float session than they had with other past treatments such as medication and psychotherapy

Why did we choose open pools? We decided to go with the open pool design to support the widest variety of people who want to experience the benefits of floating. One major benefit from using these types of pools is the elimination of the small enclosed space that is found with your typical float tank. This allows for a much more welcoming experience to be had for those who may be struggling with some of the problems discussed earlier as well as those who are not necessarily experiencing those problems currently.

With the promising results coming from the current research why not give float therapy a try! Schedule your session today at Body Balance Massage and Float, the best Float Spa in Utah. We would love to have you!

 

 

To read the details of the study yourself visit the following web page : http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0190292

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