Cupping & Gua Sha: What Those Marks Really Mean
First, the marks are not bruises
If you've seen those round, reddish circles on an athlete's back — or the pink "sha" that rises after gua sha — you might assume something went wrong. It didn't. Unlike a bruise from trauma, these marks come from gentle suction or stroking that draws stagnant blood and fluid toward the surface, where your body can clear it. At Orlando Natural Medicine and Acupuncture Clinic, we like patients to know exactly what they're seeing.
What fire cupping does
In fire cupping, we briefly warm the air inside a glass cup and place it on the skin, creating a soft vacuum. That suction lifts the tissue, encourages circulation, and helps release tight fascia and muscle. Many people find it deeply relaxing — a bit like a massage in reverse. It's traditionally used for:
