Is the cupping mark too dark due to excessive dampness in the body?

Generally speaking, whether dark skin color after cupping is due to excessive dampness needs to be determined according to specific circumstances. The dark color after cupping may be related to dampness, but it could also be caused by other factors. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the body has excessive dampness, especially when cold-dampness blocks the meridians, the local skin may appear deep bluish-black after cupping, often accompanied by low skin temperature and aching heaviness in the affected area. This is because dampness impedes the circulation of qi and blood. After cupping stimulation, qi and blood accumulate locally, causing expansion or rupture of subcutaneous capillaries, forming dark-colored痧 (sha) marks. In this case, the dark color may be associated with excessive dampness.

When the cupping force is too strong, the duration too long, or the skin is particularly sensitive, even without excessive dampness in the body, the skin may appear purplish-black due to significant subcutaneous bleeding. Additionally, obvious stagnation of qi and blood in the body can also result in dark marks after cupping, which are not directly related to dampness.

To more accurately assess one's physical condition, it is advisable to consider other symptoms in daily life, such as heaviness in the limbs or thick腻 (thick and greasy) tongue coating. When performing cupping, attention should be paid to controlling the force and duration to avoid excessive manipulation.