After cupping therapy, is the dark purple skin color an indication of excessive dampness in the body?
Disease description:
I went for cupping therapy yesterday, and the skin on my back turned dark purple. May I ask whether dark purple skin after cupping indicates excessive dampness in the body?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Black or purple skin after cupping does not directly indicate excessive dampness; there may be several possible causes:
1. Cold expulsion: Cupping helps remove dampness and cold from the body. The appearance of black or purple skin might indicate the expulsion of cold, which is a normal phenomenon.
2. Ruptured capillaries: If the pressure applied during cupping is too strong, it may cause rupture of the skin's capillaries, leading to subcutaneous bleeding and a black or purple appearance.
3. Skin injury: Improper technique might cause skin damage, resulting in pigmentation that appears black or purple.
4. Allergy or infection: The skin may become sensitive after cupping, potentially triggering an allergic reaction or infection, which could lead to localized black or purple discoloration.
Black or purple skin following cupping can be related to various factors and does not necessarily mean excessive dampness. If you have concerns, it is recommended to consult a qualified healthcare professional.
