LIMDA JOURNAL
Cupping and Moxibustion in Busan — What Are Those Circle Marks?
You have seen the circular marks on Olympic swimmers. Cupping and moxibustion are core Korean medicine therapies for tension and circulation. What they do, how they feel, and what to expect at LIMDA.
Ever since Michael Phelps showed up at the Olympics covered in purple circles, the world has been curious about cupping. Here is what those marks actually are — and what moxibustion, its warming counterpart, does.
What cupping does
Cups placed on the skin create gentle suction, lifting the fascia and drawing blood flow to tight, congested muscle. It is used for stiff shoulders, back tension, and post-exercise recovery. The circular marks are not bruises from impact — they reflect stagnated circulation being drawn to the surface, and they fade within days.
What moxibustion does
Moxa — dried mugwort — is burned near (never on) the skin to deliver deep, penetrating warmth to specific points. It is the therapy of choice for cold-type conditions: cold hands and feet, menstrual discomfort, digestive weakness. Most patients describe it as deeply comforting.
At LIMDA
Both therapies are performed by licensed doctors as part of a treatment plan, often alongside acupuncture. Sessions are private and fully reservation-based, and the doctors consult directly in English. If you hold an ARC with NHIS coverage, cupping is often covered like any insured treatment.
Q. Does cupping hurt? A. Most feel a tight pulling sensation, not pain. Pressure is adjusted to your comfort.
Q. Can I swim or shower after? A. Shower yes; saunas and cold swimming are best avoided for 24 hours.
Q. How long do marks last? A. Typically 3-7 days depending on your circulation.
Written by Dr. Cheongrim Kim, KMD — Head Doctor, Kyunghee LIMDA Korean Medicine Clinic, Busan (Doctor of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University).
This article is general health information written by a licensed medical professional and does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes. Do not adjust any prescribed medication without consulting your prescribing physician. Published 2026-07-31.
Kyunghee LIMDA Korean Medicine Clinic — 1F, I-Park T1, 38 Marine City 2-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan · +82-10-7925-6248 · Hours: Weekdays 10:00-19:00, Saturday 9:00-17:00, closed on public holidays
글: 경희림다한의원 김청림 대표원장 (한의사 · 경희대학교 한의과대학 졸업)
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