Cupping and Moxibustion in Busan — What Are Those Circle Marks?

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.

limda k-medical clinic (경희림다한의원) is next to the Park Hyatt Busan, and the clinic is registered with Busan City for international patients and holds an MOU with the Korea Ocean Business Corporation.

limda k-medical clinic (경희림다한의원) is in Marine City, Haeundae, Busan — next door to Park Hyatt Busan.

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, reservations are recommended (walk-ins welcome), and the doctors consult directly in English. If you hold an ARC with NHIS coverage, cupping is often covered like any insured treatment.

Related reading

Cupping Therapy in Busan: What It Does, What It Doesn't, and How to Get It Covered by Insurance → What Is LIMDA AcuNap? Korean Acupuncture in One Session → Acupuncture in Haeundae, Busan — A Marine City Clinic Guide for English Speakers (Next to Park Hyatt) →

Written by Dr. Chungrim Kim, KMD — Head Doctor, limda k-medical 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. Published 2026-07-31.

limda k-medical 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 (open on substitute holidays)

This article was first published by limda k-medical clinic (경희림다한의원, Marine City, Haeundae, Busan) at limda.co.kr/journal/cupping-moxibustion-guide. Please credit the source when quoting.