Cupping is an alternative therapy that uses suction cups to stimulate your skin and muscles. It can be done on your face or body. The suction promotes increased blood circulation, which may help relieve muscle tension, promote cell repair, and aid in other regeneration. It’s also said to improve the flow of your “qi” (pronounced “chee”). Qi is a Chinese word meaning life force.
Although the practice is deeply ingrained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, some researchers say that the earliest pictorial records originated in ancient Egypt. It is thought to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relax muscles. Everyone from glow-seeking celebrities to gold-seeking Olympians have tried it in pursuit of the supposed skin and muscle benefits. But according to the Kardashians’ skin guru Nurse Jamie — the celebrity skin expert with a major cult following — the beauty-obsessed sisters are big fans of the old-school ritual in the form of a facial. “The cupping facial encourages blood flow to the tissue and stimulates the lymphatic system to help reduce inflammation, which in turn smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
Is facial cupping the same as body cupping?
Yes and no. Although they’re based on the same principle of restoration, facial and body cupping are executed differently.
Facial cups are typically smaller and softer. They’re used to gently pull the skin away from deeper layers of fascia. This increases blood flow to the area and rejuvenates the skin without leaving cup marks behind.
Over time this practice improves the complexion and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles. Body cupping, on the other hand, is primarily used to alleviate aches and pains and also cellulite. Cup marks are almost always left behind with Body Cupping, but they do serve a diagnostic purpose; the size, shape, and color are said to reflect the amount of “stagnation” or cellular waste buildup. These marks fade as your lymphatic system processes the waste.
How does it work?
The suction effect pulls blood into the area of skin underneath the cup. This saturates the surrounding tissue with fresh blood and promotes new blood vessel formation. Cupping also promotes sterile inflammation. Sterile inflammation is a form of pathogen-free trauma. With cupping, it results from mechanical trauma.
The vacuum-like suction separates different layers of tissues, resulting in microtrauma and tearing. This triggers an inflammatory response, flooding the area with white blood cells, platelets, and other healing aids.
What are the benefits?
Facial cupping has been shown to:
- increase oxygen-rich blood circulation
- strengthen skin and connective tissues
- stimulate cells responsible for collagen production
- relax muscle tension
Because of this, the practice is said to:
- brighten skin
- minimize the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles
- tone chin, jawline, neck, and décolletage
- decrease puffiness
- regulate oil production
- improve nutrient delivery and product absorption
Will it leave bruises?
Facial cupping shouldn’t leave bruises. However, bruising can occur if the cup is left in the same place for too long. Discoloration can occur in as little as five seconds, so make sure you keep the cup moving.
Are there any other side effects or risks?
Although facial cupping is generally considered safe, minor side effects are possible. They typically occur during or immediately after the treatment.
You may experience temporary:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- nausea
- cold sweats
Can you use facial cups at home?
YES! We retail some at-home cupping kits but you may find it easier to relax under the care of our professionals. This may allow for a more even application. However with guidance we can show you how to use the Bellabacci Cups at home for both Face and Body.
General guidelines suggest these steps:
- Wash your face and gently pat dry.
- Lightly massage your face with your hands to release preliminary tension.
- Although face oils are optional, applying a light layer to your skin may help decrease your risk of bruising as you move the cups.
- Start by applying a small cup to your chin and around your mouth. Leave the cup in place for few seconds and then move upward to a new area.
- Swap smaller cups for larger cups as needed, like when you get to your forehead.
- Continue until you have successfully cupped all desired areas.
- If you used a face oil, cleanse your face and pat dry. Otherwise, use a splash of warm water to reopen your pores.
- Continue with your beauty or skin care routine. Facial cupping is said to increase product absorption, so now’s the time to apply.
You may notice minor redness and irritation afterward. This is normal and should subside within a few hours. We personally prefer to cup at night so that any irritation that arises is gone by morning.
Smaller cups work best on sensitive areas, including under your eyes and eyebrows, along your nose and T-zone, and around your mouth. Larger cups work best on larger areas of skin, such as your forehead, cheeks, and along your jaw.
What should I expect from my appointment?
Your overall experience will depend on your individual provider’s style of practice. We offer bespoke facials so we can add this service to any of our existing facials that we offer. If you only wanted to try the facial cupping, your session may be as short as 10 minutes. If we pair cupping with other therapies, your session may last 30-60-90 minutes or more. Many other services can be combined with cupping: CryoFacials, SilkPeel Dermalinfusion, Dermaplaning, Medical Spa Facials, Intraceuticals Oxygen Facials, DMK Enzyme Peel Facials, Celluma LED Light Therapy, Microdermabrasion, Oxygeneo Super Facials and more!
There usually aren’t any restrictions following an appointment. You should be able to drive or continue with your daily activities.
Call us today to book your Face Cupping Treatment!
Bellabaci Cupping Facial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUwKAqtDGPo
Face Cupping Facial:
