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.

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.

Cup marks are almost always left behind, 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 the 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. Cupping 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

How does it feel?

Cupping is very relaxing and generally not painful. The sensation is a pulling of the skin as the cup is moved in a rotating manner. Redness or a warm sensation usually occurs after the cup is released due to increased blood flow to the area.

Who can benefit from it?

Almost everyone can benefit from cupping. It is used to treat lack of mobility, tense muscles, scarring, and many diagnoses such as headaches, tendonitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and trigger point release.

What to expect after the treatment?

Slight pain can be expected from lactic acid buildup in muscle tissue, but less pain than with a deep tissue massage. The bruises are predictable and can last up to a week. After the treatment, physical exertion and heat are not recommended.

The benefits of cupping are as follows:

Releases scar tissue and fascial adhesions
Reduce painful trigger points
It improves circulation, blood, and lymphatic circulation
Relieve pain
Promotes mobility and freedom of movement
Improve mature scars
Decrease toxins
If you have experienced trauma such as strains, sprains, overstrain, etc., our therapists can help you provide non-opioid means of pain relief through cupping.

If you have any questions about our services or would like more information on the cupping techniques, please contact us.