If the term “cupping” evokes images of Olympic athletes with painfully swollen bruises, then you are not alone. However, a less painful version of the old practice is believed to give you smooth, glowing skin face cupping. What is this cheekbone carving procedure, and what exactly is it? Here is our deep dive.
How do you define facial cupping?
Cupping is an old practice that has its roots in the traditional Chinese treatment (TCM), which is where the skin is removed from the surrounding body to increase the flow of Qi (routinely applied to legs and the back in order to reduce the inflammation, revive tired muscles, and relieve aches). Unsurprisingly, facial cupping is similar to the back and legs. Facial cupping follows the same pattern but is targeted at your face.
Benefits
“Facial cupping helps to stimulate the acupuncture meridians and channels on the face,” says the acupuncturist Paige Yang, L.Ac, DACM, doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the founder Yang Face. Yang Face. “Facial cupping also brings qi and blood to the facial muscles 1, which can help stimulate collagen and elastin production.”
You may be aware that collagen keeps your skin looking tight and taut, and a rise in blood circulation provides nutrients and oxygen to the cells of your skin which is why many discover their skin appears soft and glowing after facial cupping. Take it from this review of my personal experience.
Applying pressure to your skin using tiny, soft cups could reduce puffiness and help move lymph throughout, sculpting the neck, face, and jawline. Moving the cups upwards, it can assist in lifting and sculpting the skin.
Facial cupping versus body cupping.
If you are familiar with the practice of body cupping and you are wondering: Uh, won’t I get bruises on my face using a cupping instrument?
However, facial cupping differs from those you have seen behind athletes’ backs. Both techniques increase circulation and blood flow; facial cups are not stationary. This means that they move frequently to increase blood flow. They are not resting in your facial area for a long time.
“Body cupping uses cups applied to specific areas for a longer period of time, which creates the bruising we are accustomed to,” says a famous facialist and the creator of Cecilia Wong Skincare. Cecilia Wong Skincare, Cecilia Wong.
They are also composed of soft silicone, and those designed for your body are typically more extensive and comprised of glass. Before you dismiss the process because you fear being a victim of skin welts, be aware that it is less than it sounds.
Risks & side effects.
We have just mentioned that facial cupping should not result in bruises. However, some might have bruises, particularly around the skin’s thinner areas (like the forehead and eye region) or if they suffer from hypersensitive skin. Wong agrees and warns that cupping may result in ruptured capillaries and blood vessels that are broken for sure.
In addition, according to Yang Yang, you should avoid facial cupping for acne pustules, open sores, and sunburned skin because dragging the suctioning tool could cause more damage to the wounds. “Facial cupping is not recommended during pregnancy or for persons with blood clotting conditions or persons on blood thinner medications,” Yang says.
Always check with a licensed professional before undertaking any new skin care procedures, whether at home or not. “I always recommend people consult a licensed acupuncturist for personalized advice,” Yang advises.