Facial cupping, like body cupping, sucks portions of your face to "increase skin circulation, stimulate lymph drainage, tone flaccid tissue, and relieve stiffness."
Is there a difference between face and body cupping?
Both yes and no. Although they are based on the same healing concept, face and body cupping are performed differently.
Typically, facial cups are smaller and softer. They are used to gently peel the skin away from deeper fascial layers. This stimulates blood flow to the region and rejuvenates the skin while leaving no cup scars.
“Over time this practice improves the complexion and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles,” says Ananda Emily Reese, LAc, of Reese Acupuncture.
Cupping the body, on the other hand, is largely used to relieve aches and pains.
How does it function?
The suction force draws blood into the skin beneath the cup. This saturates the surrounding tissue with fresh blood and encourages the creation of new blood vessels.
Cupping also contributes to sterile inflammation. Pathogen-free trauma is characterised by sterile inflammation. Cupping is caused by mechanical stress.
The vacuum-like suction causes microtrauma and tearing by separating distinct layers of tissues. This causes an inflammatory reaction, which floods the region with white blood cells, platelets, and other healing agents.
