Cupping is an alternative therapy which involves putting empty cups on various parts of your skin to relieve ailments. The therapy is said to be as old as 400 BC and a part of the traditional medicine in various cultures including China, Egypt, Europe and the Middle East. Though cupping is done for the whole body, facial cupping is a bit different from body cupping in that the cups used for the latter are softer and smaller. Unlike body cupping, facial cupping does not usually leave any mark on your skin and the whole process is much gentler than body cupping. Here is what facial cupping is all about.
How to do face cupping?
The process of facial cupping is fairly easy and simple. You can either get it done from a professional or do it yourself at home – yes, you can get facial cupping kits of yourself. These kits have cups of different sizes for the various areas on your face.
Facial cupping is done in the following way:
- First, you have to cleanse your face properly.
- Apply some oil on your face (a therapist may use therapeutic oils here, such as those known for their anti-ageing properties). You can skip this step but keeping your skin soft and moist will help glide the cups on your face easily. This will prevent bruising or abrasions, especially if you have dry skin.
- Now, pick up one cup and put it on one part of your face for a few seconds then gently glide it upwards.
- Keep moving the cup along the lines of your face, slightly squeezing it in between to create pressure and suction.
- You can use smaller cups for the areas under your eyes and around your nose.
- Move the cups through all of the desired areas.
- Wash your face and apply a nourishing cream. Facial cupping is said to open pores and improve the absorbing capacity of your skin.
How does it work?: Benefits of facial cupping
Every time you press the cup, it creates a negative pressure or vacuum over your skin, sucking in an area under the cup. This increases blood circulation in the surrounding area, leading to an increase in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Facial cupping is said to promote rejuvenation of skin and make you look younger.
Some studies show that cupping also reduces inflammation and improves your immunity. This may be helpful in conditions such as acne.
Here are some other benefits of facial cupping:
- Improves skin elasticity, thereby helping to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
- Tones your face, including your cheeks and jawline.
- Helps to get rid of rough skin
- Reduces swelling and puffiness such as that around the eyes.
- Provides a glow to your skin
Side effects of facial cupping:
Facial cupping should not be done on skin lesion, wounds, or inflamed areas. Also, avoid using cups on any orifice of the face (nostrils and mouth), and directly over eyes.
Those with chronic diseases should talk to a professional before trying cupping. S
Some people may experience side-effects of cupping like:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Tiredness
- Koebner phenomenon – the appearance of new skin lesions on areas of skin that don’t usually get the lesions. It is common in psoriasis.
Bruising generally does not happen in facial cupping since the cup is moved constantly during the cupping process. However, mild bruising may occur if you keep the cup on a same place for more than a few seconds. Make sure to keep the cup moving
