The Chinese have been using therapeutic cupping for various physical concerns like sinus congestion, TMJ, pain, fever, and asthma for thousands of years. Facial cupping as an adjunct to acupuncture facial rejuvenation or as a standalone treatment can help improve your facial appearance and your skin. A few of its benefits include an improvement in the absorption of serums or lotions, better transport of nutrients to the surface of the skin, and a boost in local circulation to the skin. Facial cupping also eases puffiness, drains out stagnant fluids, and enhances blood circulation. By improving blood circulation and flow to the skin, cupping helps restore the skin to its youthful appearance.
The small cups used in this therapy come in various shapes and are especially customized for your face. Once a special lotion is applied, the therapist either “parks” a small cup over a deep wrinkle for a few seconds to boost blood flow to the area, or moves the cup across the face and downward to the neck to stimulate blood flow and drain lymphatic fluid.
Facial cupping helps move collagen to the surface of the skin, helping drain the lymphatic system and nasal sinuses, reducing facial lines, and eliminating dark circles and puffiness. It also relieves issues such as sinus pressure and TMJ. The boost in local and microcirculation transports nourishment to the skin and muscles and washes out toxins through the lymphatic system and the veins. Some patients report a feeling of profound warmth and extreme relaxation as well as a tingling feeling long after the end of the treatment.
A deep treatment mineral mask is left on the skin after the therapy. This indicates the treatment’s efficacy due to the improved blood circulation. Cupping therapy for facial rejuvenation is a completely painless procedure and does not irritate the skin; it can be used on sensitive skin and on melasma and rosacea.
Gua Sha and Facial Cupping
In Gua Sha facial therapy, an especially hand crafted piece of smooth jade is used to increase blood supply, smooth out wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin. Gua Sha facial therapy is an ideal way of treating a wide range of skin conditions including dark circles, melasma, rosacea, and acne. It can be used as part of an integrated acupuncture facial rejuvenation therapy for puffiness, sagging skin, and wrinkles. It can resolve issues such as neck jowls that are susceptible to sagginess. The improved blood flow helps detoxify the face, moves stagnant blood, and treats inflammation that may develop under the eyes. The facial skin is much healthier and well nourished when there is a rise in blood flow to the face.
Another benefit of gua sha facial therapy is that it massages acupuncture points on the face that in turn, helps improve the function of the internal organs. The healthier your skin will appear when your kidney and liver are functioning at their optimum.
A gentle facial massage can be performed to eliminate deep lines, such as those on the forehead and between the eyebrows. This procedure rejuvenates the skin, increases blood flow, and relaxes the muscles and the more relaxed your muscles are, the more relaxed you feel. This is similar to the effect of smiling which causes you to feel happy, as opposed to a tensely furrowed brow that elicits anger, pensiveness, and, worry.
Most Chinese medicine practitioners in Linwood offer Gua Sha Facial and Facial Cupping either as a standalone treatment or as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation program.