Facial Cupping
This ancient practice has been around for centuries in Chinese, Tibetan, Vietnamese and Japanese healing traditions. Ziggie Bergman has developed the Western adaptation by using soft cups in a gentle lymphatic drainage technique, as a way to shift stagnant constrictions without causing bruising.
Facial Cupping is incredibly relaxing and at the same time tones the muscles and increases blood flow. This process stimulates the production of collagen and elastin which plump and tighten the muscle structure of the face. The lymphatic drainage element removes
puffiness and helps to clear the skin. It can also lessen pigmentation, producing a more even skin tone after just a few treatments.
The facial cupping process draws blood flow towards the surface of the skin. The suction tricks the skin into thinking it has been damaged, similar to the experience of micro-needling and using derma-rollers, this triggers the body to repair itself. The natural healing process in the skin stimulates the production of oxygenated blood, collagen and fibroblasts, resulting in the skin looking plump, glowing
and healthy.
Facial Cupping is so much more than a beauty treatment. Not only does it relax facial tension and provide lymphatic drainage, but also it can help physical imbalances that manifest on our face and in our emotions.
As a facial reflexologist I believe there is an intricate mapping system on the face which represents the body. Facial expression also impacts how the body behaves and athletes use this when competing. For example, Michael Phelps’s angry expression, #PhelpsFace, increases his adrenaline and power. However, if a person has an angry face when they are not angry, it is not only ageing but may be a sign that their body might be in a constant flight or flight stress response. So relaxing the facial structures will bring the body back into a calm and peaceful state.
In the Chinese medicine mapping system a breakout on the chin represents hormone imbalances, dark circles under the eyes relates to the kidney area and dryness on the cheeks is stress. The exciting news is that Facial Cupping used on these areas can benefit and help to rebalance the body.
BENEFITS OF FACIAL CUPPING
There are many potential benefits of receiving a facial cupping treatment, including:
HEALTH
Facial Cupping is helpful for clients suffering from a range of ailments related to the head and neck area, including:
- Sinus congestion + Hay Fever
- Headaches and migraines
- Facial paralysis and Bells Palsy
- Earaches
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Scars
BEAUTY
- Reduce wrinkles and lines
- Firm and tone skin and muscles
- Helps reduce pore size
- Helps reduce puffy eyes
- Increase blood circulation
- Clears skin
- Healthy glow
What To Expect at Your FACIAL CUPPING Treatment
In this treatment we work on the upper chest from the clavicle, the neck and face so it is advisable to wear a strappy vest top so that we can easily access the areas required by removing arms from top/bra straps.
After consultation, you will recline on the heated treatment couch, supported with pillows and covered in a blanket. Some general relaxation techniques will be used and I will apply a cleanser, using hot towels to remove it. A treatment oil / elixir will be applied to your face, neck and decolletage area to allow the soft facial cups to create suction and glide across the skin.
I will start at your upper chest area, moving to neck, then face working from the jaw up to the cheeks, eyes, forehead, lips & mouth area. Typically a larger cup will be used on the chest, neck, jaws, cheeks and forehead with a smaller cup being used in more delicate areas, particularly around the eyes and lip areas.
The core facial cupping treatment is a lifting and sculpting protocol. I also have specific treatment protocols for sinus congestion & hay fever, headaches, Bells Palsy, Scars caused by acne or injury (including a specific protocol for c-section scars) which can be included in your treatment or added to another treatment such as facial reflexology or Zone Face Lift.
I will also use some massage and / or facial reflexology techniques in the treatment and facial tools to help to cool and soothe the skin.
At the end of the treatment, I will share any feedback with you, and give you some techniques that you can use at home. My aim is for you to leave experiencing a sense of inner calm, a greater sense of wellbeing and benefiting from a glowing, lifted and rejuvenated complexion.
Please be aware that the suction created by facial cupping might cause temporary redness on the face from the increased blood flow and stimulation and that although not likely, it can cause bruising in sensitive skin. Arnica will be applied in such cases. This reaction will dissipate within a few hours to a few days.
FACIAL CUPPING IS NOT SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE
I am unable to treat clients with:
- Melanoma / Skin cancer
- Botox or fillers (within 3 weeks following procedures)
- Open sores, open acne or burns, including sunburn
- Infectious skin conditions (cold sores, for example)
- Tumours or unexplained lumps on the face, neck or shoulders
- Recent surgery (treatment possible after 6 months)
- Recent scar tissue (treatment possible after 6 months)
- Very thin skin that bruises easily
- Very sensitive skin
- Active eczema or psoriasis in the face, neck, decolletage.
- Multiple / numerous moles
- Children (but is suitable for teenager upwards)
CAUTIONS FOR TREATMENT
Please notify me if you have any of the following as treatment may need to be adapted or may not be suitable for you:
- Whiplash or arthritis in the neck
- Diabetes
- Sinusitis (active infection)
- Botox or fillers (post 3 weeks following procedures)
- Rosacea
- Very loose skin
Facial Cupping - Treatment Options & Aftercare
Treatment Options
Facial Cupping can be taken as individual treatments or as an add-on to Facial Reflexology or Zone Face Lift treatments:
60 mins - Facial Cupping
After consultation you will recline on the heated treatment couch, your face will be cleansed, and then relaxed with hot towels. A facial elixir will be applied and you will receive a full facial cupping treatment.
(Introductory price of £60.00 as a follow-on treatment)
60 Mins - Facial Cupping + Facial Reflexology
This is a blended treatment providing 30 mins of facial cupping and 30 mins of facial reflexology.
(Introductory price of £65.00 as a follow-on treatment)
90 Mins - Facial Cupping + Facial Reflexology :
You can choose to have either facial cupping or facial reflexology as a full treatment time with the remaining time spent on the second treatment type.
(Introductory price of £80.00 as a follow-on treatment)
New clients will need to add a 30 minute wellbeing consultation to their treatment choice (choose your treatment from the New Client menu on the bookings page)
The effects of Facial Cupping are cumulative, often changes can be seen after one treatment with more significant changes noticeable after 3-4 weekly treatments and the benefits are increased with regular continued treatments.
Client Aftercare Information
- Drink plenty of water in the next 24 hours to aid the detoxifying process
- Avoid make-up if possible to let the skin breathe after treatment
- Try to avoid extreme sun, cold or wind
- Avoid very hot baths and showers straight after a treatment
- Avoid stimulants over the next 24 hours such as tea, coffee and alcohol as these may interfere with detoxification. Also avoid eating a heavy meal for at least 1 hour after treatment
- Some reactions are part of the healing process and a sign your body is eliminating toxins. It is normal for you to feel any of the following: Feeling cold, thirsty, mild headache, feeling emotional, mild tiredness, runny nose, needing to visit the toilet more frequently
- Facial cupping uses gentle suction on the skin using a silicone or glass facial cup. This increases blood flow to the skin and creates a controlled mini-trauma in the skin, which prompts a natural healing process. This triggers the production of collagen and elastin.
- The suction created by facial cupping might cause temporary redness on the face from the increased blood flow and stimulation and that although not likely, it can cause bruising in sensitive skin. Arnica will be applied in such cases. This reaction will dissipate within a few hours to a few days.