White Lotus chinese cupping

What is cosmetic cupping?

Cosmetic Cupping is the application of small silicon cups to the skin to help lift the skin and stimulate blood flow. Correct use can also break up old collagen leading to a more youthful appearance. Unlike traditional cupping cosmetic cupping should never bruise the skin.

Facial cupping has many benefits such as increasing oxygen-rich blood circulation, as well as strengthening skin and connective tissues. Facial cupping also reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Sensitive and often neglected areas such as the neck and decolletage are more toned and the skin becomes firm. Cupping can also be very effective in improving the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite.

The practice of cupping has been found in historical documents dating back to 1550 BC. It was used in Egypt, Greece and even ancient Persia. Cupping was an important part of Western medicine through the ages, right up to the 20th century.

Cosmetically, the initial use of cupping is not known. In China, facial cupping became popular in the late 1970’s and from there it grew in popularity as a cosmetic treatment.

White Lotus have been applying cosmetic cupping in their clinics since 2004. The techniques listed here and been tried and tested repeatedly and shown to be very effective in relieving the signs of aging.

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The cups are made of clinical grade silicon, which means it is not only safe to use it is durable and with normal use will last a lifetime. Due to the silicon’s smoothness, the cups will not damage the skin.

Conventional cupping tools are bamboo or glass used with a live flame to create a vacuum. Later, plastic cups with pump systems were introduced, but this system was not convenient for home use. The White Lotus silicon cups do not need any special training or tools. The cups are applied by simply squeezing them and placing the cups on the skin.

White Lotus' reputation extends to excellent product training and customer service. All products are backed by thorough research and study.

How does cupping work?

Cupping is a completely natural treatment that stimulates blood flow and microcirculation which assists with skin nutrition and improves skin colour. This beauty treatment stimulates lymphatic drainage and removes toxins from the skin; the process is extremely useful in treating cellulite.

Research has shown that cupping assists with breaking up connective tissue. This allows for the tightening of connective tissue as the misaligned connective tissue is what causes visible stretch marks and changes in facial shape.

Cupping also assists with fluid metabolism which reduces fluid retention. Fluid retention causes puffiness around the eye area and other parts of the face.

Which celebrities use cupping?

As far back as 2004, Gweneth Paltrow was also seen at a film premiere sporting cupping marks down her back. Jennifer Aniston was later shown with cupping marks at the Los Angeles premiere of the movie ‘Call Me Crazy’.

Other followers of the practice include Victoria Beckham, Freida Pinto, Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian. They are reported to use cupping as part of a health program, as a beauty treatment or to ease body pain.

Instructions for performing cosmetic cupping on the face

To use on specific points simply squeeze the cup.
While the cup is still squeezed place it tightly against the skin Let go of the cup and the cup should remain gripped to the skin by a vacuum.
The skin under the cup will be visibly raised.
Do not leave in the same place for more than 1 minute or temporary dark marks can appear on the skin.
To perform moving cupping place a small amount of the White Lotus organic green tea oil on the skin prior to treatment and massage it into the skin.
When massaging always start on the right side of the face and then work on the left.
Start by placing the cup near the chin and slide it upwards towards in front of the ears.
Repeat this 5–10 times across each area gradually moving up the face.
Stroke outwards from the centre of the forehead towards the hairline and then stoke up the forehead.
Repeat this 5–10 times across each area.
Moving cupping which does not leave a mark can be performed daily.
If you are leaving the cups on the skin and they leave marks, then the treatment should not be repeated for a week afterwards.

Learn more about White Lotus cupping products.

do you massage before or after cupping

Cupping for stretch marks and cellulite

Cupping therapy has been used for centuries in China to assist stretch marks. This was not only cosmetic but the raised skin was believed to interfere with healthy energy flow. Recent research suggests that cupping may assist by breaking down old misaligned connective tissue in the area reducing the appearance of striae (1).

For best results when assisting stretch marks, it is often best combined with microneedling via a dermaroller treatment. Dermarollers can further break down old, misaligned collagen that forms stretch marks. It can then help your body induct a completely new layer of smoother healthier collagen in the area.

Cupping therapy for stretch marks can be performed in a clinic or at home easily with the simple-to-use White Lotus silicon cups.

Does cupping help with stretch marks?

Yes, clinically many excellent results have been reported. It is believed to be effective because it dramatically increases circulation to the area and may actually be able to break down the old, misaligned collagen that comprises the stretch marks.

Does cupping get rid of stretch marks?

In most cases, cupping will not completely get rid of stretch marks. Over time it can gradually reduce their appearance but will not remove them altogether. Cupping on stretch marks is an excellent and healthy way to naturally reduce the appearance of striae.

Does cupping help cellulite?

Cupping can assist cellulite by dramatically increasing microcirculation in the area. It can also help break down the old, misaligned collagen bundles that allow cellulite to form. As this is replaced by stronger smoother collagen it can improve the appearance of cellulite.

Does cupping get rid of cellulite?

Cellulite is formed by fat cells pushing up against the smooth collagen matrix of the skin creating an uneven surface. Cupping can break down some of this damaged connective tissue improving the appearance of cellulite. It will not however completely remove the cause of the problem so should not be considered a cure for cellulite.

Instructions for performing cosmetic cupping for stretch marks and cellulite

Follow the basic steps to apply the cup listed above.
Apply the White Lotus organic green tea oil.
Start by performing moving cupping stroking up the thighs towards the trunk.
Cover each area 5–10 times.
Moving cupping which does not leave a mark can be performed daily.
For stronger stimulation use several cups, place them over the area to be treated and leave them in place for around 5 minutes.
This will leave dark marks in many cases and provide stronger stimulation.
If you are leaving the cups on the skin and they leave marks, then the treatment should not be repeated for a week afterwards.

Learn more about White Lotus cupping products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of these questions specifically apply to therapeutic cupping rather than cosmetic cupping. Light cosmetic cupping can generally be applied daily and does not require the same level of aftercare as more intensive therapeutic cupping.

What to expect after cupping?

In the short term if stationary cupping has been applied you may experience darker marks in the area which fade rapidly. Many people report a deep sensation of relaxation as tight muscles subside. In the long term reduced tension and tightness and improved appearance with the application of cosmetic cupping.

What to do after cupping?

The key is to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. You should avoid rigorous exercise that may strain the treated area and you should avoid excessive heat or cold therapies that may interfere with the healing process. A few hours after the treatment you can resume your normal skin care regime and protect your skin.

What not to do after cupping?

Where possible avoid heavy foods such as excessive caffeine, sugary drinks dairy and processed meat as they will slow down the detoxification process.
Avoid if possible large changes in temperature such as saunas or very cold air conditioning as the acupuncture channels will be open.
Excessive exercise

Can I work out the day after cupping?

Where moving cupping has been applied and there is little in the way of marks then yes this is normally fine. If dark marks have occurred, then it is best to exercise caution and listen to your body when exercising. Make sure you stay hydrated the whole time to improve the healing process.

Why can’t you shower after cupping?

Like acupuncture cupping is believed to bring the body’s energy to the surface of the body, showering straight after treatment can dissipate this energy. From a Western perspective, cupping may also open the pores so showering immediately after a session with skincare products may increase the risk of skin irritation and infection.

How often should you do cupping?

Moving cupping which does not leave any marks can be performed daily with no side effects. If more intensive cupping is applied which leaves marks on the skin, then the next session should only take place after the marks have completely disappeared.

This can often take up to 10 days so the next session should be planned after that.

Why does cupping leave marks?

Stationary cupping can dramatically increase blood flow. This can lead to ruptures in tiny capillaries. The marks can appear dark but are not painful like a traditional bruise. In most cases, they are considered a positive that stagnant blood and toxins are being released from the deeper levels of tissue.

Please note that moving cupping should never create marks on the skin and when done properly facial cosmetic cupping should never leave marks.

How long do cupping marks last?

When cups are left in place for a prolonged period, they will create marks commonly called petechiae or "sha,". How long they last depends on the individual’s healing response and the severity of the marks. In most cases, it varies from a few days up to about 10 days.

How to get rid of cupping marks faster?

Patience is ultimately the key. Cupping marks are not harmful and will naturally fade on their own. There is some evidence that moisturising the skin thoroughly with products like green tea oil can help and a gentle massage a few days later may encourage faster healing.

What does severe stagnation mean in cupping?

Dark blue or purple marks on the back after cupping usually indicate blood stagnation in the area from a long-standing illness. Cupping therapy brings this stagnation to the surface and releases it to achieve a long-term improvement in health.

What is butt cupping?

Also known as gluteal or buttocks cupping this has traditionally been applied therapeutically to assist muscle issues in the area. It is also increasingly applied cosmetically to assist issues such as stretch marks (striae) or cellulite that may be present in the area.

Can you do cupping on your glutes?

Yes, also now known as butt cupping it can assist with muscle pain and tightness in the area. Traditionally commonly used by athletes cupping is now also applied cosmetically in this area to assist stretch marks and cellulite.

How to do breast cupping?

Breast cupping involves the application of usually smaller cups to potentially increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage. There is no record of this ever being applied in Chinese medicine and we recommend caution due to the sensitive nature of the tissue in the area and lack of supporting evidence.

Does cupping help with scar tissue?

Cupping is not traditionally used very often on scarring. In most cases a Chinese Medicine practitioner would use acupuncture or another form of dermal needling in these cases. More recent research however has shown that cupping can influence connective tissue so this may be an area of further research in future.

Can cupping make you sick?

Cupping is non-invasive and considered one of the safest therapeutic practices. There are rare reports of mild discomfort or dizziness following a session due to the increased blood flow, but this is usually very transient. Hygiene should of course be considered, and it is important that the cups are cleaned properly in between use to avoid skin irritation.

What does fire cupping do?

Traditionally cupping was performed by rapidly inserting and then removing a flame from a bamboo or later glass cup. The change in temperature created a vacuum allowing the cup to cling to the skin with therapeutic effects.

This type of cupping comes with risks and should only be performed in a clinic by a qualified practitioner. Modern silicon cups like the White Lotus cups can create the same therapeutic and cosmetic effects without the risks of a live flame near the skin.

What does cupping do for athletes?

Cupping has become popular with athletes to provide pain relief, improve muscle recovery, improve the range of motion, manage injuries, reduce stress, and increase performance. A range of cupping techniques can be applied including moving and stationary cupping.

Can you do cupping while pregnant?

Generally, light cupping and cosmetic cupping are considered safe during pregnancy. More intensive cupping and abdominal and back cupping should however be avoided. There is little research in this area, so it is at the discretion of the individual. If in any doubt avoid the treatment and commence it after the birth.

Do you massage before or after cupping?

Massage is best performed before cupping. When doing strong cupping on the back there may be marks and the skin may be sensitive after the cups so no further massage should be performed at this stage.

When performing cosmetic cupping massage should be applied before the cupping as this is also a great way to apply the green tea oil that will allow you to perform moving cupping.

Can you eat before cupping?

Although not a strict rule it is best not to have a heavy meal within 30 minutes of receiving a cupping treatment. This is more important if you have strong cupping on your back where you will often be lying on your stomach.

How to clean a cupping set.

After use at home, the cupping set can be easily cleaned with soap or detergent and water. This will remove any oil and residues. The cups should then be sprayed with colloidal silver or ethanol to kill bacteria before storage.

If the cups are being reused in a clinic on different patients and combined with acupuncture, then the cups may need to be autoclaved between treatments or in worst cases disposed of.

Learn more about White Lotus cupping products.

Cao, H., Han, M., Li, X., et al. Clinical research evidence of cupping therapy in China: a systematic literature review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2010; 10:70.ese