Facial Cupping

Is a superficial technique to actively stimulate and encourage the natural drainage flow of the lymph, improve circulation, release fascia stuck to the skin and muscles, draw out lactic acid and metabolic impurities from muscles, soften repetitive motion wrinkles, sedate nervous system and remove edema. This manual technique uses a specific pressure and rhythm to arrive at your desired effect. This technique is easy on your body, unbelievable effective and super fun to do. It can be used as a standalone treatment or as an add-on service and WILL improve the results of any service or technique that follows. Traditional cupping has been around for over 5,000 years and has been performed all over the world. Ge Hong (281-431 AD) is responsible for the earliest written use of cupping. It has been used in many parts of the world a folk medicine passed down thru generations but the popularity of cupping has increased once again recently due to celebrities and Olympians displaying their cupping marks on TV and in media. Traditionally, cupping was used to restore energy (Qi) blockages, later treatments involved the meridian system. Modern cupping ideology is based on Western medicine to alleviate pain, trigger points, adhesion, move lymph, reduce join pain, increasing collagen, synthesis. Cupping Protocol

• Usually 10 – 15 minutes and can be an add-on or as a stand-alone treatment.
• Skin should be cleaned thoroughly, apply a facial oil so cups can glide smoothly.
• Facial cupping uses a much gentler suction than cupping on the body, and as such is painless and should “never” leave marks on the skin.
• When performing cupping, work each site or gliding pathway three times before moving to the next.
• Work on side of the face first, repeating on the other side.
• Slower movements increase lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness.
• Faster movements increase circulation & stimulate collagen, improving elasticity.
• Skin Integrity can vary based on client age and health, so be careful that you are not using suction strong enough to break capillaries, bruise the skin or leave marks.

Flow Indications Lines and arrows represent direction of flow X’s represent area of “static” cupping. Do not glide over there areas Apply lubricant prior to beginning cupping Begin under the chin to clear lymph pathways Technique should be done 3 – 5 times in each area. Step-By-Step:

1. After cleaning the skin apply a generous amount lubricant to entire face and decollete;
2. To Begin: Gentle squeeze and attach the larger cup to the sternum. Use a gliding stroke to draw impurities toward the axilla. Repeat each stroke 3 times as you ascend to just bellow the clavicle.
3. Switch to the small cup.
4. Gently squeeze the small cup superior and medial to the clavicle. When you have a good suction start to glide the cup medial to lateral as you ascend up the neck to the jaw bone. Repeat 3 times.
5. Flush the system: Using the static “popping technique” start on the later side of the neck just below the jaw bone. You will be moving the cup from superior to inferior using only the “popping technique”. This will open all lymph passages and circulation pathways.
6. Place cup center chin above the jaw bone and glide cup laterally toward the ear as you as up the entire face.
7. Use the “popping technique” for the orbicularis oculi and oris still moving medial to later and finishing with the flush down the neck.
8. To finish: Starting directly above the nose, glide the cup from the brow bone to the hair like moving medial to lateral. Finish with a flush own the later edge of the face and final flush down the neck.

  Other benefits:

• Increased nutrients and oxygenation for healthier skin;
• Minimized lines and wrinkles;
• Brings nutrient and oxygen enriched blood cells to the skin;
• Reduced puffiness under eyes, chin and jowls;
• Diminish and align scar tissue;
• Clears blocked energy channels;
• Relief from sinus pressure and congestion;
• Stimulation fibroblast cell production resulting in improved elasticity;
• Detoxified skin from the drawing of impurities to the surface for removal;
• Relaxation of facial muscles for a younger, less stressed look;
• Soften and mobilize congestion and sebum;
• Decreased facial paralysis from certain conditions;
• Increased absorption of skin care products.

The Zen Institute Facial Cupping – By Cheryl Miller Institute for Cupping Certification Salon-gurus.com