• 1. Does cupping help cellulite
• 2. How The Cellulite Cupping Therapy Works
• 3. Potential Risk of Cupping Therapy
• 4. How To Deal With Cellulite At Home
• 5. What People Ask

does cupping help cellulite

Cupping is often recommended for a broad range of concerns, including back pain, various skin conditions, and even high blood pressure. However, the research on it as a whole is very lacking, which is why it hasn’t been embraced by the mainstream medical community.

It should come as no surprise that it’s not a well-studied treatment for cellulite. The sources that recommend it don’t have consistent explanations for how it’s supposed to work. Some suggest it works by improving blood circulation, others say it works through lymphatic drainage, and a few even argue that it disperses the connective tissue that causes fat to dimple.

At the moment, there has only been one study on cupping as a treatment for cellulite. The women in the study received cupping treatments twice a week for 5 weeks. While the study did show a reduction in cellulite, this was only measured three days after the series of treatments were completed. With no long-term follow-up, it’s impossible to say whether the cellulite would return to normal or not.

In practice, we’d expect that as a powerful massage, there probably is some basis to cupping! Moving cups around the skin and applying pressure could be pretty similar to effective lymphatic drainage massage, which is known to give a dramatic but temporary cellulite reduction. But we don’t see why it’d be preferred to more affordable massages that are easier to do on yourself, like dry brushing or Gua Sha. 

How the Cellulite cupping therapy works

Here's a general overview of how cellulite cupping therapy is typically performed:

 Preparation: A lubricating oil or cream is applied to the treatment area to reduce friction and allow the cups to glide smoothly on the skin.

 Cup placement: The practitioner places the cups on the skin and creates suction by using a hand pump or by heating the air inside the cup. This suction pulls the skin and underlying tissues into the cup, creating a vacuum effect.

 Gliding or stationary cups: Depending on the technique used, the cups may either remain stationary for a set period or be moved across the skin's surface in a specific pattern. This can vary from practitioner to practitioner.

 Duration: The treatment typically lasts for about 10-30 minutes, depending on the practitioner's approach and the area being treated.

 Post-treatment: After removing the cups, the practitioner may apply some form of soothing lotion or oil to the skin.

 It's important to note that the effectiveness of cellulite cupping therapy is not supported by strong scientific evidence, and results can vary from person to person.

 Additionally, the treatment may cause temporary bruising or skin discoloration due to the suction. Before trying any alternative therapy, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist to discuss your options and potential risks.

Potential Side effects of Cellulite Cupping Therapy

Wondering if cellulite cupping therapy is safe? We’d say that it is, for the most part. Cupping for cellulite is usually done “dry,” without the drawing of blood, which doesn’t come with extreme risks.

However, the suction pressure can still be powerful and can lead to the following side effects. 

• Bruising or skin discoloration: Cupping often results in small bruises or areas of skin discoloration, which can take a few days to heal. The bruising is caused by the breaking of small blood vessels just beneath the skin's surface. While it may be a normal side effect of cupping, it can also indicate that the suction pressure applied was too strong or that the cups were left in place for too long.
• Skin irritation: The cups may cause temporary redness, swelling, or irritation on the skin where they are applied.
• Pain or discomfort: Some people may experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort during the cupping process, particularly if the cups are left in place for too long.
• Infection: If the cups are not properly sterilized between uses, there is a small risk of infection, especially in the case of “wet cupping.”
• Burns: In rare cases, cupping may cause burns if the cups are left in place for too long or if they are applied to areas of the skin that are sensitive or thin.