Does Facial Cuping cause bruises, marks, or broken capillaries?

Both are based on the same principles. The techniques, however, are different. The face is a uniquely sensitive area, and it requires special protocols. So even though you’ll use cups for both, the face will require:
The cup creates suction, drawing the skin upward. This does some remarkable work inside you. The connective tissues and muscles in that area can decompress. This can lead to enormous health benefits, such as:
With your face, though—you need something different.
And all without leaving a mark.
Don’t expect it to leave any marks. But if you do have questions about face cupping before your first session, reach out with any questions you might have.
This is a question that I receive often, and I do understand why! Perhaps you have seen the results of a body cupping session online which spark a cause for concern as the marks achieved from this practice can be very visible.
The answer is: with the correct application of pressure and using the right techniques, facial cupping should not cause any marks, bruises, or broken capillaries.
It is really important to highlight this because there is a lot of saturated content out there. You might see a facial cupping ‘how to’ reel, video, or post that clearly demonstrates the ritual or a movement, but perhaps no further context on how to apply this to yourself in a way that will reduce the prevention of marks. Technique and pressure protocols serve as the best foundation for results, but also comfort. There should be no pain or physical discomfort throughout your natural beauty session, and this non-invasive ritual should feel, really, very good!
Though similar in appearance, there is a difference between cupping marks and a bruise. A bruise is the result of bodily injury. An injury usually causes damage to the capillaries (small blood vessels) and therefore causes blood to pool out under the skin. If this blood has nowhere to go, it will settle under the skin, and this is what will trigger sensitivity to the area and the red or purple colouring that most of us will have experienced.
The marks from cupping (also known as ‘YINZI’, meaning ‘marks’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine) are a visible result of the relief of held stagnation in the treated area, and the release of internal impurities brought to the surface for elimination. If this mark is fairly dark, it can signify the level of pain or tension that you have been experiencing. If there is a light or even no mark, it may mean that there are no stagnation or waste products to release.
Ironically, body cupping can actually help a bruise to heal naturally!
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Although cups are used across both practices, the style of the cup, the technique applied, and the protocols are very different.
The ancient healing therapy of body cupping requires large cups to be placed and left on various areas of the body, particularly where pain and tension are highlighted. The suction of the cups draws the skin upwards to decompress connective tissue and muscles in that local area. This static process will effectively release toxins within the tissues and encourage lymphatic stimulation, whilst the increase of blood circulation further supports the healing process.
Facial cupping has a much more non-invasive approach. The cups used are far smaller than body cups, and the suction will be much gentler, creating a mini-trauma that is much more controlled, especially when applying the correct but varying pressures on different areas of the face and using carefully taught techniques. With the right protocol, you can stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, collagen and fibroblast production, cell regeneration, and the promotion of oxygen-rich blood circulation without leaving a mark in the wake of this method.
When you perform a facial cupping session on yourself for the first time, you may experience a new and unique “suction” sensation that is quite different from facial massage, gua sha, and other forms of natural beauty rejuvenation methods. You will feel the effect of the suction from your cup, however, this should be gentle and it shouldn’t inflict any form of pain or discomfort. It should feel quite relieving and revitalising!
A significant benefit of facial cupping is the promotion of increased blood circulation. This upsurge of blood flow will support the relief of tension stored in your facial muscles and tissues. This wave of circulation will also serve as a mode of transportation of oxygenated blood and the key nutrients needed to enhance cellular repair and regeneration. During this process, you may experience a little heat and redness. The anatomical term for this is “acute local active hyperemia” which simply means that there is an increased amount of blood in the local area. You may experience a slight redness over the area you’re cupping over – this is a normal, beneficial response and demonstrates that the method is taking effect. The redness fades shortly after, leaving a natural luminescent glow.
Please note: this redness will appear differently on each person. It will vary on every individual according to their genetics, heritage, skin type and thickness, and even medication. If you notice a dramatic difference physically or aesthetically, you may feel it would be beneficial to pause your session.
Your essential facial cupping knowledge toolkit
To maximise your results, elevate the experience of your ritual and reduce the likelihood of bruising and marks, here are some essential points to consider:
Seek out guidance
If you feel confused about the right approach for you, reach out to your local facial cupping practitioner for further guidance.
I am always so happy to help too, should you have any questions about the ritual, techniques, or concerns.
Facial cupping goes beyond aesthetics. It is a ritual that supports our self-awareness and confidence journeys, it helps us to connect inwards and bridge the gap in understanding how we internally radiate outwards. The more accessible this practice is, the bigger the positive impact this can have for many of us.
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Shipping to Europe Due to brexit new rules and taxes, I’m currently not shipping to Europe (unless it is the PRO KIT from the Facial Cupping Online Course for Professionals) until I find a sustainable solution. Please check back after Christmas. I hope to be back to Europe soon!