Facial Cupping
What is it?
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Facial Cupping is the application of tiny glass cups to the face using a suction and release technique or sliding motion. Following the natural flow of the lymphatic system, facial cups drain excess fluid from the face and neck while improving the collagen matrix. Facial cupping has been used for centuries to improve the complexion and alleviate congestion. Facial Cupping can:
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Improve muscle tone and reduce the beginning of jowls
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Improve the collagen matrix in the face, diminishing fine lines and improving complexion
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Clear chronic congestion in the sinuses and ears
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Improve circulation to the face and neck, resulting in a glowing complexion for special events
How does it work?
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By using special tools created to glide across the contours of the face, the skin is gently lifted using suction from a bulb attached to a tiny glass tube. The skin is either gently lifted and released, or the skin is gently lifted and then the tube smoothly slides across the complexion, following the water pathways of the face. The lymph is drained naturally following the water pathways. Unlike cupping on the body, Facial Cupping does not leave red or purple marks.
Collagen production begins to decline with age and UV exposure. Loss of collagen is responsible for many of the common signs of aging we associate with skin: wrinkles, sagging and a dry lusterless complexion. Collagen is like an interconnected spider web. With age and UV exposure, tiny breaks can occur in the connectedness like individual strands of the web. With facial cupping, the strength of the web increases and minor repairs can be made.
How much does it cost?
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A single session is $150 dollars or ten sessions for $1500.
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How long does it take?
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Generally, the entire procedure takes for 5 weeks with 2 treatments per week. Occasionally, it is recommended to continue once a week for 6 weeks afterward. At your initial free consultation, we will assess your health goals and recommend the best treatment plan for you. Age, lifestyle, presence of scar tissue and/or sun damage, and the goals of the patient influence Facial Cupping results.
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What can I expect?
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Benefits include increased local circulation of the skin, increased nutrients brought to the epidermis, and enhanced absorption of facial topicals. The drainage of stagnant fluids from the face and neck will reduce edema and chronic puffiness. A single treatment shows impressive results you can feel whereas continued treatments are cumulative in their effect. For maximum results, your practitioner may suggest certain foods to begin adding into your diet, supplements, or other lifestyle recommendations.
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Lines and wrinkles will plump whereas scar tissue will soften with the negative pressure from facial cupping, making it a powerful and surprisingly relaxing alternative to advanced facial treatments. The muscles of the face benefit greatly from the reduction of tension and tightness, releasing expression lines and loosening rigid muscles associated with TMJ disorders. Those suffering from chronic sinus infections or congestion can experience relief by the loosening and draining effects of the cups, sometimes able to avoid surgical procedures.
Acupuncture can be included as an optional adjunct treatment, for optimum results.
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What happens during my appointments?
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During your first appointment, plan to be here for two hours. We do a thorough Chinese Medicine intake and assessment to understand how to best reach your goals. Our recommendations for your personal treatment plan are based upon this initial intake. After the intake, we begin your treatment.
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Please arrive fresh-faced with no makeup or bring your preferred facial cleanser to remove your makeup here. You will lay on a comfortable, plush table in one of our beautiful and private treatment rooms while receiving. A warm towel wrap begins the facial cupping procedure, which opens the pores and brings blood to the surface. The protocol does one side of the face at a time. The entire process takes about 50 minutes and is very soothing and relaxing.
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Follow-up sessions for those seeking more lasting results are 60-minute appointments where the facial cupping procedure is very similar.
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Whom does it benefit?
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The most common cosmetic patients receiving the multiple session cumulative protocol are between 30 and 50. All ages can benefit from the protocol, depending on their baseline of health and what their goals are.
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Anyone with chronic sinus infections or congestion from allergies or colds
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Anyone suffering from TMJ pain
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What happens after the 10 treatments?
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Depending on your progress, goals, and general level of health, your practitioner will give you a plan for continued care and maintenance. Commonly, this is once a month.
In alignment with the principles of Chinese Medicine, the goal is to create beauty from the inside out. This journey may include maintenance facial cupping once a month, continued acupuncture care, an herbal formula or nutrient supplementation. Lifestyle changes also go a long way in being able to space out your continued care
appointments.