In case anyone hasn’t told you lately: cellulite is completely normal and more common than you think. In fact, studies show that 80 to 90 percent of adolescent girls have cellulite. (Compared to less than 10 percent of men.) Although people may believe some common misconceptions, for many people, cellulite is a fact of life. However, it’s also natural to want to reduce the appearance of cellulite or slow its progression, especially as you age. While genetics play a role, there are some proven strategies for tackling stubborn cellulite. The latest trend? Cupping banishes cellulite—yes, we’re obsessed.
Brooke Taylor LAc, MAcOM
Brooke founded The Road in Austin, Texas to share her experience in holistic skin care, acupuncture, and Chinese medicine to cultivate our own innate healing responses. She was a former esthetician, global skincare educator and brand manager before pursuing a Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help heal others on a deeper level. She now combines cosmetic acupuncture and Chinese medicine, facial sculpting techniques, carefully planned skin care and high-tech modalities to guide clients holistically to look and feel their best.
What is cupping?
While firming creams and firming oils can help improve skin elasticity and sometimes reduce the appearance of cellulite, the most dramatic results are achieved by getting deep into the skin’s underlying layers. Treatments such as laser and lymphatic drainage can often reduce cellulite. In recent years, cupping, which is inspired by ancient medicine, has become the latest trend.
To learn all about cupping, I spoke with Brooke Taylor, founder of The Road in Austin and an expert in holistic skin care and traditional Chinese medicine. “Ninety percent of women have some cellulite, including athletes. I think it’s a normal body response that doesn’t need to be eliminated – we almost all have it. If you’re bothered by it, cupping is a very cheap and Easy-to-use method to minimize the appearance of your dimples!
Taylor points out that cupping has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. However, its use is now more widespread, with many cultures relying on cupping to destress muscles and tissues. The technique involves using a cup or container that creates a vacuum when placed against the skin. “There are many types of cupping, but we typically address cellulite with sliding cupping.”
Benefits of cupping
“Cupping was originally used to treat certain diseases and conditions, but it became popular in Western culture as athletes began to resume cupping after workouts and celebrities showed off their cupping marks,” says Taylor. But you don’t have to be. Only athletes can benefit from cupping. In fact, almost everyone can benefit from the course, she points out.
“Cupping has many health-related applications, but most people will benefit from physical exercises to help relieve muscle tension. It can be highly relaxing, aid the nervous system, and increase mobility.
What causes cellulite? How can cupping help?
Cellulite is hereditary, but there are other factors that contribute to its appearance. Some things are inevitable, like aging, but some things, like a sedentary lifestyle, can exacerbate the appearance of cellulite.
“Look after your overall health—hydration and minerals, healthy fats and collagen-producing foods, hormonal balance, and sleep. Protect your skin from sun damage or dryness; sun damage can thin the skin and break down elastin and collagen, resulting in a more visible appearance.
How to Use Cupping to Get Rid of Cellulite
Thanks to social media, cupping to get rid of cellulite has become the latest trend. “Cupping is now definitely mainstream for helping get rid of cellulite,” says Taylor. It turns out that this is one of those viral trends that has real value.
“Cupping therapy can improve the appearance of cellulite to some extent by increasing vascular and lymphatic circulation, while weakened connective tissue creates a dimpling effect. The negative pressure created by the cups pulls the skin and other tissues upward, aiding drainage. We are also looking at the buildup of fluid, toxins and certain lipids in this area, which often occurs when sitting for long periods of time.
While you may feel a difference after one session, reducing visible cellulite requires changes in tissue and overall circulation. “In the professional field of cupping for cellulite, we typically recommend a series of six cuppings for optimal results,” says Taylor. “You may be sore during the first session because cupping irritates the fascia and lengthens the insertion and attachment of the muscles. [The appearance of cellulite] With continued treatment, this condition will decrease as the tissues begin to function more efficiently and blood circulation improves.
Can cupping be used to remove cellulite at home?
If you want to reap the benefits of cupping at home, the treatment will be effective as long as you stick with it. “Cupping at home can be effective, especially when done with techniques and strategies that address the fascia and associated lymphatics.”
Cupping at home is also a great way to supplement in-office treatments between sessions. “It’s hard to match the thoroughness and skill of the practitioner providing this service to you, but home care between sessions or after a series of sessions can help maintain your results.”
To get the most out of your at-home care, Taylor shares the following advice: “For best DIY results, apply oil to the area to allow the cup to glide smoothly. The pressure should be firm but comfortable. You should move slowly and give the tissue time to response. A few times a week is enough to give the tissues time to recover and the fluids time to move and absorb.
Other technologies to consider
Cupping to treat cellulite often works best when combined with other treatments. They work together to train your skin tissue and maintain its elasticity. “Some people find that dry brushing before cupping helps improve circulation,” says Taylor.
Popular for helping you achieve glowing skin, red light therapy also has some effect on cellulite. “We use it in our clinic at The Desert Canary for lymphatic massage treatments, cupping, myofascial massage or wood massage, all of which can help eliminate cellulite. If you are exploring using red light technology at home to achieve facial results, You might consider getting a set of lights so you can use them for multitasking on your legs and arms.
- Red light therapy. By increasing collagen production and blood flow, red light therapy can gradually reduce the appearance of cellulite
- Microcurrent technology. Microcurrent helps stimulate blood circulation and prevents stagnation that causes cellulite.
- Fascial Therapy. Fascia jetting is a manual method of relaxing fascia to help reduce pain and cellulite.
- Myofascial Massage Therapy. This massage technique is used to help break down fat deposits and reduce inflammation.
- Healthy Nutrition/Collagen Support. Focusing on nutrition and adding collagen supplements to your daily routine can help prevent the sagging skin that leads to cellulite.
- Vibrating plate. Vibration therapy can help blood circulation and reduce cellulite by training and tightening muscles.
- move. Regular exercise can prevent stagnation, improve circulation, and reduce cellulite. Taking 10,000 steps a day can go further than you think.
