If someone hasn’t told you lately: cellulite is completely normal—and more common than you think. Indeed, research shows that between 80% and 90% of all women past puberty have cellulite. (This compares to less than 10% of men.) Despite common myths you may believe, for many people, cellulite is an inevitability of life. However, it’s also natural to want to reduce the appearance of cellulite or slow down its development, especially as you age. While genetics play a role, there are some tried and true strategies for dealing with stubborn cellulite. The latest trend? Cupping for cellulite—and yes, we’re obsessed.
Brooke Taylor LAc, MAcOM
Brooke created The Road in Austin, Texas to share her expertise in holistic skin care, acupuncture and Chinese medicine to cultivate our own innate healing responses. Previously an esthetician and global skincare trainer and manager, she followed her masters in Chinese medicine to help heal others on a deeper level.
What is cupping?
While skin tightening creams and oils can help improve skin elasticity and can sometimes reduce the appearance of cellulite, you’ll get the most significant results by getting under the skin. Treatments such as lasers and lymphatic drainage are common to reduce cellulite. In recent years, cupping has emerged as the latest trend, based on ancient medicine.
To learn all about cupping, I spoke with Brooke Taylor, founder of The Road in Austin and an expert in holistic skin care and Chinese medicine. “90% of women have some cellulite, including athletes. I would see this as a normal body response that doesn’t require elimination – almost all of us have it. If it bothers you, cupping is an extremely cheap and affordable way to minimize the appearance. Otherwise, hug your dimple!”
Taylor notes that cupping has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. However, its application is now more widespread, with many cultures relying on suction cups to decompress muscle and tissue. The technique involves applying a cup or container that creates a vacuum when applied to the skin. “There are many types of cupping, but we usually perform sliding cupping to treat cellulite.”
Benefits of suction cups
“Cupping was originally used for certain ailments and conditions, but gained popularity in Western culture when athletes began cupping for post-workout recovery and celebrities showed off their cup marks,” says Taylor. But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from cupping. In fact, almost everyone could benefit from a session, she notes.
“There are so many health-related applications for cupping, but most people would benefit from a body session to help with muscle tension. It can be very relaxing, help the nervous system and increase mobility.”
What causes cellulite? And how can cupping help it?
Cellulite is genetic, but there are additional factors that can contribute to its appearance. Some things are inevitable, like aging, but others, like a sedentary lifestyle, can make the appearance of cellulite worse.
“Look after your overall health—hydration and minerals, healthy fats and collagen-building foods, hormone balance and sleep. Protect your skin from sunlight or drying. Sun damage thins the skin and breaks down elastin and collagen, which can make the appearance more visible.”
How to use cupping for cellulite
Thanks to social media, cupping for cellulite has become the newest trend. “Cupping is definitely mainstream now to help the appearance of cellulite,” says Taylor. As it turns out, this is one of those viral trends that actually has value.
“Cup therapy can improve the appearance of cellulite to some extent by increasing circulation, both vascular and lymphatic, where weakened connective tissue creates the dimpling effect. The negative pressure produced by the cups pulls the skin and other tissues upwards, helping to drain accumulated fluids, toxins and certain lipids from the area. We also work with tight fascia, which usually occurs when you sit for long hours.”
While you will likely feel a difference after one session, reducing visible cellulite requires a change in your overall tissue and circulation. “In the professional world of cupping for cellulite, we usually recommend a series of six sessions for best results,” says Taylor. “The first session may create pain as the fascia is treated and the muscle insertions and attachments are lengthened with the strokes. [The appearance of cellulite] will decrease with continued sessions as the web begins to work more efficiently and traffic improves.”
Can you do cellulite cupping at home?
If you want to reap the benefits of cupping at home, the treatment can be effective — as long as you’re consistent. “Home cupping can be effective, especially performed with techniques and a strategy to address the fascia and associated lymph nodes.”
Cupping at home is also a good way to supplement in-office treatments between sessions. “It’s hard to match the thoroughness and skill of a professional performing this service for you, but home care between sessions or after a series helps maintain your results.”
To get the most out of your at-home treatments, Taylor shares this tip: “For best DIY results, apply oil to the area for smooth gliding of the cups. The pressure should be firm but comfortable. You should move slowly, giving the web time to respond. A few times a week is enough, giving the tissues time to recover and the fluids to move and be absorbed.”
Other techniques to consider
Cupping for cellulite often works best when combined with other treatments. Together, they work to train skin tissue and maintain elasticity. “Some find that dry brushing before vacuuming helps encourage circulation,” says Taylor.
Red light therapy—which is popular for helping you get glowing skin—may also have some effect on cellulite. “We use it in my clinic at The Desert Canary after lymphatic massage, cupping, myofascial massage or wood therapy massage, which can help with cellulite. If you’re exploring red light technology for home facial effects, you might consider a panel of lights so you can multitask using it for 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 circulation, preventing the stagnation that causes cellulite.
- Fascia treatment. Fascia blasting is a manual method to loosen the fascia to help reduce pain and cellulite.
- Myofacial massage therapy. This massage technique is used to help break down fat deposits and reduce inflammation.
- Health Nutrition/Collagen Support. Focusing on your diet and adding collagen supplements to your routine can help prevent the sagging skin that can cause cellulite.
- Vibration plate. Vibration therapy can help with circulation and reduce cellulite by training and toning your muscles.
- Move. Regular movement can prevent stagnation, promote circulation and reduce cellulite. Taking those 10,000 steps a day can go a long way than you think.
