Cupping massage is used as an aesthetic massage technique by anyone looking to care for dimpled, orange-peel skin. It does not guarantee permanent removal of cellulite. So how many times a week should you use it, and how long should each session last? How often to use it depends on your situation, the product instructions and skin tolerance. Here’s everything you need to know, including how to go about it at home.
What is a cupping massage?
The technique involves pinching or lifting a fold of skin and moving it, rolling it between your fingers (from bottom to top). This article does not demonstrate that massage empties fat cells or removes fat or toxins. See also: circulation · anti-cellulite massage.
How often should you do it?
With a cupping massage, consistency matters just as much as frequency. Several factors also come into play when determining the ideal frequency:
- whether you perform the cupping massage at home, as a self-massage;
- whether it is performed by a professional masseur, at a beauty salon or physiotherapy clinic;
- the type of cellulite involved – for instance, in the case of water retention cellulite, a gentler massage is generally more suitable;
- whether it is performed manually or mechanically;
- venous and/or skin fragility – anyone with severe venous insufficiency should be cautious, as the cupping massage can cause bruising and dilation of small blood vessels.
If you have adipose or fibrous cellulite and no significant venous fragility, you can incorporate the cupping massage into your daily routine, for around 10 minutes, on an ongoing basis. Results and their duration can vary from one person to another; this article does not establish that fat cells empty during massage and refill when it stops.
How long should each session last?
How long a cupping massage session takes depends on the area you’re working on and how many areas you want to cover. For a manual self-massage, allow around 10 minutes in total, spreading the time across the areas concerned. With a cupping cup, the recommended time is 3 minutes per area (thighs, stomach, buttocks…).
A short, regular session is better than a long, occasional one. If you’re new to it, start with brief sessions and adjust to what feels comfortable. If you have fragile veins or delicate skin, ask a doctor or another medical professional for advice before you start.
How do you go about it?
You can absolutely perform a manual cupping massage at home. However, the technique is not the easiest and requires a certain level of skill. It can also be tiring, as it is a deep and vigorous massage. Finally, some areas of your own body can be hard to reach – such as the buttocks.
That’s why it’s worth opting for a mechanical solution, using a massage tool. At Cellublue, we offer two options:
- our classic cupping cup, made from hypoallergenic silicone, which faithfully replicates the cupping massage technique. It is used on skin that has been oiled beforehand (ideally with our Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil, enriched with grapefruit and ivy), for 3 minutes per area (thighs, stomach, buttocks…);
- our electric cupping cup, which is even easier to use – you simply switch it on! The device has two modes: suction and heat, to support your massage. It can be used with our Cupping Massage Activating Treatment, following its directions for use. The duration stated here is 5 minutes per area; follow the device instructions and adjust to skin tolerance. This duration does not guarantee fast or lasting results.
Professional anti-cellulite technology at homeOriginal price: €169.97
Frequently asked questions
How long should you spend on cupping massage each day?
It depends on how many areas you’re working on and whether you massage by hand or with a cupping cup. The timings are set out in the section “How long should each session last?”.
Can you do cupping massage every day?
In some cases, yes – it depends on your type of cellulite and whether you have fragile veins (see “How often should you do it?”). If you have fragile veins or delicate skin, ask a doctor or another medical professional for advice first.
Can cupping massage cause bruising?
Yes, it can, particularly if you have severe venous insufficiency. If this applies to you, ask a medical professional for advice before trying this massage.
Do you need to keep up cupping massage over the long term?
Every skin is different. What counts most is consistency, rather than a long, occasional session.
Can you use a cupping cup instead of massaging by hand?
Yes. Cellublue offers a classic silicone cupping cup and an electric cupping cup – see the section “How do you go about it?” for how to use each one.
