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What is Facial Cupping & Gua Sha?

Facial Cupping and Gua Sha are alternative cosmetic facial treatments that may support skin health and improve appearance by stimulating collagen & elastin synthesis, detoxifying, and smoothing fine lines. We use small glass suction cups and jade facial gua sha tools to move stagnant lymph, fluids, and toxins by bringing qi and blood to the face through the stimulation of specific acupuncture points and channels.

What are the benefits?

By bringing qi and blood to the area through the stimulation of specific acupuncture points and channels, Facial Cupping and Gua Sha stimulates the production of both collagen and elastin. In doing so the skin is able to thicken, repair, become taught, and maintain or return to a youthful appearance. This can smooth fine lines and relax tight facial muscles. In addition, it can move inflammation and heat such as rosacea and strengthen the vascular integrity of the face.

Generally the benefits include:

  • lessening deep wrinkles

  • detoxifying

  • lessening rosacea

  • lifting

  • decreasing nasolabial folds/lines

  • relaxing sinews

  • opening pores

  • lessening corner lines of the eyes

  • promoting microcirculation

Who should not do it?

Facial Cupping and Gua Sha are safe procedures. There are some cases however where it would not be recommended. These include:

  • high blood pressure

  • problems with bruising

  • severe uncontrolled migraines

  • recent microdermabrasion

  • severe acne

  • recent Botox injections

  • recent fillers

  • facial herpes

  • pregnancy

  • conjunctivitis

  • open sores

  • prone to blood clots

  • jaw injuries or recent dental procedures

How often do I need treatment?

The recommended course of treatment is 1-2x per week for 8-12 weeks and then 1x/month for maintenance. Facial Cupping and Gua Sha can be done alone, in absence of Cosmetic Acupuncture and Microneedling, however Facial Cupping and Gua Sha is included in one of our Cosmetic Acupuncture appointments.

What can I expect at my appointment?

You can expect the following at your appointment:

  • we'll ask that you show come with a clean, make-up free face, however if you do not, we'll clean your face for you!

  • if you are okay with it, we'll needle some body points that support the treatment

  • you'll lay on the treatment table, we'll apply a cupping and gua sha specific facial oil and begin the treatment


Following treatment, we'll remove any needles and provide you the post-treatment instructions.

Are there any post-treatment care instructions?

Yes! The post-treatment instructions are as follows:

  • use sunscreen

  • eat a diet low in saturated fat, sugar, and high in fiber

  • eat 6-8 cups of fruit and vegetables per day and 12-16 oz of protein

  • drink 6-8 oz glasses of water every day - no soda!

  • limit consumption of alcohol and caffeine

  • sleep 7-9 hours per night

  • practice some form of relaxation every day

  • get at least 4 hours of exercise each week

  • use the Aculift™ derma roller every other day until your skin adapts and then every day with serum and moisturizer

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