Vacuum cupping for cellulite could be considered a very “old” method (originating in China), but has found an application in the modern treatment of cellulite.
Vacuum cupping for cellulite and in general
In Chinese medicine, it serves to restore equilibrium by reactivating the body’s energy flows but, in addition to energy flows, it stimulates both blood and lymphatic circulation.
Vacuum cupping for cellulite: how it works
The technique is based on creating a vacuum using a cup, which is applied and used on specific points of the body.
The vacuum is created either by using a flame, or in a less traditional way, by using mechanical vacuum aspirators that reduce the risk of burns.
The cups are left on the body for a period of time ranging from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the treatment. The frequency of the sessions may vary from daily to weekly.
There are 2 cup application and intervention techniques, depending on the therapeutic purpose:
- Keeping the cups fixed on specific points
- Sliding the cups over the epidermis with a special oil, which is the most widely used technique for cellulite
Cupping is recommended for the treatment of:
- Painful syndromes
- Gastro-intestinal problems
- Pulmonary diseases
- Coughs
- Asthma
- Depressive and anxious syndromes
It has also more recently been used to counteract cellulite problems and obesity.
Vacuum cupping for cellulite and Cupping: contraindications and limitations
This therapy is not recommended or is even prohibited for:
- People who are too thin and those with sagging skin
- Skin with traumas or recent injuries
- Skin subject to dermatological diseases of various kinds
- Asthenic people or those with highly protruding bones.
Vacuum cupping for cellulite: Silicone cups
This method is inspired by traditional cupping, but uses silicone cups. Their function is to lightly aspirate the skin inside them and through the movement perform a massage, which should be accompanied by an oil or cream of choice. It should never be performed on dry skin; it can also be used in the shower.
Vacuum cupping for cellulite: Knowing cellulite
Cellulite, edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (EFP), is a widespread blemish caused by alteration of the subcutaneous tissue. This problem appears with hypertrophy of the adipose cells. As a result, fat accumulation occurs in body areas such as:
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Thighs
There are various triggering causes:
- Inflammations
- Various disorders
- Hormonal or genetic factors
- etc.
The aggravating factors vary greatly and can be traced back to:
- Incorrect diet
- Sudden weight loss
- Adoption of incorrect posture
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Overweightness and obesity
- Stress
- Other
Vacuum cupping for cellulite: The various evolutionary stages and types of cellulite
Cellulite has several evolutionary stages:
- Edematous phase
- Fibrous phase
- Sclerotic phase
And the types of cellulite are different too:
- Compact cellulite is most common in people who are in good physical shape, is the easiest to combat and tends to be located in the knees, thighs and buttock areas. It is hard to the touch and can also be sore and cause stretch marks.
Soft cellulite is most common in people who do little physical activity, are sedentary and therefore have less well-developed muscles. It presents sclerotised nodules, and appears most on the inner thighs and arms.
Edematous cellulite, on the other hand, is the final stage in the evolution of this blemish, and is therefore the most difficult form to get rid of. It can be sore and is associated with fluid stagnation and venous insufficiency. It is mainly found on the buttocks, pelvis, ankles and feet. On observation, it appears inflated and spongy.
Vacuum cupping for cellulite allied with Diet and Hydration
Let us start off by saying that this blemish has to be tackled first of all from within, that is, by maintaining a proper diet and level of hydration.
Being able to combat cellulite requires proper eating habits, so all the foods that make the accumulation of fluids and fats and water retention worse have to be eliminated. It is therefore necessary to decrease consumption of:
- Alcohol
- Refined carbohydrates and sweets.
Consume lower amounts of:
- Dairy products
- Saturated fats derived from meat
- Butter
- Cured meats
- White flour
So you have to have a varied diet, and a menu that includes detoxifying foods and those that speed up the metabolism.
It is good to eat:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Fish
- Legumes
- Fibre
- Cereals
- Cold pressed plant oils like extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon and ginger help diminish heaviness and swelling.
- Vegetables with a bitter taste help the liver.
Another aspect of fundamental importance is hydration; among the methods to combat cellulite, drinking water lies at the heart of everything. In fact, all treatments need a healthy diet and the right amount of water as their allies. Drinking is important for a host of reasons, even for cellulite, because the magnesium it contains helps in the fat burning process to eliminate lactic acid, which increases water retention and normalises bowel function.
Vacuum cupping for cellulite allied with physical activity
Obviously there are many sports that help counteract cellulite, including:
- Nordic walking
- Swimming
- Various water sports
- Kickboxing
- Aerobics
- Jumping fitness.
Even a simple walk is ideal, especially for those who live a sedentary lifestyle.
Vacuum cupping for cellulite: a friend of massages
Massages are obviously recommended as one of methods for combating cellulite. Massages should be performed with a cream or essential oil of choice, that needs to be warmed up in the hands and then applied to the skin for the massage. Massages should be performed from the bottom and upwards, in order to stimulate proper venous and lymphatic return.