This Ancient Skin Therapy Is One of the Best Treatments for Cellulite—An Esthetician Explains

If someone hasn’t told you lately: cellulite is entirely normal—and more common than you probably think. In fact, research shows that between 80% and 90% of all women who’ve gone through puberty have cellulite. (That’s compared to less than 10% of men.) Despite what common myths might have you believe, for many people, cellulite is an inevitability of life. However, it’s also natural to want to reduce the appearance of cellulite or mitigate its development, especially as you age. While genetics play a role, there are a few tried-and-true strategies for dealing with stubborn cellulite. The latest trend? Cupping for cellulite—and yes, we’re obsessed.

What is cupping?

While skin-tightening creams and oils can help improve skin elasticity and sometimes can reduce the appearance of cellulite, you’ll get the most significant results by going beneath the skin. Treatments like lasers and lymphatic drainage are common to reduce cellulite. In recent years, cupping has emerged as the latest trend, drawing on ancient medicine.

To learn all about cupping, I spoke with Brooke Taylor, founder of The Road in Austin and an expert in holistic skincare and Chinese medicine. “90% of women have some cellulite, including athletes. I would look at this as a normal body response that does not require eliminating—we almost all have it. If it bothers you, cupping is a highly inexpensive and accessible way to minimize the appearance. Otherwise, embrace your dimple!”

Taylor notes that cupping has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. However, its application is now more widespread, with many cultures leaning on cupping to decompress muscle and tissue. The technique involves applying a cup or vessel that creates a vacuum when applied to the skin. “There are many kinds of cupping, but we usually perform sliding cupping to address cellulite.”

Cupping Benefits

“Cupping was originally utilized for certain diseases and conditions but gained popularity in Western culture when athletes began cupping for post-workout recovery, and celebrities were showing 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 highly 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 exacerbate the appearance of cellulite.

“Take care of your overall health—hydration and minerals, healthy fats and collagen-producing foods, hormone balancing, and sleep. Protect your skin from sun damage or drying out; 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 certainly mainstream now for helping the appearance of cellulite,” says Taylor. As it turns out, this is one of those viral trends that actually has merit.

“Cupping therapy can improve the appearance of cellulite to some extent by increasing circulation, both vascular and lymphatic, where weakened connective tissue creates the dimpled effect. The negative pressure produced by the cups draws the skin and other tissues upward, helping to drain accumulated fluids, toxins, and certain lipids from the area. We are also working with bound fascia, which usually occurs when sitting for long hours.”

While you will probably feel a difference after one session, reducing visible cellulite takes a change in the tissue and your overall 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 can create soreness as the fascia is addressed, and the insertions and attachments of muscle are lengthened with the cupping strokes. [The appearance of cellulite] will lessen with ongoing sessions as the tissue begins to function more efficiently and circulation improves.”

Can you do cupping for cellulite at home?

If you want to get the benefits of cupping at home, treatment can be effective—as long as you’re consistent. “At-home cupping can be effective, especially performed with techniques and a strategy for addressing the fascia and associated lymphatics.”

At-home cupping is also a good way to supplement in-office treatments between sessions. “It is hard to match the thoroughness and skills of a practitioner performing this service for you, but at-home care in between sessions or after a series helps maintain your results.”

To get the most out of your at-home treatments, Taylor shares this advice: “For best DIY results, apply oil to the area for a smooth glide of the cups. The pressure should be strong but comfortable. You should move slowly, giving the tissue time to respond. A few times a week is sufficient, giving tissues time to recover and the fluids to move and absorb.”

Other Techniques to Consider

Cupping for cellulite often works best when combined with other treatments. Together, they work to train your skin tissue and retain elasticity. “Some find dry brushing prior to cupping helps by encouraging circulation,” says Taylor.  

Red light therapy—which is popular for helping you achieve glowy skin—can also have some effect on cellulite. “We use this in my clinic at The Desert Canary post lymphatic massage therapy, cupping, myofascial massage, or wood therapy massage, all of which can help cellulite. If you are exploring the technology of red light for facial results with home use, you might consider a panel of lights so you can multitask its use for the legs and arms.”