Facial Cupping & Gua Sha

Will it leave marks?

No—when performed correctly, facial cupping and gua sha should not leave any marks. These are gentle, therapeutic techniques designed to support lymphatic flow, release tension in the facial muscles, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion. After your session, the only thing left behind should be your natural glow.

It's worth noting that cupping and gua sha can also be used on the body, where the intention is different. Body treatments are often used to draw out stagnation, release deeper tension, or clear toxins that have settled in the tissues. This can result in temporary red or purple marks—known as sha—which are a normal part of the healing process in body work, but not typical in facial treatments.

Can Facial Cupping & Gua Sha be combined with other treatments?

Cosmetic Acupuncture…

Yes! Facial cupping and gua sha are included in the Facial Rejuvenation Treatments, along with cosmetic acupuncture and full-body acupuncture. These are gentle, natural techniques that pair beautifully with facial rejuvenation acupuncture to enhance results. These therapies complement each other by supporting circulation, lymphatic drainage, muscle tone, and overall skin health.

While facial acupuncture works from the inside out — stimulating collagen, relaxing facial tension, and balancing internal systems — cupping and gua sha add an extra layer of visible glow by:

• Reducing puffiness and fluid retention

• Releasing facial muscle tension

• Encouraging smoother flow of qi and blood

• Supporting lymphatic detox

• Softening fine lines and improving skin tone

Facial Cupping and Gua Sha are typically used at the end of a Facial Rejuvenation session, once all needles are removed. This part of the treatment is extremely relaxing and calms the nervous system.

Micro needling & Nano needling…

No! Let me tell why you DON’T want to combine these modalities with your Micro needling or Nano needling session.

During Micro needling and Nano needling sessions, micro-channels are created in the skin to create micro-traumas. This is great for increasing absorption of your skincare products. It initiates the body’s healing process and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibers.

While these treatments are very effective, they temporarily disrupt the skin’s barrier. Incorporating manual techniques like cupping or gua sha in the same appointment, could cause irritation, impair healing, or increase the risk of infection.

Facial cupping and gua sha can definitely be used in between Micro needling or Nano needling sessions— just not the same day. When spaced appropriately, they can complement each other beautifully.

Speak with your practitioner about appropriate timing for these treatments.

How often can Facial Cupping & Gua Sha be done?

Facial Cupping and Gua Sha are gentle techniques that can be done daily. I recommend combining professional treatments with a consistent at-home routine for the best results.

Talk with your practitioner for personalized guidance on creating a skincare routine that works for you.

Curious about getting started at home?
Check out the blog: “How to - Facial Gua Sha at Home”