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How Cupping Therapy Can Support Your Acupuncture Patients

Facial Cupping in Chinese Medicine: Insights from Sakina Di Pace

I’m so excited to share this conversation from The AcuPro Show with the wonderful Sakina Di Pace. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of cupping therapy, with a special focus on facial cupping: a technique that is gaining popularity for both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.

Cupping is one of the many powerful tools we use in Chinese medicine, alongside acupuncture, herbs, gua sha, and moxibustion. What I love about cupping is that it has deep historical roots across multiple cultures, including the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and even ancient Egypt and Greece. For centuries, practitioners have used cupping therapy to support the body’s natural healing processes and address a wide range of conditions.

During our conversation, Sakina shares her inspiring journey into acupuncture and how facial cupping became a central part of her work.

The Global History of Cupping Therapy

Although many people associate cupping with Traditional Chinese Medicine, its use actually spans many healing traditions around the world. Historical records show cupping being used for everything from respiratory illnesses and muscle pain to digestive complaints and fatigue.

In Chinese medicine, cupping is valued for its ability to:

• Move Qi and Blood

• Release muscle tension

• Improve circulation

• Clear stagnation

• Support recovery from illness or injury

Traditionally, cupping is often applied to the back, shoulders, or areas of musculoskeletal pain. But as Sakina explains, this technique can also be adapted safely and effectively for the face.

Sakina’s Journey: From Economics to Acupuncture

One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing about Sakina’s unique path into Chinese medicine.

Originally from Montreal, Sakina began her academic journey studying economics. But her career path took a dramatic turn when she spent time at a meditation center in the UK. While there, she witnessed the incredible effects acupuncture had on people suffering from facial paralysis.

Seeing these transformations firsthand sparked her curiosity and ultimately led her to pursue acupuncture training. That decision completely changed the direction of her life and career.

Stories like Sakina’s remind us how powerful it can be when we follow the things that truly inspire us.

Discovering the Power of Facial Cupping

Sakina’s work with facial cupping started somewhat organically in her clinic.

While treating patients with conditions such as Bell’s palsy and trigeminal neuralgia, she began experimenting with gentle facial cupping techniques. She noticed that these treatments helped stimulate circulation, relax facial muscles, and support nerve recovery.

Over time, she refined her techniques and began using facial cupping not only for neurological conditions but also for:

• Jaw tension and TMJ pain

• Sinus congestion

• Facial muscle tension

• Cosmetic rejuvenation

• Lymphatic drainage

This approach bridges both therapeutic and aesthetic acupuncture, showing how versatile Chinese medicine techniques can be.

Building an Online Community Around Facial Cupping

Another fascinating part of Sakina’s journey is how she built a global audience through social media.

By sharing educational content about facial cupping techniques and benefits on Instagram, she attracted thousands of followers interested in learning about this ancient therapy.

Her success online highlights something important for practitioners today: patients are curious, and they love learning about the treatments we offer.

When practitioners share authentic, educational content, it helps demystify Chinese medicine and allows people to better understand the value of these traditional therapies.

The Facial Cupping Expert Technique

During the podcast, Sakina explains her general approach to facial cupping treatments.

The session typically begins with lymphatic stimulation of the neck, which prepares the body for drainage and circulation. From there, the treatment progresses through the face in a gentle, systematic way.

A typical sequence includes:

1. Stimulating lymphatic drainage in the neck

2. Working along the jawline

3. Moving through the cheeks and nasolabial folds

4. Treating the forehead and brow area

5. Finishing again at the neck to support lymphatic flow

This sequence helps improve circulation while encouraging fluid movement away from the face.

One important point Sakina emphasizes is the use of high-quality oils that allow the cups to glide smoothly across the skin. Oils such as jojoba oil or prickly pear seed oil are excellent choices because they are lightweight and non-comedogenic.

Why Training Matters for Facial Cupping

Because the skin of the face is delicate, proper training is essential before incorporating facial cupping into clinical practice.

Unlike body cupping, facial cupping uses very gentle suction and requires careful technique. Without proper training, practitioners may accidentally leave bruising or irritation on the face, which can be concerning for patients.

Sakina now teaches an accredited course where practitioners can learn:

• Safe facial cupping techniques

• Treatments for neurological and cosmetic concerns

• Proper pressure and cup movement

• Step-by-step demonstrations

Education ensures that practitioners can confidently offer facial cupping while delivering safe and effective treatments.

Expanding the Chinese Medicine Toolbox

One of the things I love most about Chinese medicine is the incredible range of tools we have available to support our patients.

Acupuncture, herbs, cupping, gua sha, moxa, auricular therapy—each offers unique therapeutic possibilities. Sakina’s journey with facial cupping is a perfect example of how practitioners can expand their skill set and discover new ways to help patients heal.

Her story also reminds us that learning never stops. As practitioners, we continue refining our techniques, exploring new modalities, and growing through experience.

Final Thoughts

It was such a pleasure having Sakina Di Pace on The AcuPro Show to share her knowledge and experiences with facial cupping. Her journey—from economics student to acupuncture practitioner and educator—is truly inspiring.

If you’re curious about facial cupping or thinking about adding it to your clinical practice, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

You’ll find the full podcast episode and resources in the show notes.

And as always, keep rocking it with TCM.

Disclaimer

The AcuPro Show podcast and material shared through AcuPro Academy is a subdivision of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice for any existing medical condition with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

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