Once the preserve of ancient healing rituals, Circu-Lite — our simple suction cup — gives a unique form of deep tissue massage that delivers immediate visible benefits. And not surprisingly it has found its way into the modern beauty toolkit and is being used by thousands of women to detoxify and streamline their bodies. 'Hijama' — or cupping — has become a body care staple and Legology has been at the forefront of the new revival.
Cupping from Antiquity to Instagram
Cupping therapy isn’t new — in fact, it’s one of the oldest recorded forms of medical treatment. The practice dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was detailed in the Ebers Papyrus around 1550 BC, and was also widely used in ancient China and the Middle East under the name ‘Hijama’.
Traditional cupping used heated glass cups to create suction on the skin, drawing blood to the surface and believed to clear stagnation, promote healing, and balance the body’s energy. Fast-forward a few thousand years, and cupping has moved from traditional medicine to beauty and wellness, evolving into a gentler but incredibly effective tool for body contouring, lymphatic drainage, and cellulite reduction.
What is Massage Cupping?
Modern massage cupping comes in the form of a soft silicone or rubber cup to create a vacuum against the skin. This suction gently lifts the tissues, helping to stimulate circulation, encourage lymphatic flow, and — most importantly for many users — release fluid and congestion trapped in fatty areas, which is one of the major causes of the dimpling we know as cellulite.
Unlike traditional static cupping, where cups are left in place, massage cupping involves movement — gliding the cup over the skin with sweeping strokes to pull fluid and stimulate drainage.
How Legology Made Cupping Chic & Effective
Cupping is central to our signature approach to great leg care because it targets cellulite more deeply than conventional methods like dry brushing or ordinary massage.
We call the technique a Deep Lipo Massage — and for good reason. This method goes beyond the skin’s surface, using vacuum suction to work through the dermis, targeting areas where fluid gathers around fat cells, creating the familiar lumpy texture of cellulite. By manually encouraging lymphatic drainage, this process not only smoothes the skin but also helps contour and tone the legs in a way that brushing simply can’t.
How to Use a Massage Cup At Home
You'll need
- A massage cup (Legology's Circu-Lite Squeeze Therapy cup is the cult favourite).
- A body oil (ideally one that supports lymph drainage like Legology's Cellu-Lite Salon Secret For Legs).
Step by Step
- Apply oil generously to the skin to ensure plenty of slip. This prevents dragging and allows the cup to glide smoothly.
- Squeeze shut the open end of the cup and place it against the skin, releasing to create suction.
- Glide the cup along the skin in upward lines, repeating the same line two or three times.
- Focus on areas where cellulite forms: thighs, backs of legs, hips and buttocks. You can also use the cup gently on other zones that have a tendency to get puffy, like ankles and knees.
- After treatment, drink plenty of water and, if possible, do some activity—like taking a walk—to help the lymph flush out the trapped fluids that the cup has released.
Frequency
Legology recommend daily use of their cup with their Cellu-Lite oil. In independent clinical studies they've done, 86% of women reported that the two used together daily reduced cellulite and said their skin was more toned within 6 weeks. In the same studies, 91% said that they reduced leg puffiness and swelling.
Why it Works
Cellulite isn’t just fat — it’s a fluid retention problem. When fluid gets trapped in the spaces between fat cells, it can cause inflammation, bulging, and the classic dimpled texture of cellulite. Cupping tackles this from three angles:
- Breaks up congestion: mobilises trapped fluid that pushes fat cells out of alignment.
- Activates the lymphatic system: encourages better ongoing elimination of fluid naturally.
- Tones the skin: brings freshly-oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the surface, which plumps and smooths the skin and gives it a healthy vibrancy.
The Bottom Line
Massage cupping has gone from an ancient health practice to a modern beauty revolution, thanks in large part to Legology and its innovative “Deep Lipo Massage” approach. Whether you're looking to smooth stubborn dimples, support circulation, or just feel more toned and refreshed, this simple little tool might just be the best addition to your home body care routine.
And the best part? It’s non-invasive, easy, and actually enjoyable — especially when paired with a luxe oil and a few moments of self-care. No wonder it's become a beauty editor favourite and a social media staple.
