Cupping is a therapy that has been around for a long time. It has roots in Chinese medicine, with references to this therapy dating back almost two thousand years. In the past decade, cupping has received attention because numerous celebrities including Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and actress Gwyneth Paltrow have touted the benefits of cupping therapy. Some acupuncturists and massage therapists incorporate cupping into treatment.
What is cupping and how does it work? Cupping is a therapy performed by a trained practitioner who places small glass cups on the body to create suction. Once suction is created, the practitioner gently slides the cups along tight muscles, loosening them and encouraging blood flow. In a way, cupping is the inverse of typical massage strokes that apply pressure downward on a muscle. It uses negative pressure and pulls the muscles upward, to disrupt the tight muscle pattern. Cupping generally feels more gentle than a deep tissue massage, however, according to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, it is thought to affect tissues 4 inches deep. Additionally, cupping often follows the lines of acupuncture meridians, releasing stagnation, resulting in better energy flow and a calm nervous system. Cupping is usually performed on the back. There is a mild side effect. The suction from the cups create red rings that take a few days to fade. If you're headed to the beach or planning to wear an open back cocktail dress, you may want to consider putting your cupping therapy off until after. Otherwise, go ahead and experience how cupping can bring much needed relief to your tight muscles.
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The CDC defines a concussion as “a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.” Research has shown that the incidence of concussions has increased by 70% in the past decade, especially among individuals under the age of 20. Some people recover quickly. Others experience post-concussion syndrome, which means that recovery can take weeks, months, or longer. We don’t know which children or teenagers will recover quickly and which will be most at risk of struggling in later life.
What are the long-term consequences of concussions? A single concussion that an individual experiences can have a lasting impact, and multiple head injuries increase the probability of problems later in life. The long-term consequences of head injuries include lasting impact on mental health, cognitive functioning, and physical functioning throughout adulthood. Possible symptoms include:
How can biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) help? BCST can help to relieve the effects of head injuries suffered from various impact traumas ranging from falls to car accidents to sports injuries. Sessions help clients to slow their body rhythms and settle toward stillness. This settling allows the body to relax and reorganize physically and emotionally. Connecting with specific parts of the body can help to release blockages, increase blood flow, and allow natural mobility. How many sessions do I need? It is reasonable to anticipate that regular BCST sessions over several months would provide the most relief and improvement. While BCST takes time, it can provide deep and lasting support for reorganization and healing after a concussion. |
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