"A
system of manually applied
techniques designed to reduce
pain, establish normal tissue
tension, create a positive
tissue environment and to
normalize the movement of the
musculoskeletal system. Medical
massage is a scientifically
based method of manual therapy
that seeks a clear understanding
of the scientific principles of
physiology that affect
connective and soft tissue
healing and treatment."
Relaxation Massage Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
is usually performed by massage
therapists working in a SPA-type
setting and is described as a general,
feel-good massage.
Hot Stone
Therapy
This Swedish technique
is enhanced by using basalt stones
that are heated and incorporated into
the massage. The heat from the
stones increases the relaxation
response and increases healing through
improved blood flow and circulation.
Another reason for using hot stone
when in pain, is because it reduces
pain, on tense and strain muscles.
The Art of Cupping
Cupping is the
modern name for Suction Cup Therapy.
This remarkable therapy employs
negative pressure, rather than
tissue compression like traditional
massage therapy.
Suction
cup therapy is a traditional,
time-honored treatment that remains
favored by millions of people
worldwide because it’s safe,
comfortable and is remarkably
effective for many health disorders.
The
value and efficacy of this therapy
has been documented through several
thousand years of historical,
clinical and subjective research.
Now, with the influence and growing
popularity of Traditional Chinese
Medicine, cupping therapy has
reentered the Western Holistic
Community as a subtle, remarkably
effective healing therapy.
How is Cupping accomplished?
The cup is positioned over the
treatment area and, depending on the
type of cups being used; a vacuum is
created by reducing the pressure
inside the cup, therefore stretching
the underlying tissues up into the
cup. One traditional method heat to
create the vacuum, whereas manual
vacuum cups employ a hand pump or
rubber bulb attached to a bell. The
suction level can range from light
to heavy, and the variety of
movements performed can be
stimulating or sedating.
What are the discolorations
that sometimes occur during
treatment?
The most common
and unfortunate misconception
concerning Cupping is the
misinterpretation of the marks
sometimes resulting from the
treatment.
These
discolorations are not Bruises.
When
circulation is sluggish or
compromised in an injured or
diseased area of the body,
insufficient oxygen gets to the
cells, and there is a local build-up
of waste products. When the skin is
pressed, the blanching that occurs
is slow to fade.
Although
the marks look painful and sometimes
like a bruise, they are not.
Patients typically feel immediate
sense of relief, warmth and change.
The
discolorations fade from hours up to
2 weeks, depending on the amount of
stagnation. The length of time it
takes for it to fade indicates the
severity and toxicity of the
patient’s condition, as well as the
patient’s follow-up activities. As
treatments accumulate marks will
occur less and less.
What are some of the
benefits of Cupping?
*The suction created by cupping
pulls stagnant intercellular fluid
to the surface, removes toxic debris
and replaces it with fresh
oxygenated, nutrient rich fluid.
* Removes micro and small adhesions,
allowing for more range of motion in
tissue.
*Stimulates the local nervous
system, causing an increase of
endorphins and a decrease of pain.
*Strengthens the immune system by
promoting the flow of lymphatic
fluid
*Loosens adhesions, Relieves
inflammations, Nervous system
sedation
*Reduction of cellulite
Contraindications/Cautions
*Patients with organ failure, or
serious organ inflammation.
*Patients that
are in the 1st trimester
of pregnancy.
*Cupping directly over bulging
discs.
*Patients with low blood pressure
need to rest before rising after
treatment.
*Pressure has to be adjusted for
patients on blood thinners or
diabetes.