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Cupping is an ancient technique used to eliminate stagnation from the body. This stagnation can be caused by a number of things including lifestyle habits and injury. Cupping brings the stagnation up and out by using a suction created by glass cups that either rest on the body or glide along it (called moving cup). This treatment utilizes negative pressure (pulling the body instead of pushing on it). Cupping stimulates the area applied, and the body sends a healthy inflammatory response for cell repair and healing. It will also allow preexisting, unhealthy inflammation to be released. The pulling of the cups provides a slight stretch for muscles, and promotes circulation, as well as lymphatic drainage. The minor "trauma" created allows for stronger and healthier joints and tissues. The cups can be placed all over the body, often several at a time. They typically stay on for about 10-20 minutes, but this varies. Some areas of the body (such as the forearms, neck, or other curved surfaces) are not suited for cups, and that's where GuaSha comes in. 

What is Gua Sha?

Gua Sha shares the benefits of cupping, but is administered through a different tool. "Gua" means to scrape, and "Sha" is the product of the scraping; the reddish marks on the skin. This technique involves using a tool with a flat edge to gently scrape the skin at an angle, creating a vacuum effect similar to cupping. The size of the tool makes it perfect for places that cupping cannot be applied.

FAQs on Cupping/ Gua Sha:

~ YES there may be marks. They can resemble dark bruises but are not painful. That being said, you may experience some soreness or mild aches, which is normal. Remember to be gentle to the cupped areas until they have healed.

~ YES there is fire involved. A temporary flame is lit to eliminate oxygen in the cup BEFORE it is placed on you. The cup will not burn you and  the flame does not touch your body.

~ NO you should not perform extreme exercise or soak in any hot water (hot shower/bath/hot tub) after cupping. Saunas and sunbathing should also be avoided. It is recommended to wait at least 8 hours before doing any of these things. Cupping is a lot of work for your body and excess heat may cause adverse effects.

~ YES you should drink plenty of water! Cupping brings up toxins in the body, and to avoid having them settle back in, it is important that you flush them out with liquids.

Cupping is a marvelous tool for chronic conditions or just health maintenance. If you experience muscle tension, aches and pains, have poor circulation, or would just like a nice detox, then this is for you. 

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy eases the mind with herbal essential oils. These herbal properties can have grounding, energizing, clarifying, and tonifying effects. My current list of scents is below:

Lavender

Peppermint

Citrus

Patchouli

Clary Sage

Eucalyptus

Rosemary

Frankincense

Hops

Ylang Ylang

Palo Santo

Sandalwood

Clove

Lemongrass

Tea Tree

Chamomile

***Please report any allergies or sensitivities before receiving aromatherapy massage***