Massage and Yoga MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2017
Happiness Project DAILY HABITS FOR ACHIEVING TRUE HAPPINESS
Evolution Of A Cupping Revolution
REIKI GOES MAINSTREAM
Social Buddha READY-MADE SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT massage . yoga . spa
#first30daysfree www.massageandyogamag.ca #readymadesocialmediacontent
TABLE OF CONTENTS SLEEP NOW, OH, SLEEP NOW..... P. 4 REIKI FOR HOSPITAL PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS .................................. P. 6 HAPPINESS PROJECT - 10 Daily Habits For Achieving True Happiness .................... P. 9 THE DEEP SIX : Letting Go Of Emotional Tension In Our Hips .................................... P. 13 HEART WIDE OPEN - Anahata Unblocking Your Heart Chakra ............. P. 20 EVOLUTION OF A CUPPING REVOLUTION ............................... P. 26
EDITOR: Susan Anderson ASSISTANT EDITOR: Jennifer Briggs - Cole Blessings and Gratitude To Our CONTRIBUTORS: Susan Anderson Jennifer Briggs Cole - The Deep Six: Letting Go Of Emotional Tension In Our Hips Lisa Dowling - Evolution Of A Cupping Revolution
www.massageandyogamag.ca
Sleep Now, Oh, Sleep Now....
5 Tips For Getting To Sleep (And Staying Asleep) Naturally.
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5 Tips To Help You Fall Asleep At Night, Naturally. People across North America, myself included, have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep and waking up. The pharmaceutical industry is booming! Making changes in your routine, and schedule, can make a huge difference in your quality of sleep. Here are some tips to help you fall asleep naturally:
1.
Exercise
A moderate intensity one hour exercise sessions does wonders for not only getting to sleep, but going into that restorative, deep REM sleep that our bodies need to rejuvenate. “The only study that looked at the effects of a single exercise session found that a bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (e.g. walking) reduced the time it took to fall asleep and increased the length of sleep people with chronic insomnia compared to a night in which they did not exercise.” 1
2. No Caffeine 6 Hours Before Bed
This includes coffee, soda and caffeinated tea. “A 2013 study published in the ‘Journal Of Clinical Sleep Medicine’ reported that consuming caffeine six hours before bed can have a harmful effect on your ability to sleep soundly.” If you have as much trouble falling asleep as I do, the last thing your body needs is that sleep busting cappuccino after dinner. 2
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3. Does A Glass Of Wine Help You To Fall Asleep At Night? Well, yes and no... “The Truth: Because alcohol is a sedative, drinking wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages may help you fall asleep, but as little as two drinks can cause you to sleep less restfully and wake up more frequently!!” Yes, you read that correctly. Blurgggg....
4.
Stress Be Gone!
You have to truly believe that worrying about a situation will not make it any better. I cannot emphasize this enough. I mean this is large Marge. Let that *&##$ go for 8 hours. You can worry about not worrying when you wake up the next morning.
5. Sleep Bubble Meditation Lie quietly and comfortably in your bed. Close your eyes. Unclench your jaw. Feet apart. Hands by your sides. Breathe deeply and slow. When you feel relaxed imagine yourself under the clearest blue crystalline water. Incredibly, you have no problem breathing underwater. Magical, colourful sea creatures are swimming about. Their movement is slow and mesmerizing. You feel safe. Nothing can disturb you in this beautiful environment. Stay here for 10 minutes or until you’re ready to drift off to sleep.
Reiki
For Hospital Patients and Caregivers p. 6
For years alopathic or traditional health care providers scoffed at the idea of offering healing energy treatments to patients. If it wasn’t backed by research, they would not even consider it. Things have changed and today, Reiki is now available for patients as a complimentary modality at many hospitals and treatment centres across North America. “Reiki sessions cause patients to heal faster with less pain,” says Marilyn Vega, RN, a private-duty nurse at the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York. Vega, a Reiki master, includes Reiki as part of her regular nursing tasks. Because the patients like Reiki so much, word of mouth has spread and she has been asked to do Reiki sessions on patients during surgery and recovery as well as on cancer patients at Memorial Sloane Kettering Hospital. The positive feedback from patients and noticeable decrease in recovery time has caught the attention of other health care professionals who have signed up to take Reiki Training with Vega. 1
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“Reiki is also gaining wider acceptance in the medical establishment. Hospitals are incorporating it into their roster of patient services, often with their own Reiki-trained physicians, nurses and support staff. Reiki was in use in hospital operating rooms as early as the mid-90’s.(4) Since then its acceptance in medicine has grown. It is now listed in a nursing “scope and standards of practice” publication as an accepted form of care,(5) and a 2008 USA Today article reported that in 2007 15% of U.S. hospitals (over 800) offered Reiki as a regular part of patient services.”2
Reiki For Patients and Their Family Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York not only offers Reiki therapy to patients but also teaches Reiki to patients along with their family and caregivers. “Patients love it,” says Simone Zappa, RN, an administrator in the Integrative Medicine Department at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. “And they love it because it works.” notes Zappa.
You may be surprised to learn that Dr. Oz used Reiki in his practice for over 10 years and is a believer in the benefits of energy healing.
“Dr. Oz has conducted research on the effects of Reiki on his surgical patients with Julie Motz, RN, a Reiki-trained therapist, who assisted Dr. Oz during 11 open heart surgeries and heart transplants. These 11 patients had no post-operative depression, pain or leg weakness; no organ rejection (in transplants); a better functioning immune system, and a positive attitude toward healing.”3
“We’re beginning now to understand things that we know in our hearts are true but we could never measure. As we get better at understanding how little we know about the body, we begin to realize that the next big frontier in medicine is energy medicine,” according to Dr. Oz.”
Researching Reiki and Surgery The largest ongoing study of Reiki in the clinical setting continues to be conducted at Columbia/HCA Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Portsmouth, NH, where more than 8,000 surgical patients have been given pre- and post-surgery Reiki treatments. Reiki is incorporated into their admission procedure and is also administered during transport to surgery by nurses and support staff.
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100% of patients in this study who received Reiki had the less need for anesthesia, had less bleeding during surgery, used less pain medications post surgery, had shorter lengths of stay in the hospital, and noted that their experience in hospital had been a positive one.
Reiki for Controlling Pain The Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Canada, conducted research on the effects of Reiki with 20 cancer patients experiencing chronic pain. A VAS (visual analog scale) and Likert scale was used in the study to measure pain before and after Reiki, and their conclusion was that Reiki greatly improved pain levels.
Reiki and Cancer Patients Research conducted with oncology patients shows that patients who received Reiki during their cancer treatments eliminated toxins faster, had an improved immune response, Reiki helped diminish side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, and help reduce the stress and anxiety of those going through treatment.
Reiki and Chronic Illnesses Several studies on Reiki and chronic illness indicate improvement in spleen, lymphatic and nervous system function in patients with multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia and thyroid disorder, as well as better management of symptoms in patients with AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sleep disorders.
Reiki during Pregnancy Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT conducted research on Pregnant women and showed that Reiki diminished anxiety by 94 percent, reduced nausea by 80 percent, reduced pain by 78 percent, and improved sleep by 86 percent.4
Happiness Project: 10 Daily Habits For Achieving True Happiness
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If happiness isn’t a warm, fluffy kitten or a pair of slammin’ Christian Louboutins, then what is it? I mean what more is there? Well, actually there is so much more and it doesn’t come with a price tag attached. “All that we are is the result of what we have thought. It is founded on our thoughts. It is made up of our thoughts. If one speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows one, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the wagon. All that we are is the result of what we have thought. It is founded on our thoughts. It is made up of our thoughts. If one speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows one, like a shadow that never leaves.”1. If you agree that thoughts create our reality, then it would make sense to lavish our minds with positive thoughts, release unhealthy emotions, and let go of toxic relationships and environments. We’ve put together a list of 10 habits that when practiced daily will leave you feeling truly happy regardless of circumstances that lie outside of your control. A daily practice will help you shift your thought patterns and words towards positive ones. New behaviour takes courage and daily discipline, but the rewards are extraordinary.
10 DAILY HABITS FOR ACHIEVING TRUE HAPPINESS 1. MINDFULNESS “a daily practice of mindful thought and action that we ourselves can test scientifically through our own experience. Meditation is, of course, the most well known tool of this practice, but contrary to popular belief, it is not about detaching from the world. Rather it is a tool to train the mind not to dwell in the past or the future, but to live in the here and now, the realm in which we can experience peace most readily.” 2.
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2. MINDFUL MEDITATION Meditation allows us to quietly and gently observe our thoughts and emotions without reacting. Studies have suggested that mindfulness meditation practice can bring about physiological and psychological benefits. A daily meditative practice can actually increase gray matter in the brain as well as alleviate chronic pain in migraine and those suffering from Fibromyalgia. 3. HOW LONG SHOULD I SIT IN MEDITATION? Meditation experts agree that a daily practice of 15 25 minutes a day (5 - 7 days) is a great place to begin experiencing the benefits of mindful meditation.
3. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
7. MOVE
Willie Nelson once said that his whole life began to change when he started to count his blessings.Focus on the good parts of your life and what makes you happy each day. Write down 5 things that you feel grateful for every day and see how your attitude changes. “Science has found that gratitude can significantly increase your happiness, and protect you from stress, negativity, anxiety and depression. 4
Exercise raises our endorphins, making us feel happy! Regular exercise also helps us to feel better about ourselves in terms of our health and body image.
4. VIEW CHALLENGES AS LESSONS IN PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Embrace challenges as an adventure. How will you solve this puzzle that life has laid down in your path. Many situations are outside of our control but they are also incredible opportunities for growth. “Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn.” – Robert Kiyosaki
5. LEARN TO EMBRACE REJECTION Not getting a job you applied for or reaching the end of a relationship are situations we can either grow and learn from or get angry and play the blame game. The former will take you much higher and lead you on the path to better job opportunities and healthier, more satisfying relationships.
8. REPLACE THE WORDS “I HAVE TO” WITH “NOW, I GET TO” Replace “I have to pay bills”, with “Now, I get to pay my mortgage and my taxes. I have no stress. Everything is flowing perfectly in my life.” Instead of telling yourself, “I have to work out today”, replace that phrase with, “I get to work out today, feel amazing and have more energy in my life.”
9. AVOID NEGATIVITY VAMPIRES You know who I’m talking about. That one man or woman at the office or who lives in your condo who is never happy and is always looking for someone to talk to about how unhappy they are. Make an excuse to leave, do whatever you have to do, just don’t stay there and suck up their negative energy.5 Each morning, I visualize being enveloped by a white crystalline protective cape. The positive energy emitting from my magical coat blocks negativity and negative people from coming near me.
6. USE POSITIVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOUR LIFE
10. BREATHE
Words have so much power! The words we use to describe ourselves and our lives determine our reality. Your brain believes every word you say and thought that you think. Change your thoughts, change your words, change your life.
Our breath is responsible for every action and reaction in the body - regulating our physiological, psychological and emotional health. Blood, lymph, nerve impulses, ionic activity along with our subtle energy points (marma) and subtle energy centres (chakras) are all facilitated by the breath or prana. If we can control our breath (prana), we can control the vital activities and energy that exist inside the body and energetic field. 6
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3. Release the right nostril. With your right pinkie, hold your left nostril and release the breath from your right nostril. 4. Once you’ve exhaled, inhale through the right nostril. 5. Hold for 4 seconds and release and exhale through your left nostril. 6. Repeat 4 times on each side in the beginning of your practice and increase as time permits. 7
New science is showing that when we slow down and deepen our breath, we can control blood pressure and activate the parasympathetic nervous system which can reverse the ‘ fight or flight’ response to stress. “I think breath is the only function through which you can influence the involuntary nervous system.” - Dr. Andrew Weil LESSONS IN DEEP, SLOW BREATHING 1. Sit in a comfortable position on a chair or on the oor with legs crossed. 2. Make a “hang 10” sign with your right hand. Hold your right thumb over your right nos- tril as you take a slow, deep breath into your left nostril. Hold the breath for four seconds.
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The
Deep Six:
Letting Go Of Emotional Tension In Our Hips Written by Jennifer Briggs-Cole/
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Our hip muscles are where our emotions often settle. They are the muscles we use to guard our bodies against physical threat. When in danger we may curl into a fetal position for protection. If we become distraught, or start to cry, it is again the fetal pose we curl into to feel secure. This curling motion, regardless of the trauma, starts at the hips. During this movement the hip muscles engage, and may never completely release, even after the trauma seemingly subsides. It is this continuous holding that traps both muscular and emotional tension.
These muscles include:
Over the years this tension may continue to build due to feelings of fear, anxiety and sadness. The issues are in the tissues so to speak. They will remain so until we bring them to the surface. It is through the stretching of these muscles that the release of past tension and emotion will ensue. When referring to our hip muscles we usually think of the gluteus maximus and the hip flexors. However, there are six little known smaller muscles that lay deep inside the hip. These muscles play important roles in hip integrity, creating lift through the pelvis, and assisting with movement of the leg and hip. They are referred to as the deep six. Whereas the glutes and hip flexors are postural muscles (slow-twitch), the deep six are phasic muscles (fast-twitch) and are more suited to movement.
“Over the years, this tension may continue to build due to feelings of fear, anxiety and sadness. The issues are in the tissues, so to speak....”
The deep six hip muscles laterally rotate the leg in the hip joint, turning the leg outward. In concert with other muscles, they are also hip stabilizers and hip extensors. When you walk the deep six help stabilize and open the hip of the working leg. When the legs are fixed, meaning that they cannot respond to the deep six muscles by turning out, activating them moves the tailbone, pubic bone and iliac spine (top, front of the hip bone) up. When you engage an outward wrap of the thighs in a spiral that lifts up under your buttocks near your sit bones while keeping your legs in a fixed position, you are taking advantage of the hip opening, and pelvis and spine lifting qualities of the deep six. Warrior two is a great example of a posture when properly executed that engages the deep six. The deep six muscles attach to the inside of the greater trochanter. They fan out to different locations around the bottom of the pelvis.
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piriformis ● gemellus superior ● obturatur internus ● gemellus inferior ● obturatur externus ● quadratus femoris ●
When you have the glutes and deep six working in balance you have a much better functioning hip and butt area. It is interesting to note that many lower body nerves thread through and around the deep six muscles. The sciatic nerve moves behind the piriformis and in some cases overactive piriformis muscle contributes to sciatic pain. While experiencing tightness or pain in your hips it is important to remember the mind body connection. Acknowledging both the emotion and the experience will help you to work through them and to let go. Hip opening postures are a powerful place to start. Remember to go slow and to be patient with yourself. Releasing these emotions takes time and can be overwhelming. Trust that although difficult this experience is leading you to your highest potential and truest self.
Give these five different postures a try. They may help guide you on your way to relief.
Supta Baddhakonasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) Lie down on your back with the soles of your feet together and your knees wide apart , lengthen your inner thighs. Slide a pillow or block under each knee for support. Allow your legs to rest on the blocks or pillows. Extend your arms into a T-shape or overhead. Make sure the back of your head is resting on the mat and you can find some comfort in this pose. Stay in this pose for 5 - 8 deep breaths. Notice if you’re holding onto any tension, especially around the hips or buttocks and allow yourself to surrender into this posture.
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Parsva Balasana (Thread the Needle Pose) Slowly draw the knees in towards your chest and rock side to side. Cross your right ankle above your left knee. Place your left foot flat onto the floor and release your arms down by your side. Notice the sensation in your right outer hip. Stay here or hug your left knee in towards your chest and interlace your fingers behind your left thigh. If your head starts to lift off the mat, release the left leg and keep the left foot on the floor. Start to arch the lower back a bit to feel more sensation in the outer right hip. Stay for about 10 to 15 breaths and repeat on the other side.
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Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose) From Parsva Balasana , unravel both legs and take your knees toward the outside of your ribcage. Notice if your lower back is lifting off the mat. Keep your sacrum—the large, triangular bone at the base of the spine—on the mat as you lengthen your adductors (the inner thigh muscles). If you’re comfortable, grasp the outside of both feet with your hands and gently pull down onto your feet to deepen the sensation of the inner thighs. Stay for about 10 to 20 breaths.
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Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Twist) Come to a seated position on your mat with both legs extended in front of you. Make sure your weight is forward on your sit bones rather than towards your tailbone. If not, place a towel, block, or bolster underneath your butt. Hug your right knee in towards your chest and cross it over your left leg. Notice if you’re rounding your lower back. Keep lengthening your spine. Keep the left leg extended, or you can bend the left leg and place it underneath the right. Make sure both sit bones are still on the mat. If not, keep the left leg extended. On your inhale, reach your left arm up towards the sky, extending through your waist. Exhale and wrap your left arm around your right knee as you place your right fingertips down behind your sacrum. Use your core strength to maintain stability in the pelvis rather than leaning onto your right hand. Try to stay on your fingertips and keep less weight there. With each inhale, have the intention to lengthen your spine, and with each exhale, have the intention to deepen the twist. Keep your chin right on top of your sternum to avoid overextending the cervical spine. Stay for about five deep cycles of breath and repeat on the other side.
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Upavista Konasana (Seated with Legs Extended) From Ardha Matsyendrasana , unravel your legs and extend them out into a V-shape, or wider, if comfortable. Be mindful if you feel any sensation around the knees. If so, bring the legs in closer towards each other. You don’t want to feel any strain around the knees. Shift your body weight right on top of your sit bones. If your lower back is rounding, place a block or towel underneath you. Tilt your pelvis slightly forward and lengthen your spine. If you’re sitting on a block or towel, stay there with your spine upright. If you are sitting right on the mat and need some more sensation in your inner thighs, walk your hands forward and move into a forward fold. Take your time when deepening into a posture. Move with your breath and allow your muscles to relax. Stay for about 10 to 20 breaths.
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Heart Wide Open
ANAHATA UNBLOCKING YOUR HEART CHAKRA
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The Heart Chakra or Anahata Located in the centre of the chest is the healing sanctuary of love, compassion and forgiveness - not only for those around us but for ourselves. Anahata allows loving energy to flow freely into our relationships and deepens the bonds we share with others. “Anahata is an integrating and unifying chakra - bringing to wholeness - as such, it is your healing center, indeed, most spiritual traditions recognize love as the ultimate healing force. The energy of anahata allows us to recognize that we are part of something larger, that we are interconnected within an intricate web of relationships extending through life and the universe. Anahata allows us to recognize and get in touch with the sacred and fundamental truth that runs through all of life and connects everything together.”, explains Michelle Fondin, Open Yourself To Love Now that we know the extraordinary loving energy that exists within our heart chakra, what does this unifying energy centre look like when it is closed or deficient?
Emotionally • Someone with an unbalanced heart chakra may experience, • loneliness • jealousy • unforgiving • bitterness • anger • lack of empathy for others • struggling within our relationships • avoiding social interaction
Physically • The heart chakra is associated with the heart, ribs and lungs. You may experience, • bronchitis • high blood pressure • heart problems • low energy • chronic coughing p. 21
LOVING-KINDNESS MEDITATION UNBLOCK YOUR HEART CHAKRA
1. Sit comfortably where you won’t be disturbed focusing on your breath for a few minutes to quiet the mind. 2. First, we send loving energy to ourselves. Repeat the phrases aloud.
• • • •
May I be happy and peaceful. May my body be healthy and strong. May I be safe and protected. May I live with ease and joy.
3. Now, focus on someone that you love and repeat the same mantra but for that person.
• • • •
May _______ be happy and peaceful. May _______ body be healthy and strong. May _______ be safe and protected. May _______ live with ease and joy.
4. Now, think of someone who has hurt you and someone you would like to be able to release mentally and emotionally. Repeat the same phrases to that person.
• • • •
May _______ be happy and peaceful. May _______ body be healthy and strong. May _______ be safe and protected. May _______ live with ease and joy.
5. Finish the loving-kindness meditation by sending loving energy to all beings. Repeat the same phrases.
• • • •
May all beings be happy and peaceful. May everyone’s body be healthy and strong. May all beings be safe and protected. May all beings live with ease and joy.
HEART CHAKRA AFFIRMATIONS
I am love. I am lovable. My heart is open to loving relationships. I deeply and completely love and accept myself. I am grateful each day for the love in my life. I forgive and let go of the past. I am open to love and kindness. My relationships grow deeper and more loving everyday. p. 22
Yoga Poses To Open Your Heart Chakra
SETUBHANDASANA (BRIDGE POSE) Supine Feet flat on the floor, hip width apart. Knees flexed. Elevate hips while keeping shoulders flat on the ground. Hips should rotate posteriorly. Hold pose for 30 seconds to 1minute. Slowly lower hips to the floor as you exhale. Lift hips slowly into Bridge Pose as you inhale. Hold for 5 - 8 slow breaths. Passively Lengthens: Psoas and the Illiacus. (Hip flexors that cross the front of the hip) A Beginner Pose which is excellent for releasing tension in the spine and opening the chest.
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UTKATASANA (Chair Pose) Beginning in Mountain Pose, slowly sit back into an imaginary chair, as low as you can comfortably go without losing your balance. Extend arms above you, inside elbows should be at the level of your ears. Looking down, you should be able to see your toes while holding this pose. Take 5-8 long, deep breaths before straightening out and coming back into mountain pose. Contraindicated for someone who has acute knee, low back or shoulder pain or injury.
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BHUJANGASANA (Cobra Pose) Lying prone (on your stomach), with the chin on the floor, palms flat on the floor under the shoulders and legs together. Contract the quadriceps and squeeze the legs together at the knees. Contract gluteus maximus as you press the pubic bone into the floor As you inhale, lift the head and chest off the floor. Keep the neck relaxed and elbows close to your side while holding the pose. Hold the pose for 3 - 5 breaths before slowly bringing your chest back to the floor and releasing the pose. 1
Contraindications • recent or chronic injury and pain to the low back, shoulders, neck • pregnancy 1. https://www.yogabasics.com/asana/cobra/
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Evolution Of A
Cupping Revolution Written By Lisa Dowling
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Since the beginning of time, humans have been using suction as a method of removing unwanted substances from the body. If you can imagine yourself at some point getting a splinter in your finger, and perhaps not being close to a tweezer, or topical ointment - you may have found yourself sucking on your finger to try to remove the invading organism. This is exactly how Cupping began... We are not exactly sure where or when cupping originally began to develop as a healing modality, but it was well documented in one of the first written medical documents - the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus 1550 BCE (Chirali, 1999). It is indicated that cupping moved through the trading routes of Asia and throughout Europe.
In Ancient Greece, the use of cupping and bloodletting were a popular healing modality. There is archaeological evidence found of cupping vessels carved out of bronze. Famous physicians such as Galen (131-200 AD) and Paracelcus (1493-1541) and Ambrose Pare (1509-90) discussed effective techniques. This healing modality was wisely used amongst European and American physicians until the late 1890s. (Chirali 1999) There are variations on how this practice was used within cultures, based on what the greatest health concerns were for a particular culture and geographical group at the time. For example, in Africa, cupping was performed with the use of an animal horn, used mostly to draw out venom from poisonous snakes and animal bites.
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In China, reports of the use and effectiveness of cupping go back as early as the silk tablets from the Han Dynasty (Chirali, 1999). “In Chinese Medicine, the concept of Qi, or life force forms the basis of all life and health. Out of the Qi we form the Blood and Body fluids. When there is a distortion in the smooth flow of Qi in the body, then illness arises. Cupping restores the healthy flow of Qi by removing Stagnation and Wind from the body.” Without an extensive understanding of this complex and sophisticated system, these explanations seem arbitrary and primitive. However, using these simple concepts, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been able to explain all aspects of life from fertilization, embryological development, growth, and disease in a very detailed fashion. (Keown, 2014) To fully understand Traditional Chinese Medicine takes years, if not decades of study, and clinical practice. The system of the meridians and acupoints in the body follow the neural pathways, and fill the spaces found within the fascia. As we are discovering, fascia is a great conductor of energy, and the fascial chains are a powerful indicator of health or disease.” (Keown, 2014) During the past few years, cupping has had a resurgence in Western Medicine. More clinical trials are being performed, demonstrating that cupping may be effective in managing many painful conditions. (Farhadi et al., 2009; Kim et al., 2011; Ludtke et al., 2006) Many case studies and review papers have been published on “wet cupping”, which involves a small incision on the skin to cause bleeding. Most practitioners are not licensed to perform this act, as in most cases, puncturing the skin is restricted to medical doctors, phlebotomists, and acupuncturists. ______________________________________________________________________
Dry cupping is the method of cupping most widely practiced due to its accessibility. Dry cupping is non-invasive, and simple to incorporate into manual therapies that are used to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Cupping is an unregulated modality and can be performed by anyone, though proper training is highly recommended to avoid injuring or mistreatment of the patient.
When we discuss the types and methods of cupping, we will do so with the understanding that the information provided refers to dry cupping, which is the non-invasive method of cupping where there is no puncturing of the skin. At the beginning of the century, the development of glass cups was revolutionary. Practitioners would now be able to see the activity inside of the cups.
Silicone cups are a good alternative for glass cups. They are especially effective in sliding cupping techniques because they are flexible and pass over bony areas more easily. Silicone cups are used by pressing down on the top of the cup to remove air from inside of the cup before it is applied to the body. Silicone cups are easy to clean, and can be disinfected effectively, Â in the same way as we disinfect glass cups.
In the fire cupping method, glass vessels and a set of clamps are used to lock an alcohol-soaked piece of cotton. The cotton is lit on fire, and the flame is inserted into the cup for 2-3 seconds. The cup is then rapidly placed onto specific locations of the body. The amount of suction that is created is determined by how quickly the cup is attached to the body.
Plastic cups are a good alternative to glass cups
The image above demonstrates a typical glass cupping treatment on the back. There are many variations of how the cups are to be applied, but this image would be considered a balanced treatment for back pain. Although most health care practitioners can use glass cupping in their practice, there is often an insurance issue involved, leaving this ancient technique to be practiced mostly by acupuncturists. In the past few decades, cupping vessels have been developed using alternate materials. The two most common and user-friendly methods are silicone cups and plastic cups. Let’s investigate these options.
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for stationary cupping. Instead of using heat for suction, plastic cups come with a suction gun or a pump to draw the air from the inside of the cup to create suction. The cup is placed over the desired area of the body, and air is released by squeezing the pump or by pressing on the suction gun until the skin is drawn up into the cup. It is very easy to control the amount of suction with plastic cups, however sometimes we see practitioners creating a suction that is too strong and tissue damage occurs. Tissue should fill the cup to about 1/3 and the plastic cup should always move easily on the skin.
There are a few different treatment methods of cupping available to the manual therapist, each having their own set of effects. We will touch on the three methods most commonly used with plastic and silicone cups.
Stationary Cupping The cups are applied to the body and left in a single location for a few minutes. Stationary cupping draws the blood and body fluids toward the surface of the skin increasing local circulation. Sliding, gliding or moving Cupping For this method, the practitioner needs to use some oil, or cream to provide lubrication, allowing the cups to move around the body. This technique is a great way to warm the tissues, relax the muscles and realign the fascia. With sliding cupping, less suction is used so that tissue damage does not occur.
Sliding, Gliding or Moving Cupping For this method, the practitioner needs to use some oil, or cream to provide lubrication, allowing the cups to move around the body. This technique is a great way to warm the tissues, relax the muscles and realign the fascia. With sliding cupping, less suction is used so that tissue damage does not occur.
FAQ’S 1) Does cupping hurt? No, cupping should not be painful. If the client is experiencing pain, the suction inside the cup should be decreased immediately or the cup removed completely. The treatment could feel a little uncomfortable at first, but the sensation should become more comfortable and relaxing withing a few seconds to a minute. Some people experience an ‘itch’, or a strange sensation if it is their first experience with cupping. 2) Are the cups hot? No, not usually. With fire cupping, there is a flame placed inside the cupping vessel, however it only remains there for 2-3 seconds. This is only enough time to remove the oxygen inside of the cup, but not enough to create much heat. There are traditional styles of cupping that use heat when it is appropriate. 3) What are the red marks?
Fast or Flash Cupping Cups are applied and removed rapidly along an area of the body to stimulate the flow of blood and lymph. Depending on the type of cup you are using, you will apply the cup to the body appropriately. The cups may be applied with a light, moderate, or deep suction. Some areas of the body are only to be treated with a light or moderate suction. Study and practice will help the practitioner to determine this. Typically, the cupping treatment on any given body part will last for 5 - 20 minutes. In some cases, the treatment may be shortened. For example, depending on the condition of the client as well as their age, we may administer a shorter treatment.
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First of all, not everyone gets red marks from cupping. There are two different reactions that create marks during cupping treatments. There may be an immediate redness that occurs, which is a histamine-like response, where the body’s immune system is responding to the cupping action, and vasodilation occurs on the skin. These marks dissipate in minutes to an hour after the treatment. The dark or bright red marks that we have seen posted all over the internet are a different reaction. These marks are not bruises, but indicate where blood circulation is interrupted. (Bruises usually change into a rainbow of colour as they heal, and indicate damage to a large blood vessel. Cupping marks should simply fade away.) Cupping marks usually occur when there is muscle injury, or inflammation accompanied with scar tissue or other forms of local congestion. The marks themselves occur when the tiny capillaries burst because their circulation is interrupted. The act of suction pulls the congested blood to the surface to be removed by the lymphatic system which should take 1-3 days.
4) Is there any research on Cupping? I keep hearing that there is no valid research on cupping. This is simply not true. There are hundreds, if not thousands of case study reports on the efficacy of cupping that have been reported across cultures for hundreds of years. Many of these studies report the effectiveness of wet cupping, but more and more research and review are being performed on dry cupping methods. A well documented research paper on dry cupping is included here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.11.009
Lisa Dowling,
Registered Acupuncturist Founder : The Cupping Revolution
More research can be accessed through my website www.thecuppingrevolution.com/why 5) Who can perform cupping? Officially, anyone can perform cupping. However, if you are a health practitioner practising under a college or other regulatory body, it is important to understand your associations’ rules around practising cupping. Regulations vary between regulatory associations and locations. It is advisable that before you start practising cupping, you seek the appropriate training.
To learn more about Cupping Therapy, to access a library of research, or to study cupping in a live classroom setting or in an online format please visit www.thecuppingrevolution.com. Lisa Dowling is a registered acupuncturist, shiatsu practitioner, and has trained in Thai Massage, Pilates and Movement Therapy, Massage Therapy, Osteopathic Manual Therapy, and Reflexology. She has been teaching Cupping, Shiatsu, Movement, and auxillary modalities since 2008, and in practice since 1997. Lisa has been formally teaching at the Shiatsu School of Canada since 2008, and has been teaching Cupping since 2009. In 2015, Lisa founded the Meridian Therapy Institute where she provides courses in Eastern Medicine, Meridian Therapy, Acupressure, Moxibustion, and Cupping. Her private practice is in Toronto, Canada where she has lived for the past 25 years. More info can also be found at www.lifeacupuncturebodywork.com p. 30
Sources Chirali, I., 1999. Traditional Chinese Medicine Cupping Therapy, London. Churchill Livingston, London Farhadi, k., Schwebel, D.C., Saeb, M., Choubsaz, M., Mohammadi, R., Ahmadi, A., 2009. The effectiveness of wet-cupping for nonspecific low back pain in Iran: a randomized controlled trial. Complement. Ther. Med. 17 (1), 9-15. Keown, D., 2014. The Spark in the Machine: How the science of acupuncture explains the mysteries of western medicine. London and Philadelphia, Singing Dragon, London. Kim, T.H., Kang, J.W., Lee, M.H., Kim, J.E., Kim, J.H., Lee, S., Shin, M.S., Jung, S.Y., Kim, A.R., Park, H.J., Hong, K.E., 2012. Cupping for treating neck pain in video display terminal (VDT) users: a randomized controlled pilot trial. J. Occup. Health 54 (6), 416-426 Kose, A., Karabagli, y., Cetin, C., 2006. An unusual case of burns due to cupping: complication of a folk remedy. Burns (32) 1. (126-127) Ludtke, R., Albrect, U., Stange, R., Ueleke, B., 2006. Brachialgia parasthetica nocturna can be relieved by “wet cupping” - results of a randomized pilot study.
Cupping Therapy is one of the oldest healing traditions known to mankind. Today, we see some of the worlds most influential people returning to what we've always known...
The Cupping Project The Cupping Project is a 3 level cupping therapy training program, please see the description below: Level 1: Basic understanding of history and uses of cupping therapy. In this six hour course, students become comfortable using two kinds cupping vessels, three methods of cupping, three depths of cupping, indications, contraindications, safety and cleaning currently available live, and online Level 2: Understanding cupping reactions, what the cupping marks mean in terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (heat, cold, stagnation, wind) and how it is explained in contemporary MSK concepts, in depth practice treating several MSK conditions, differential diagnosis, advanced techniques. currently available live, online coming soon! Level 3: With support from the instructors and mentors, students develop a case study with the focus on a specific condition. This level is carried out on a virtual platform. On completion, students will have the opportunity to join the International Cupping Network, with the designation of Certified Integrated Cupping Practitioner (CIC). level 3 is conducted in an online format
WHY CUPPING? Build your practise! Save your hands! Get amazing results!
WHAT THE PRACTITIONERS ARE SAYING... "the most fun massaging I've ever had!" Robena "clear and straightforward teaching" Suzanne "I use it every day" Susan "Clients love cupping!" Stacey "cupping is literally saving my hands..." Carrie "...it works! and my clients love it!" Shannon
Live and online courses are available... if you would like a course in your area, please contact us to see if we can make arrangements.
www.thecuppingrevolution.com
SOURCES Sleep Now, Oh, Sleep Now.... p. 4 1. https://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/how-does-exercise-help-those-with-chronic-in somnia 2. https://www.livestrong.com/article/430238-how-long-before-bed-should-i-stop-drinking-c affeine/ 3. http://www.eatingwell.com/articles/32599/6-sleep-myths-busted/
Reiki For Hospital Patients and Caregivers... p. 6 1. http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/reiki_in_hospitals.html 2. www.centerforreikiresearch.org 3. https://iarp.org/reiki-clinical-setting/ 4. https://iarp.org/reiki-clinical-setting/
Happiness Project, 10 Daily Habits For Achieving True Happiness .... p.9 1. Dhammapada 1-2 / MĂźller & Maguire, 2002.)http://
www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/ buddha/ 2. http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/history-of-happiness/buddha 3. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/mindfulness/ definition 4. , 5., http://www.fulfillmentdaily.com/10-habits-togrow-a-positive-attitude/ Written by Megan Wycklendt
6. The Path Of The Yoga Sutras, a practical guide to the core of yoga, Prayanama, Nicolai Bachman 7. MINDFULNESS, The New Science Of Health and Happiness, Time Special Edition, Breathing Lessons
Heart Wide Open, p. 20 1.
https://www.yogabasics.com/asana/cobra/