EASTERN MEDICINE
CUPPING
Cupping or Myofascial Decompression is an ancient therapy where a glass jar (or a cup) is attached to the skin surface to create suction. This decompression and expansion of the tissue brings fluids to the area and pulls stagnant blood out , which helps increase local circulation to help nourish and heal.
Cupping is also said to help to ‘open’ the lungs raw toxins out and towards the skin surface and to facilitate better breathing.
Cupping can be effective for a wide range of ailments, including asthma, bronchitis, dull aches and pains, arthritis, abdominal pain, stomach ache, indigestion, headache, low back pain, painful menstruation, coughs from excessive mucus, and to treat parts of the body where movement is limited and painful.
GUA SHA
In Chinese medicine, gua sha is an ancient technique that can be used to relieve acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, support the immune system, address upper respiratory illnesses, and release tension in areas where there is restricted movement. It can even be used for cosmetic techniques like de-puffing and lifting the skin.
Gua means “to rub” and sha refers to the reddened marks indicating where blood stagnation or heat is trapped in the body. The quality, color, and location of the sha are part of our Chinese pattern diagnosis. Gua sha is done in one direction and in even strokes to create the sha that is raised from repeated scraping. These marks represent superficial broken capillaries, which promote an anti-inflammatory and immune response to improve circulation.
REIKI & ENERGY WORK
Reiki is a gentle, quiet, and non-invasive form of energy healing bodywork that involves the light placement of hands with focused energy on an area. When energy becomes weak or blocked, it can lead to symptoms of physical or emotional imbalance.
My role as a Reiki practitioner is to act as a conduit to bring energetic balance to my client. In a session, there is my energy field and my client’s energy. The energy from my hands interacts with the client’s energy. Even if I am not on the specific issue, the energy will get to where it needs to go. It is not uncommon to see colors or to hear sounds during a session.