Cupping, Shiatsu, Thai...Oh my!

Cupping, Shiatsu, Thai

"Oh My"

Cupping:

A method used to unblock or clear out areas of stagnation below the surface of the skin that contribute to blood and lymph. It works to improve the flow of energy throughout the body. Cups are usually placed along these areas of stagnation or acupressure points for 5-10 minutes. The therapist watches the client's skin as it changes color, depending on whether the skin is white, pink, red or even purple will tell the therapist to take the cups off sooner or later. As the cups sit and "bake," they pull blood, oxygen, and nutrients specifically to the area from which the cup has been placed and lymph carries the damaged tissue out!

Shiatsu:

Shiatsu basically means to apply pressure on the body with the fingers! Shiatsu was developed by the Japanese but the healing techniques originated in China. In the west it is known as acupressure! During a Shiatsu session the whole body is being treated vs. isolated work. The work is done all over clothes. It addresses the "root" causes of disease by targeting energetic imbalances. Acupressure taps into our endocrine systems which releases hormones such as endorphins (makes you happy). We are working with "Chi" which pushes blood and lymph throughout the body. This therapy is less confrontational than trigger point therapy, however it can be an effective replacement for deep tissue.

Thai Massage:

Thai massage is a holistic system of medicine where the practitioner takes all aspects of an individuals lifestyle along with presenting symptoms into consideration before treating a client. Points on the body known as "sen" lines are being worked. The client comes in with loose fitting clothes and is laying on a Thai mat. Thai work usually starts with the feet, working up the legs, arms, into a sitting position, and finishing with laying on the stomach. Considering the client's state of health an comfort will determine whether or not certain positions may be contraindicated. Most of the work is considered stretching and compressions!