What is cupping and what conditions does it treat?
Cupping is a very old Chinese therapy used to treat conditions such as: -muscle aches & pains, -anxiety, -stress, -fatigue & -high blood pressure.It has been described as a reverse massage. Instead of pressing, like in massage, it brings blood flow in & increases circulation to areas of the body by ways of a negative pressure or suction.
 

What are benefits of cupping therapy?
Cupping increases blood and lymph flow into areas of tightness or injury. It also helps sedate the nervous system which is why it is good for high blood pressure & stress. The marks left by the cups are also a great conversation starter!

How does it compare to deep tissue massages or other types of recovery?
Cupping is different from a deep tissue massage in that it uses a negative pressure (suction) to help increase blood and lymph flow to a body part as compared to a massage that uses pushing & grasping. It is usually a lot shorter session too. Cupping sessions last around 30 minutes where massages tend to be around 60-90 minutes.

Who is cupping best (most beneficial) for?
Cupping would be ideal for anyone with sore or tight muscles, stressed, fatigued, anxious & high blood pressure. A cupping session will help get you very relaxed and will only take around 30 minutes.
 

Any downsides/dangers to be aware of?
Cupping can and usually does leave marks. The marks usually go away in a couple days depending on the condition and activity level of the person. So you may want to schedule around that photo shoot or important event where the body part cupped will be exposed and you don't want to show off your cupping marks.
 

Is there anyone who should avoid cupping or who it isn't safe for?
Cupping may not be the best choice for someone who gets light headed & faints easily or who has open wounds on the area that will be cupped.

What is Gua Sha?
Gua sha is the practice of using a tool to apply pressure and scrape the skin to relieve pain and tension. This action causes light bruising, which often appears as purple or red spots known as sha.
 

Gua sha is most often used to relieve muscle and joint pain.

Main Benefits

1. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Regular sauna use has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and sudden cardiac death. Sauna bathing mimics the physiological responses of moderate aerobic exercise, leading to improved heart health. The increased heart rate, improved blood vessel function, and enhanced cardiovascular fitness experienced during sauna sessions contribute to these benefits.

2. NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS

Sauna use has shown promising results in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Heat shock proteins, activated during sauna sessions, help prevent protein aggregation and plaque formation in the brain, which are associated with these conditions. Additionally, sauna use boosts the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that promotes neuron survival and neuroplasticity, thereby supporting brain health.

3. MENTAL WELL-BEING

Sauna bathing has been linked to improved mental health and mood regulation. Studies suggest that sauna use may reduce symptoms of depression and inflammation. The heat exposure in saunas triggers the release of endorphins and activates the body's internal opiate system, potentially contributing to the alleviation of depressive symptoms.

4. HEAT ADAPTATION AND THERMOREGULATION

Regular sauna use helps the body adapt to heat and improves thermoregulation. Sauna sessions promote sweating, which helps cool down the body at lower core temperatures. This adaptation can enhance exercise performance and tolerance to heat stress.

5. DETOXIFICATION

Sauna use aids in the excretion of heavy metals through sweat. Research has shown that sauna bathing can help remove toxins like cadmium and aluminum from the body, supporting overall detoxification. It is importance to stay hydrated during and after sauna sessions to support the body's natural detoxification processes.