We can all likely point to when we first found out what cupping was all about. For most, it was the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games when Micheal Phelps had precisely shaped bruises on his body. Enter cupping into our conversations.

As elite as the cupping therapy may appear, it is completely accessible to anyone and produces benefits similar to ones gold medalists experience.

What Is Cupping?

Cupping has been part of the Traditional Chinese medicine reprator for centuries dating as far back as 3,000 years ago. It wasn’t until the 1950s that cupping was used in hospitals in China. Most recently in the US, cupping has been made known by numerous celebrities, athletes, and the power of social media.

Cupping therapy involves the enlisting of small, special cups to create suction on a client’s skin. When using a silicone cup, a therapist will place the cup onto the client’s skin. They will then compress the cup to create a suction between the cup and skin. The cups are usually left in place for a few minutes.

This suction can be associated with the counterbalance to massage’s pressing into the muscles, cupping pulls up. When moved around slightly, cupping can feel as relaxing as a massage.

What Are The Benefits Of Cupping Therapy?

The primary benefit of cupping is the encouragement of increased blood flow that occurs during the suction. As the basis of so many healing methods, blood flow is key.

As a client’s body senses the blood moving to the specific area being treated, the body starts to move into the inflammatory mode, moving antibodies to help heal that area. This increased blood flow can assist in repairing muscles and damaged tissues such as surgical scar sites.

Cupping generally follows the five meridian lines on the back and has been known to help in:

• Relieving neck and back pains
• Loosen stiff muscles
• Assist in helping with fatigue and migraines
• Provide relief with respiratory conditions
• Increasing circulatory system function
• Myofascial release for increased motion and pain relief

How To Get The Most Out Of Cupping Therapy

In order to maximize the benefits of cupping therapy, a few things should be done before and after receiving treatment.

Pre and post receiving massage therapy with or without cupping, hydration is very important. Water helps the lymphatics system perform at its best.

Before treatment, don’t go in with an empty stomach. Something small about an hour or so beforehand will help. Don’t shave or exfoliate prior to the appointment. Both make the skin extra sensitive. Be sure to stay safe in the sun as cupping can not be done on a sunburn.

After treatment, keep the areas that just received cupping warm and try to rest. The immune system is in a heightened state of awareness and feeling a bit tired is to be expected. Also, try to avoid consuming things such as caffeine, alcohol, dairy, processed meats, or sugary foods/drinks. All of those items can work against the cupping treatment just received.

Hot showers, saunas, laying in the sun, etc. are all things that skin can be super sensitive to after a session. Avoiding things like heavy exercise and cold/windy weather to allow the skin time to recover.

And as for those cupping marks, redness is to be expected. Those circular areas will fade in quickly. Blistering of the skin should never be experienced as it can indicate too much cupping has been performed.

The frequency of cupping will likely depend on the intensity of the issue that someone has. If it is an intense issue, cupping may be used along with massage therapy one to two times a week. If it is a minor issue, cupping may only be used once a month. The final recommendation schedule should be something discussed between you and your massage therapist.

Interested in adding cupping into your next massage therapy session? Be sure to chat about it with your therapist. They would love to help see if it is a good fit for you and your treatment plan.

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Incorporating natural props into a massage treatment can be just the right thing to take a great massage up to an outstanding treatment.

One of the most commonly used tools in massage therapy is the use of hot stones. The use of warm stones on the body can help to increase relaxation and decrease the tension in muscles.

Smooth rocks, such as Himalayan Salt Stones, are specifically used in this approach. They are used because of their ability to retain heat and be warmed to over 110 degrees.

The stones are generally placed on the feet and palms, chest, stomach, and spine. From there, the massage therapist may move these rocks around the body in long stroke and circular movements, rolling, or kneading. The use of the stones can allow a therapist to work deeper in the muscles with a lighter approach as the muscles relax more efficiently.

In addition to assisting in helping muscles release tension and pain, the stones can also help to decrease stress and anxiety when used with the massage. As the muscles relax, there will be a decrease in muscle spasms and tension while creating an increase in the ease of joint movement. All of this will add to the benefit of promoting better sleep.

Although the sound of putting “hot stones” on your body may make you think it might be painful, it is not. In fact, if the stones feel too warm or are uncomfortable, be sure to tell your therapist right away so that they can make proper adjustments.

While a hot stone massage can be useful for numerous people, there are some that should avoid it – those that are ill, have heart disease, or diabetes. Always be sure to discuss your medical history with your massage therapist to be sure the best and safest modalities are being used for your treatment.

If you would like to get a deeper relaxation from hot stones in your next massage session, we would love to tell you more!

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Carolyn has a ton of different experiences that make her the perfect fit on our team as an evening receptionist. Take a look at why Carolyn is the one to talk to about booking an appointment, learning more about our therapists, or get a great gluten-free recipe.

A BIT ABOUT CAROLYN BOWE:

Like several others, Carolyn became part of our team after experiencing the benefits of massage in her life. After a series of car accidents, surgeries, c-sections, and struggling with migraines, Carolyn was recommended to the standard rotation of doctors and medications. With little success, she finally found positive effects with massage therapy on her recovery.

With a Master’s in Education in hand, Carolyn taught for well over a decade and now homeschools her own children. In addition, she is a key team member in caring for our staff and clients.

FUN FACTS ABOUT CAROLYN:

Originally from California, Carolyn’s sweet family is comprised of her husband, three sons, and one cat. When she is not enjoying her favorite season, spring, and all the beauty it brings, Carolyn can be found:

• Ferociously reading Christian fiction while sipping on her favorite sweet tea.
• Reminiscing fondly of family vacations – like the one where they went across the country from California to DC and were gone an entire month!
• Humbling showing off her talent in gluten-free baking and scrapbooking skills.

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Emily is our incredible evening receptionist and is also in the depths of training to be a massage therapist. Check out why Emily has a passion for matching clients with the perfect therapist, is a genius with booking and billing, and what are her favorite bundles of joy for her taste buds.

A BIT ABOUT EMILY LEUPOLD:

Emily started experiencing the benefits of massage therapy after a shoulder injury in 2015. After spending an abundance of time and money on doctors, shots, and prescriptions, Emily was able to find relief in massage.

After years of first-hand experience in massage, Emily decided to pursue training in massage therapy in order to offer the relief she received to others. She is currently working towards an Associates in Therapeutic Massage and hopes to focus on injury prevention and recovery.

FUN FACTS ABOUT EMILY:

Like so many in this area, Emily grew up a military brat which meant she has been all around the country. But if she had to put a finger on a place she was originally from, it would Washington State. She is a proud wife and mama to a one-year-old son. Besides being one of the few that remembers to water the office plants, Emily also:

• Could be caught watching the ridiculous storylines and loveable characters on Grays Anatomy.
• Wishes she had the superpower of a super metabolism so that she could eat whatever she would like and still be healthy. (Like her favorite tacos that are bundles of joy for her taste buds.)
• Would be teaching theatre to teens if she wasn’t doing what she is now.

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We aren’t kidding when we say we get to work with the best of the best. Our staff’s skills are fueled by passion and drive them to offer the best to their clients. Katrina Joseph is one such Massage Therapists. Check out how she became part of the massage field and why she loves an endless plater of fresh vegetables!

A BIT ABOUT KATRINA JOSEPH:

Katrina has long had a love for massage therapy and seeing the benefits of it as a solution for pain. But this love was reinforced with her first chronic pain patient – her mother. After an accident left her mom with a broken collar bone and severe pain, Katrina’s commitment to providing relief increased.

Katrina became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2013 and has expanded her studies to include areas such as Myofacial Release, Frozen Shoulder, and the mind-body-spirit connection.

Working with a variety of people is on par with her love of helping people get out of pain through her focused and detailed sessions with medium to deep pressure. She is a valuable member of our team here at Healing Hands Body Therapy on Stamper Road in Fayettevile NC and we are glad to have her.

FUN FACTS ABOUT KATRINA:

Katrina was born in Pennsylvania but has claimed North Carolina home since she was still in single digits. She loves days with her boyfriend, baby boy, and a mix of cat and dog pets.  When she isn’t looking for anything in her favorite color pink, Katrina also:

• Loves fall weather with the right amount of crisp in the air and rich, warm colors
• Has been known to binge-watch The Office and Joe Rogan interviews with Steve-O
• Has mad spelling and grammar skills she exercises in word games
• Remembers exceptional customer service she received from an esthetician during an eyebrow wax because she did an excellent job with precision and a sweet personality.
• Never feels guilty or junky for eating as many raw veggies a possible
• Longs for the childhood days of going outside with no plans – just hours of fun
• Has a secret talent of, well, it’s a secret.

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Many of us have heard of the lymphatic system – at least in high school anatomy class. But it is likely that we haven’t thought about it much since then unless we have needed to for a medical reason.

Let’s take a refresher course on what it is and how incorporating lymphatic massage can be incredibly beneficial.

WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?

The lymphatic system is the structure within your body that helps move toxins and waste out. Utilizing the powerful white blood cells in a fluid called lymph, the lymphatic system rids the body of unwanted substances. The primary contributors to the system are tissues, organs, and lymph nodes.

A commonly known component in the lymphatic system is the tonsils. When someone comes down with strep throat and their tonsils are inflamed, this is an indicator of the lymphatic system doing its job – scratchy throat and all!

In short, the lymphatic system is like the water treatment plant of your body. It takes in fluid, filters out the bad, and recycles the good back into the system.

WHAT IS A LYMPHATIC MASSAGE?

The focus of the lymphatic massage is to help the body move lymph fluids more efficiently around and out of the body. Utilizing a specific, gentle approach in an intentional order, a massage therapist can help the body to move lymph fluid out of tissues and direct them to the lymph nodes. It is here that the lymph nodes can then process out any infections or other bi-products unwanted in a healthy body.

Unlike some other massages that focus primarily on muscles, a lymphatic massage concentrates more on the entire lymphatic system that is closer to the surface of the skin – such as under the arms or behind the knees – with lighter pressure.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO A LYMPHATIC MASSAGE?

The utilization of a lymphatic massage can offer many benefits. For starters, a lymphatic drainage session can help strengthen the immune system. Assisting the body to process toxins in a more efficient manner will inherently help the immune system to perform at a more optimal level.

This approach can be especially beneficial for your immune system after experiences such surgery, infection, or trauma to enhance the healing process. Because the system has been “interrupted” by these events or conditions, the resetting of the system by a lymphatic massage can help get it back into proper working order in a quicker fashion than without this specific massage approach.

Lymphatic massage can further assist post-surgery by improving results while decreasing swelling. This decrease in swelling can relieve pressure on the incision areas allowing for better healing and surgery results. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) helps to rid the body of excess swelling, helping the body heal faster. Those wishing to use lymphatic massage post-surgery can look forward to starting as soon as the day after surgery.

In addition, lymphatic drainage massage can be especially beneficial to those who are experiencing fibromyalgia, edema, arthritis, digestive problems, or migraine episodes.

Other added benefits to a lymphatic massage are the potential for an improvement in:

• digestion
• circulation
• insomnia symptoms
• the appearance of the skin
• swelling in concentrated areas such as the legs

One benefit that is causing an increase in popularity is the perception of weight loss. While a massage of this type can help with temporary bloating and water weight, remember that fat cells are not dissolved in the process therefore no long-term weight loss occurs from an individual session. Longer weight loss goals can be achieved with the incorporation of lymphatic massage into a healthy eating and fitness lifestyle.

Even with the many benefits, this type of massage offers so many, it isn’t always for everyone. Those that have kidney or liver problems, congestive heart failure, or a history of blood clots should consider talking about utilizing the lymphatic massage approach with their medical provider first.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF A LYMPHATIC MASSAGE

When approaching the use of lymphatic massage, you have to consider the frequency at which is needed to get optimal results. This specialized type of massage does give you benefits from the first session but will give you many longer-lasting results if used more frequently to start. It is like doing physical therapy sessions with your lymphatic system. One time is great, but more than one will give you a more sustainable outcome.

Each individual is different and the number of times and frequency will vary – especially on the situation. A general approach to lymphatic massage is to incorporate two to four sessions a month for three months consecutively followed by two to four sessions a month, every three to four months a year. This gives the system the chance to get back on track and be maintained when needed throughout the year.

For those that are utilizing Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for post-op plastic surgery, two to three sessions per week is the best approach. If you are being seen for other post-op reasons, then a modified schedule could be utilized.

To get the most out of your lymphatic drainage massage sessions, drink plenty of water, stay physically active, incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and limit the number of processed foods. All of these not only help support your massage session but ultimately support your lymph and immune systems – giving them more nutrients and cleaner fuel to operate on.

Interested in learning more or booking a lymphatic massage session? Would love to help!

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The post Lymphatic Massage: A Systematic Approach appeared first on Healing Hands.

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Emilee puts all other Office Managers to shame. Seriously.

As talented as our therapists are, she is the one that keeps the business side a well-oiled machine along with her deep appreciation for health and wellness. Take a look at how her education landed her in the “spinny” office chair that she loves to lock up and what new adventure has come her way! (HINT: It is little but not for long.)

A BIT ABOUT EMILEE BROWN:

Emilee danced all the way through her bachelor’s degree – not in the “oh-college-is-so-easy” snooty way – but literally was a trained dancer. With a career in dancing comes sore joints and muscles that Emilee became all too familiar with.

In addition to her dancing, she also spent time as a trainer in an internship program. This experience gave her an even deeper grasp of the hands-on approach to treating injuries and pain.

All of her experience and education in Business Administration (focusing on Health and Wellness Management) has given her a level of understanding that is critical to our team.

FUN FACTS ABOUT EMILEE:

Originally from Georgia, Emilee and her husband Jake now call North Carolina home along with their new, tiny infant son and three dogs. When Emilee isn’t busy tracking the progress of patients or cleaning Mo, the office robot vacuum, she also:

• Is young enough to remember having an “Elf on the Shelf” at Christmas – as a child.
• Wishes she could tell her younger self to “relax because everything will work out like it’s supposed to.”
• Livens up any party with her ability to say the ABC’s backward.

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A Bit About Victoria Qualls:

Pregnancy can be rough and Victoria knew it. She sought out ways to help her enjoy her pregnancy more and found massage therapy. After seeing the personal benefits, she was reinforced in her beliefs of massage therapy when she saw how it provided her mother with relief as well. A long time dental hygienist with severe back pain, her mom soon found an improved quality of life with massage therapy as well. 

Victoria soon saw that her personal benefit become a professional passion when she began studying Massage Therapy at Fayetteville Technical Community College ultimately receiving her license in 2019. 

She specializes in lymphatics and relaxation and is sought out for her full body approach with focused relaxation.

Fun Facts About Victoria: 

Victoria is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and is the proud mama to a little boy. While she is still chasing sleep most days, Victoria also:

• Loves camping in the mountains to get a mental retreat with an epic view. 
• Would build a soundproof room to sleep in all day if funds were no issue.
• Is a fan of the color black because it matches everything.
• Wears sports boots and grandma type sweaters in her preferred fall/winter season – sans the snow.

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Have no fear! We are here to give you some answers to those and a few more to set you at ease before you even walk through the door!

Ok, So I Made My Appointment. What Should I Expect When I Arrive For The First Visit?

First, please try to arrive at least 15 minutes PRIOR to your appointment time. This will give someone on our staff a chance to greet you and have you complete some North Carolina required paperwork. This paperwork will cover basic things such as health history, current health status, and what type of issue (if any) brought you in for your visit. It will also give us written consent to perform the therapeutic massage. If there is any delay, it may cut into your actual “hands-on” time. 

Soon after you are finished with the paperwork, we will be ready to take you back to the dedicated space for your massage!

When I First Go Back To The Massage Area With My Therapist, What Should I Expect?

First, the therapist will complete an interview with you. You will spend a few minutes reviewing the forms you filled out, discuss any medical conditions, find out the expectations you have and what you are looking for in a massage to include how you would like to feel after the massage. 

Next, the therapist will explain what will take place during the massage.

Then, the therapist will leave the room for a moment so that you can undress to your level of comfort, get situated on the massage table, and covered up with the sheet.

Now I Am Back In The Massage Room And My Therapist Asks That I “Undress To My Level Of Comfort.” What Exactly Does That Mean?

Here is the thing. If you aren’t comfortable and relatively relaxed during your session, we know that we won’t be able to provide you with the best treatment experience. Part of that is your level of comfort undressing. So it is always your choice. 

You can choose to dress down fully. 

You can choose to leave on your undergarments. 

You can choose to only undress the top half if there is a focus on a top area only – like shoulders. 

No matter what you choose, you will always remain fully draped except for the part of the body that is being worked on per North Carolina State law.

Ultimately, we want to make you as comfortable as possible during your time with us. 

Alright.  I Am In And Undressed To My Level Of Comfort. What Should I Expect To Take Place During My Massage?

In short, the therapist will be massaging various areas of your body using specific techniques in a specific order. If at any time during the massage something hurts, tell them. If you would like more or less pressure, tell them that as well. They truly want to ensure that your experience is a good one. 

Also, some aren’t into chatting during their treatments, and others like to chew the cud. Again, that is totally up to you. Just be sure to communicate that with your therapist. 

Getting Ready To Check Out Post-Massage. Should I Be Tipping My Massage Therapist? 

Our massage therapists are paid a flat rate per massage. Much like with other service providers, tips are never taken for granted and always appreciated.  

If you have received exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation to the therapist, feel free to leave them a tip. (Average tip ranges between 10-25%) If paying with a credit card or check, the tip can be added to the total. The therapist will receive 100% of their tip, less required taxes. 

If your session is being paid with your HSA or FSA then you may not include a tip. This is due to healthcare laws.

We hope that was helpful in clearing up some of the questions you may have had! Got more? Don’t hesitate to reach out because we are more than happy to help!

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A Bit About Lydia Kravitz Quick:

Lydia grew up with genetic and untreated flat feet and hip imbalance. Fast forward to her adulthood and her neglected pain grew with the birth of her children, C-sections, and being behind a desk for her job for years. 

Enter Medical Massage and Lydia discovered practical ways to manage her pain. Once she found this relief, she knew she had to share with others to facilitate their own healing. Her passion for providing care grew to her seeking to be a licensed provider in 2005 with an Associates Degree in General Studies and Therapeutic Massage, studying multiple modalities and techniques including cupping and scar tissue release.

Lydia’s gifted in providing moderate to deep pressure with a broad focus. Her goal is to do as much for the whole body in one session as possible, bringing balance and symmetry back. Her clients love her attention to scar tissue, deep myofascial release, and hip/pelvic manipulation.

Fun Facts About Lydia: 

Lydia is a Florida born, North Carolina raised mama to three with several fur babies. In addition to her lovely family, Lydia also:

• Loves a good winter because summer is too hot and spring/fall gives her allergies the business.
• Is guilty of binge-watching “Games of Thrones.”
• Loves the strategy of Solitaire because there is only one winner.
• Adores childhood memories of catapulting across the creek playing “Survivor.”
• Is fond of diving into the research of traditional Chinese medicine and nutrition
• Indulges in bread, raw milk, and mojitos
• Has a secret talent of touching her nose with her tongue

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