With the Olympics in full swing this month, it is nearly impossible to miss the strange, purple spots on the athletes’ backs, shoulders, and legs (including US swimmer and 23-time Gold medalist, Michael Phelps). These marks are often a result of cupping treatment, which comes from an ancient Chinese practice that is used by many practitioners in the Eastern world.
The benefits of cupping are extensive, including stimulating blood flow in the area, reducing soreness, and speeding up recovery. It is intended to remove toxins and stimulate healing by increasing blood to the focus area. While it may look painful, it is actually very therapeutic, and many patients have reported feeling a completely painless experience. Traditionally, cupping is used to treat back and neck pain, high blood pressure, anxiety, fatigue, and even respiratory problems.
At SOHMA Integrative Health Center, we offer a traditional form of cupping treatment, known as fire cupping. Our acupuncturist uses fire to create a vacuum seal along specific points of the body. It creates heat and suction to that specific area, and the cups stay on for usually 5-10 minutes.
If it’s good enough for Olympic athletes, it is good for you. Book your appointment at SOHMA Integrative Health Center so you can get your Olympic therapy treatment today.
Herbs
Summer Sun Care Tips
SOHMA Integrative Health Center is committed to the wellness of the Long Beach and Lakewood community. Whether you’re headed for a hike, bike ride, surf session, or a swim, follow these time-tested sun care tips to avoid peeling and ensure a beautiful, bronze tan:
- liberally apply aloe vera gel
- follow with coconut oil
- follow with sunscreen
- apply at least thirty minutes prior to sun exposure
Aloe vera is applied first because it absorbs into the skin quickly. Coconut oil helps skin maintain its hydration and moisture levels. Sunscreen prevents burns and minimizes the risks of UV exposure.
For best results, reapply immediately after bathing, and apply at least twice a day for 2 -3 days after sun exposure. Together with proper hydration, this skin care regime will help you maintain youthful, glowing skin.
SOHMA Health Tip
What do stomach cramps and nausea have in common? They can often be relieved by pressing the Acupuncture point CV-12 (Zhong Wan). The translation of the point means “Central Venter.” It is the front mu point of the stomach meridian which helps to sedate or “vent” the overactive stomach. This point is located four cun (proportional measurements) or four inches above the navel (midway between the navel and the bottom of the xyphoid process/sternum). See the picture above to help you find the point. Press and hold the tender point firmly for 10 to 30 seconds to reduce the symptoms. I often like to pair points with herbs.
What is the herbal equivalent of the Acupuncture point CV-12? I’d say Gan Jiang commonly known as dried Ginger. Drink a strong tea of ginger, ginger ale, eat a ginger candy, or simply chew on ginger root to relieve symptoms. Ginger may also be used to reduce menstrual cramps depending, of course, on the cause of the menstrual cramps. Let us know how the CV-12 point and Ginger work for you!
Monthly Workshop Series
Master Herbalist and Dr. Daniel Hoover,DC, LAc is lecturing about herbs common herbs and how they can be formulated into simple home remedies such as poultices, dectoctions, tinctures, ointments/salves, and more.
