How to See a Cupping Therapist

How to See a Cupping Therapist



Cupping is the ancient technique of applying suction over specific skin zones, known as "reflex zones," using special warmed cupping glasses. The process draws blood flow to tissues and internal organs to which the zones correspond. Bruising caused by the suction is believed to initiate the body's healing response. If you suffer from arthritis, migraines, sprains or high blood pressure, you may choose to see a cupping therapist. Read on to learn more.









1


Contact licensed massage therapists or acupuncture physicians in your area to see if they offer cupping. If not, there are online directories that list available bodywork practitioners throughout the United States and abroad.





2


Research cupping a bit before making an appointment as it differs from other alternative treatments you may have experienced. There are two main kinds of cupping. Dry cupping is used mainly for people with poor circulation and low blood pressure to draw blood to an area or to several areas. Wet, or bloody cupping, helps clear away accumulated irritants and toxins in areas of the body with excessive blood flow, which is the cause of inflammation.





3


Know that most therapists today will use the moving, or "massage cupping" method. This is where oil is rubbed into the skin to help the therapist identify areas of congestion or tension and then up to 12 cups are moved and placed over the affected areas to create vacuum, and left on the skin for about 10 minutes.





4


Consider cupping if you've tried regular massage and acupuncture with little or no success for respiratory, digestive or muscular problems. The therapist will use different patterns with the cups depending on the problem. For example, cups are placed in rows down the back, next to the spine, to help ease colds or pain.





5


Understand cupping therapy is not a new, crazy fad. It's been used for centuries as part of many acupuncture or bodywork practices, such as Thai massage. Massage cupping is a common addition to any modern spa or alternative medicine group.








Tips & Warnings










If you are a licensed massage therapist, you can train to become a professional cupping practitioner. Professional training is available as a one-day workshop in different cities around the U.S. or through video classes. Both options provide Continuing Education Credits (CECs) for licensed massage therapists.








Consult a physician before using cupping as a treatment and then allow only licensed practitioners to conduct the procedure.








Cupping can result in temporary marks and bruises on your skin.



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How to Make an Herbal Infusion

How to Make an Herbal Infusion



Herbs have been known for centuries to yield beneficial results in fighting illness. The oldest accounts come from the Orient. Chinese medicine methods include many herbal components prepared as pills, teas, or extracts. The herbs are used in all the forms of the plant, flowers, seeds/berries, stems, leaves, bark and roots. Infusions are basically teas that are brewed longer than typical tea.







Things You'll Need:





Distilled or spring water




Pot for boiling the water




Herb of choice




Mortar and pestle




Cup




Strainer









1


Place water on the stove to boil. For the best results and most benefit from the herbs, use either distilled or spring water. Bring it to a full rolling boil.





2


Measure into a teacup 1 to 2 tsps. of the herb that you are using. If you are using an herb that consists of stems, leaves, bark or roots, it will be best to pulverize them with a mortar and pestle. The herbs may be fresh or dried.





3


Pour the boiling water in the cup over the herbs. Stir and cover the cup.





4


Allow the cup to infuse for at least 10 minutes. If you are using bark, stems, or roots a longer infusion time will be needed. Times of infusion can range up to 10 hours and will depend on which herb you are using.





5


Strain the liquid from the herbs and drink immediately when the infusion time has expired. You may add a bit of unrefined sugar or honey to make the taste better if desired.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2121762_make-herbal-infusion.html

How to Make a Homemade Aromatherapy Diffuser

How to Make a Homemade Aromatherapy Diffuser



Our health may be affected by the smells around us. Certain scents tend to calm or invigorate. Learn to make very simple essential oil diffusers from things around the house and give each room of your house a unique and pleasing scent. These are much healthier than using chemicals to add a scent to the house. For ages, it has been shown that certain essential oils have remarkable health benefits.







Things You'll Need:





Boiling water




Large bowl




Terracotta ring




Piece of thin cotton









1


Take a bowl about as big around as your face and pour it half way full with boiling water and add between 10 and 20 drops of an essential oil.





2


Light an unscented candle. Let it burn for about 20 minutes and blow it out. Now, add a few drops of essential oil on the melted wax and light the candle once more. The heated wax will evaporate the essential oil from the candle wax and fill the room. This method is much more convenient and less prone to spills of water.





3


Place a few drops of essential oil in the groove of a terracotta ring that fits around a light bulb. Place one of these on each lamp or overhead light in every room. They will fill the room with aroma as the bulb warms the ring.





4


Freshen the smell of a room by vacuuming it. Place a small piece of cotton cloth that has several drops of essential oil placed upon it into the exhaust of a vacuum cleaner. As you vacuum the room and the exhaust passes over the cloth, it will drive the scent around the room.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2121761_make-homemade-aromatherapy-diffuser.html

How to Increase Flexibility With Thai Massage

How to Increase Flexibility With Thai Massage



A Thai massage therapy session that is combined with yoga movements increases flexibility and relieves tension. Choose a therapist that can focus on muscle release and help you develop greater flexibility. Regular Thai massage therapy sessions are the key to developing a broader range of movement. Read on to learn more.







Things You'll Need:





Massage mat




Loose clothing




Thai massage therapist









1


Define the areas of the body where increased flexibility is desired. Where does the range of motion need to be increased? What areas of the body are stiff or painful?





2


Discuss the areas in which you would like to increase your range of motion with your Thai massage therapist. Articulate your goals for Thai Massage therapy.





3


Request a plan of action or a Thai massage routine that will focus on the target areas.





4


Focus on the target areas during each Thai massage therapy session. Pay attention to muscles that are stiff or experience pain. The Thai massage therapist can apply acupressure or increased massage to those areas to enhance flexibility. Movements from one position to the next should be smooth and fluid.





5


Measure the outcome. Has a larger range of motion and greater flexibility been achieved? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment following the Thai massage session?





6


Maintain the increased flexibility in daily activities outside of Thai massage therapy to stay flexible. Inquire about other activities that can help maintain the increased flexibility.





7


Schedule regular Thai massage therapy sessions to maintain increased flexibility.








Tips & Warnings










Select a Thai massage therapist who is certified, experienced and is comfortable to be around.








Sudden pain can mean damaged muscles or torn ligaments. See a physician if pain persists.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2122291_increase-flexibility-thai-massage.html

How to Buy Ayurvedic Herbs

How to Buy Ayurvedic Herbs



Ayurvedic is a 5,000 year old naturopath system from India. Practitioners believe imbalances are caused by poor internal organ function, rather than what westerners blame on poor muscle tone. Regular use of ayurvedic herbs containing ginger, black pepper, cumin, boswellin, tumeric, as well as other not so easily pronounced ingredients, combined with exercise and an ayurvedic diet is said to help bring proper internal function back to the body.









1


Sign up for newsletters from various ayurvedic related web sites. This will give you an opportunity to study up on ayurvedic theory and the use of herbs for various conditions.





2


Learn your ayurvedic "dosha" type to find the foods and herbs best suited to your particular constitution and how best to detox your body. The types are: vata, pitta and kapha. There are several "What's your dosha?" quizzes online.





3


Check out ginger. It's probably in your spice rack right now. In ayurvedic culture, ginger is both a common ingredient in many dishes and a frequently used ingredient for medicinal preparations. Ginger is said to be a great digestive aid, easing gas and heartburn symptoms quickly.





4


Practice making a few natural ayurvedic cures yourself. For example, if you have wrinkles you'd like to erase, try mixing 1 ounce cabbage juice and a teaspoon of honey together and applying it to the face every day.








Tips & Warnings










As a starting place for your research on ayurvedic theory, here are the ten main herbs: Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Yasti, Madhu, Punarnava, Arguna, Bilva, Gokshura, Vidari, and Kumari.








Do not take ayurvedic herbs without first letting your doctor know so any conflicts with your current prescription medications can be avoided.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2121259_buy-ayurvedic-herbs.html

How to Wear Plus Size Lingerie

How to Wear Plus Size Lingerie



If you wear a plus size, you may be frustrated about trying to locate lingerie in your size. Lingerie retailers like Victoria's Secret only carry the traditional extra small to extra large sizes. If you are interested in owning a few choice pieces of plus size lingerie, keep the following in mind.









Step
1




Order
online


. The easiest way to find plus size lingerie is to shop over the Internet. Online retailers include Missalli Lingerie and Big Gals Lingerie.




Step
2



Find your size. Use your measurements to determine the size that you will order. On average, many plus size lingerie pieces will come in 1X to as large as 12X.




Step
3



Accentuate the bust. Most plus size lingerie pieces will draw attention to the plus size woman's robust breasts. Make sure that the lingerie offers you adequate support as well.




Step
4



Choose flattering styles. Find lingerie that complements your figure and hides any flaws. Long silk gowns, cami sets, and cat suits are designs that look good on almost any body shape.




Step
5



Pick simple and sexy prints. Avoid the plus size lingerie that comes in floral prints. Instead opt for sexier designs, such as leopard and black lace.




Step
6



Design your own plus size lingerie. Big Gals Lingerie allows women to choose the size, color and fabric used to create their lingerie pieces.







Tips & Warnings









Frederick's of Hollywood is one popular lingerie retailer that does offer plus sizes for women.








You should keep all receipts and tags on until you have tried the plus size lingerie on. If you don't feel comfortable in it or it doesn't fit, find out the company's return policy.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2066391_wear-plus-size-lingerie.html

How to Wear Plus Size Jeans

How to Wear Plus Size Jeans



Plus size jeans are a must for the plus size woman's wardrobe. The right pair of jeans can slim a woman as well as feel comfortable enough for everyday wear. You should purchase at least two or three pairs of plus size jeans for your wardrobe.









Step
1



Locate a store that sells plus size jeans. Avenue and Torrid are two stores that you are likely to find in your local mall that sells plus size clothing.




Step
2



Order your plus size jeans online. For a larger selection, pick out plus size denim from online retailers, such as Kiyonna and Silhouettes.




Step
3



Choose a boot leg cut. Boot leg jeans are more form flattering and won't make your legs look bulky like flare jeans.




Step
4



Find a jean blend with spandex. Jeans that are manufactured partially from spandex will be stretchier and more comfortable.




Step
5



Pick jeans with patch pockets in the back. These types of pockets will create a slimmer look and flatter the rear.




Step
6



Wear jeans with a longer hem. The longer that the jeans are, the longer your legs will look. The hem of your jeans should cover at least half of your shoe's heel.







Tips & Warnings









Jeans that sit below the waist will be more comfortable for plus size women. The jeans should not ride too low or else you'll be falling out of the jeans.








To create an even more slimming look, you should consider wearing plus size jeans in darker denim colors.








Avoid wide leg and flare jeans in plus sizes. These make a woman appear larger.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2066389_wear-plus-size-jeans.html