Have you always wondered what “Cupping” is all about? Have you heard about the many benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the practice of Cupping from friends and family but are too nervous to try it for yourself? Let us allay your fears.
Think of cupping as the inversion of massage. Rather than pressure on the tissues through a massage therapist, Chinese medicine practitioners use suction cupswhich uses pressure to pull the tissues upwards. Cupping helps improve blood flow, relieve pain and tension and improve muscle flexibility – it is only the method/application that is different. Guess what? Most treatments only take 20 minutes.
Is it painful?
Often the sensation is rather relaxing. Depending on the location, some of the cups may feel tight, but cups tend to be moved around. Each treatment is entirely unique to you and your body.
Does it leave a bruise?
Cupping causes the skin to temporarily change colour directly under the area of the cup. The discolouration is not panful and usually only lasts a few days. Once the discoloured skin returns to normal, the treatment can be repeated.
What areas does it work on?
The upper and lower back are the most common treatment areas, but cups can work well on other areas too, particularly areas with more flesh.
On a side note, a lot of athletes use cupping. Multiple gold medal winner Olympian Michael Phelps is a big believer in this ancient practice as are a lot of Olympic gymnasts.
BOSIC’s very own podiatrist, Trevor Proskewitz, was featured on on Channel 7’s popular breakfast show Sunrise. During the segment, Trevor touched upon a range of foot-related issues. He busted myths like: “A lot of people accept that having a bit of foot pain is a normal thing to have.” He also shared practical tips such as: “Try and wear sneakers while walking to work and then change into heels.”
Podiatrist Trevor Proskewitz on Sunrise
Give Plantar Fasciitis the Boot
Do you wake up every day with a searing pain in the heel or arch of your foot? Do you then hobble about your morning routine, waiting for the pain to subside? Ouch! Looks like you’ve got plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia (a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toe on the bottom of your foot) becomes irritated and inflamed, causing heel pain. It is a common symptom of overtraining and can severely hinder your athletic abilities if left unaddressed.
While plantar fasciitis is painful, the podiatry team at BOSIC can treat it fairly easily. From getting you fitted with the correct shoes to preparing a fitness program tailored to your needs, the expert podiatrists at our footinjuryclinic will get you back on your feet in no time.
Keep Calm – The Space Studio has a Special Offer
BOSIC’s next door neighbour, The Space Studio, is opening its doors to you – literally. All BOSIC clients get 50% off an Introductory offer which allows you to try the Studio for two weeks of unlimited classes for just $25! Use it or lose it by 5th April 2018.
Select the class you would like to commence your 2-week pass.
Create an account.
Enter the promo code HEALTH50 on checkout to receive 50% off.
Eating Right During Easter
The Easter holidays are right around the corner. A good time to take a break, relax and rejuvenate. But if you’ve hatched a plan to eat all your kids’ Easter eggs (Mmm, those Lindt chocolate bunnies!), better read this 4-Point Plan to curb those unhealthy Easter Egg-stravagances.
Make it a Good Friday: (and Saturday, and Sunday.) Start each holiday with a protein-rich breakfast – yes, real eggs instead of chocolate ones. Foods like hot cross buns are full of sugar and processed carbs, making your blood sugar spike and then drop sharply. Choose healthy snack options like a handful of nuts, veggie sticks with hummus, a protein shake, or cheese with an apple every time you feel the munchies coming on.
Portion Control: The holidays are not an excuse to go overboard. Yes, you’re probably going to have a seafood feast on Good Friday, but watch your portions. Fill up on fresh salads (hold the aioli dressing). Remember, everything in moderation. So, that’s one hot cross bun; not four.
Plan Ahead: Don’t forget to stock up on fresh produce before your local Woolies closes for Good Friday. And when you catch up with friends and family, offer to cook a dish or two so that you know exactly what you’re eating. Instead of processed snacks laden with additives, preservatives and sugar, reach for real food. Also make sure you’re well hydrated – we often mistake thirst for hunger.
No Guilt: If you’re going to grab an Easter treat, think quality over quantity. Choose dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) over the cheap and nasty Easter eggs filled with sugar and palm oil. If you do overindulge, shake it off with some exercise. Psst! The best time to break your diet is immediately after a strenuous workout while your metabolism is still firing.
