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Both of my kids went away to overnight camp a few weeks ago. This meant, “Me” time and I needed it. One of the first things I wanted to do was get a massage and acupuncture. Unfortunately, there were no acupuncture appointments available but I could get a full body 90 minute massage. Sign me up!
It was a great day. I slept in. Had a healthy salad for lunch and took a walk. When it came
for my massage, I was ready for my day to get even better. I came in toting my own massage oil. (Doesn’t everyone do this?). I had sore shoulder and lower back and I’ve fallen in love the Now Foods Arnica Warming Relief Massage Oil. I love Arnica for achiness and bruising; now add it to an oil and I’m head over heels in love. This warming oil is perfect for aches and pains. It’s made with a blend of sunflower seed oil, extra virgin olive oil, Arnica Oil, a blend of aroma oils and vitamin E. Therefore, it smells amazing, provides immediate warmth and makes your skin softer.
Luckily, my massage therapist, Shannon, was okay with me bringing my own oil and loves Now Foods products. In fact, as I laid on the table adjusting my sheets and head, she went on-and-on about the quality and how excited she was to use this oil and try it. When she started the massage, she began to tell me about how she was going to do some cupping and fascia blasting. I had heard of both and I was eager and nervous.
Would it hurt? That was my biggest concern.
She was honest; it might hurt a little but not bad.
What is Cupping Therapy?
An ancient technique where glass jars are used on the skin to create a vacuum against your skin, causing your skin to rise and blood vessels to expand. It’s said that it removes toxins and promotes healing. Cupping can be done with a stationary placement or a gliding motion.
My Verdict: Shannon uses a gliding motion to create a cupping massage. There were no bruises and it hurt but nothing like a deep tissue massage. I’ve had deep tissue massages that have made me cry. This is a hurt so good feeling!
What is Fascia Blasting Therapy?
Special tools are used to break up fascia adhesion’s. Fascia is a thin sheath of fibrous tissues enclosing muscles and organs. Fascia is weaved throughout the entire body and sometimes weaves together, which is where Fascia blasting therapy helps. Fascia blasting therapy is said to help reduce pain, flexibility and improve the look of cellulite. I’ve also been told it can help with frozen shoulder, hip pain, ankle pain and plantar fasciitis. Read More: What is Fascia from Ashley Black.
In fact, there’s a book called The Cellulite Myth: It’s Not Fat, It’s Fascia. If you suffer with cellulite and you’ve tried everything, check this out. My sister is having regular Fascia therapy treatments and it has lessened the look of her cellulite significantly. Again, this is her experience. Everyone is different.
My Verdict: It did not hurt and I had no bruising. In fact, my ankle (I broke it in November) felt great afterwards and my lower back was no longer hurting.
Fascia Blasting & Cupping Therapy
In a nutshell, it was the best massage I have ever had. I felt great during the massage and after the massage. The Arnica Warming Relief Massage Oil was the cherry on top; I won’t do another massage without bringing it with me. Moreover, Shannon the massage therapist likes the oil too!
I will definitely be visiting my friend at ShannonKiernanlmt and her practice very soon!
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. You should always speak with your health care provider and only use a certified massage therapist. Do your research. I am a NOW Foods Ambassador, I am compensated for my time. All opinions are my own.
Tell me, what do you think of Fascia Blasting Therapy and Cupping Therapy?