Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/694071
SOMA CUPPING C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 63 for lack of a better phrase, because of the increased proprioceptive feedback. The result is a better internal map. Muscles that may have become dormant have a chance to revive thanks to improved nervous system conduction, while improved muscle activation can hold the fascial system in better alignment and improve posture. "Fascia, nevertheless, is densely innervated by mechanoreceptors that are responsive to manual pressure," Schleip continues. "Stimulation of these sensory receptors has been shown to lead to a lowering of sympathetic tonus, as well as a change in local tissue viscosity. Fascia and the autonomic nervous system appear to be intimately connected." 2 Embedded within the fascia are untold numbers of proprioceptors that feed information to the CNS. Dating back to 1957, researchers found there are 10 times more sensory nerve endings in fascia than in muscles. 3 Mechanoreceptors, nociceptors, chemoreceptors, thermoreceptors, and baroreceptors all give the CNS vital information about our moment-to- moment status. These proprioceptors create an internal map that dictates (among many other things) whether we should be in a sympathetic or parasympathetic state. The better the map, the more likely we are to move our clients into pain-free movement and enhance regulation of their nervous systems. There is a key phrase in Schleip's statement that should be further examined: "... a change in local tissue viscosity." Manual therapies improve the levels of interstitial fluids. What, then, is the most efficient way to improve viscosity between sliding tissues? Dynamic movement is certainly the number-one way. Our lymphatic systems don't work well unless we move. What happens, though, if there is an injury and our clients can't move freely? Or if we are working on someone who sits in the same position for 8–12 hours a day? We can press down on the tissues, flex them, stretch them, slap them like bongos (kidding, but …). All of these things help increase fluid movement in the interstitial tissues. There is another way, though. We can apply suction. THE BENEFITS OF SOMA CUPPING By using Soma Cupping, we can lift and separate tissues off of each other. This movement bathes the fascial structures in fluids; as a result, the matrix gets rehydrated and made more pliable. Think of a sponge when it's in a dry, contracted state versus a sponge with water in it. The dried-out sponge is rigid, but the physical bonds that make up the structure of the sponge don't change. If fluid is reintroduced, it becomes supple again. There are several advantages to using Soma Cupping, including application directly to the spine to affect the intraspinal muscles that are too small and too deep to be massaged directly, and utilization of rotational forces applied to the fascial web—something hands-on therapy can't duplicate. (Note: you can use any brand of cups while (800) 409-0995 www.AncientHealingOils.com All Orders over $60 use the Discount code MB16 and receive a 16% discount and FREE Shipping (domestic orders only) orders over $35 receive Free Shipping www.GoAHO.com Ancient Healing Oils is known the world over for High Quality and Super Customer Service.