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64 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k j u l y / a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 employing these techniques, but I have found that clear silicone cups are easiest to work with.) Soma Cupping is also an effective tool for relieving trigger points, as trigger points are ischemic in nature. Simply place a cup on the area of tenderness for 20–40 seconds. The area will turn pink as blood and lymphatic fl uids are drawn into the area under the cup. Recheck for tenderness after the cup is released. Soma Cupping is also an exceptional treatment for dealing with scars. Scars bind and restrict the fascial web. Scar tissue may also interfere with CNS conduction. While Soma Cupping can't erase scar tissue, it can loosen the adhesions and stimulate proprioceptive feedback. For the therapist, cupping massage is also a hand-saver. Over the last 20 years, I have had several hand, wrist, and forearm issues. I now spend 20–60 percent of my bodywork sessions employing Soma Cupping. Letting the cups do the work has been a boon, and I don't feel like I am shortchanging my clients. In fact, I feel like I am giving them state-of-the-art work. APPLICATION Let's look at a practical demonstration of how Soma Cupping can be used for structural balancing: 1. With the client standing, place your thumbs on top of both crests of the ilium (Image 1). Measure for an imbalance across the horizontal plane (i.e., is one side higher than the other?). 2. Repeat the test with the client in a seated position (Note: the seated surface should be as fl at and fi rm as possible so as to not alter the test). Measure for differences in hip height (Image 2). 3. Compare the results. • If the hip imbalance is worse while seated, then the high hip is being pulled up. • If the hip imbalance is worse while standing, then the low hip is being pulled down. • If one hip is high when both seated and standing, use the treatment for whichever test has a greater discrepancy. 4 Approved by the NCBTMB (409296-00), AMTA, ABMP, and state boards. All courses come with a satisfaction guarantee. SAVE 20% on all CE Courses! 70+ Courses online! CE hours Cost Sale 24 Course Packages $280 $225 20 Sports Massage $220 $176 20 Neuromuscular Therapy $220 $176 18 Cupping Therapy $200 $160 18 Medical Massage $190 $152 18 Trigger Point Therapy $190 $152 18 Spa Bodywork $190 $152 17 Orthopedic Massage $180 $144 16 Myofascial Release $175 $140 15 Stone Massage $175 $140 15 Deep Tissue $160 $128 14 Reflexology $150 $120 12 Managing Pain $135 $108 11 Low Back Pain $125 $100 10 Essential Oils $110 $88 10 Cancer & Massage $110 $88 9 Elderly Massage $100 $80 9 Acupressure Basics $95 $76 8 Postural Assessment $90 $72 8 Prescription Medication $90 $72 7 Massage & Fibromyalgia $75 $60 7 Massage & TMJ $75 $60 6 Massage & Migraines $65 $52 6 Ethics and Research $60 $50 6 Business Management $65 $52 6 General Aromatherapy $65 $52 5 Reiki Basics $55 $44 5 Infant Massage $55 $44 5 Massage & Carpal Tunnel $55 $44 4 All about Marketing $45 $36 4 Startup Guide $45 $36 4 Ethics for Therapists $45 $36 3 HIV/AIDS $35 $28 3 Ethics Refresher $35 $28 3 Ethics: Communication $35 $28 3 Research Education $35 $28 2 Ethics in Massage $25 $20 2 Medical Errors $25 $20 2 Social Networking $25 $20 1 Cultural Competence $15 $12 1 Ethics Q&A $15 $12 75+ Courses Online! FREE 1 hour Ethics course! www.massagetherapyceu.com Summer Savings CE Hours at Home! www.massagetherapyceu.com 866-784-5940 Save 20% on your next order! Use Code ABMP20 While Soma Cupping can't erase scar tissue, it can loosen the adhesions and stimulate proprioceptive feedback.