Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1505456
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 87 Then, start another pass at the edge of the lips, glide up toward the TMJ, and release. Next, begin at the outer fl are of the nose and move up toward the TMJ. Then, repeat these three passes on the opposite side and/or add 2–3 additional passes in these areas. This will help lift the face, reduce jaw tension, diminish TMJD symptoms, and drain the sinuses. 3. Begin on the delicate tissue of the medial side under the eye. Use the smallest cup and glide outward toward the temple. If you have diffi culty sliding, try "fi sh bites." (Start by (1) squeezing and releasing the cup to generate mild suction; (2) squeezing the cup and sliding 1 inch [or less]; and (3) releasing the squeeze to generate a gentle "fi sh bite" sensation.) 4. Repeat several times as you move from the inner eye to the temple, using a gentle hand. The skin around your eyes is notoriously delicate, so make sure you're not pulling or tugging. Repeat on the opposite side. 5. Finish your facial cupping practice with the forehead. Start in the center of your forehead and move the cup out toward the side of your ear or temples. This part is great for horizontal forehead lines, brow furrow lines, and tension-related headaches. Note that you may notice some redness during or after the cupping, but this will fade shortly. This routine can be done as part of a weekly ritual or any time you need some facial tension relief, an instant facial lift, an immunity boost, or an infusion of joy and self-care. • Prep your skin by cleansing and then massaging an oil, lotion, or serum over your entire face so the cup can smoothly glide across your skin. • Gently squeeze the cup and apply it to the skin, then release it to create the negative pressure or suction. Prep for Self-Cupping Facial • If the suction feels too pinched, release the cup and squeeze again lightly to fi nd your preferred intensity (if it feels pinched, you're likely using too much negative pressure). • Keep the cups moving across your face to avoid blemishes, purpura, or petechiae (in other words, don't leave a stationary cup in one place on your face for more than 5 seconds, or you may create the appearance of a bruise). • Avoid areas of broken skin, active breakouts, rosacea, eczema fl are-ups, or rashes. Steps for Self-Cupping Facial 1. Begin by placing a facial cup just below the ear or at the superior attachment of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). Glide the cup toward the clavicle, following the length of the SCM. Repeat several times on both sides. Focusing on this area is a way to reduce neck tension and boost your lymphatic drainage. 2. Now start at the jawline, gliding from the chin toward the ear. Release the cup near the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Resources Abdur-Rahim, Y. "Everything You Need to Know About Facial Cupping." Last modifi ed on October 2, 2018. www.healthline. com/health/facial-cupping. Sonja (Sofya) Lyubomirsky. https://sonjalyubomirsky.com. WATCH: "A DOSE OF BLISS: SELF-CUPPING MINI-FACIALS" 1. Open your camera 2. Scan the code 3. Tap on notification SAV V Y SELF-CARE According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, adding more joy to your daily routine can amplify your feelings of life satisfaction and increase the frequency of positive feelings you experience like pride, curiosity, enthusiasm, tranquility, and well-being. As you change and grow, so can your awareness of joyful triggers. Asking yourself what brings you joy daily and opening yourself to discovering more— then sprinkling in what you love—reaffirms your self-worth and dedication to your own care. This fuels your ever-evolving self-care style. Filling your day with what fills you up seems so simple, yet it has a huge impact on how good you feel and how good it feels to give to and be with others. Find moments to saturate in joy and love every day. Heath and Nicole Reed are co-founders of Living Metta (living "loving kindness"), a continuing education company now offering touch therapy tools and self-care practices in their online community. They also lead workshops and retreats across the country and overseas and have been team-teaching touch and movement therapy for over 20 years. In addition to offering live classes, Heath and Nicole are life coaches offering home study, bodywork, self-care videos, and online courses that nourish you. Try their community free for 30 days at livingmetta.com/trial.