Looking for Relaxation
At work and at school, we are taught to ‘think outside the box’. Why not apply that advice to relaxation as well? In today’s fast paced world, finding a relaxation technique that works for you should be anything but stressful! No matter what your schedule is like, there is always a way to work in time to relax. Whether you prefer to relax in the comfort of your own home, or out with a group, there are a wide array of techniques and one is sure to fit your own personal style.
Relaxation can be as internal and thoughtful as meditating and practicing mindfulness or as external and physical as techniques like cupping and acupuncture. While some of these techniques may be new to you, you’d be surprised to know that many have been around since ancient times.
What’s the Deal with Cupping?
While the mainstream media didn’t really mention cupping until the 2016 Olympics, the therapy has been around for thousands of years and originated in China. The earliest recording of cupping was by famed Taoist alchemist and herbalist, Ge Hong (281–341 A.D.)
Cupping is a physical therapy that would be a great option for those who enjoy massages. Originally done with animal horns, and later bamboo, cups for this therapy are now made from glass or sturdy silicone. A cup is applied to the skin (usually on the back) and the pressure in the cup is reduced so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. This reduces tension and inflammation.
In some cases, the cup may be moved while the skin is still in the cup, this is called glided cupping. Cupping often follows the point selection pattern that is used for another physical therapy, standard acupuncture.
Acupuncture
Fear of needles is the number one thing that holds people back from the benefits that acupuncture can offer them. Even if you do not like needles, you might be comforted by the fact that acupuncture pins are hair-thin and nothing like the medical needles we are accustomed to (and afraid of!)
Like cupping, acupuncture originated in China and has been around for thousands of years. Acupuncture made its way into Western culture at the end of the twentieth century due in part to the NIH publishing studies that concluded that acupuncture was successful in relieving nausea and pain.
Traditional acupuncture theory believes that energy (called qi, pronounced “chee”) flows within the human body and this energy needs to be balanced for optimal health. This theory believes that this qi moves through the body along 12 main channels, or ‘meridians’. While these meridians do not follow the exact pathways of nerves or blood flow, a study by the WHO confirmed that acupuncture affects the central nervous system and stimulates electromagnetic signals throughout the body.
There’s a Therapist for That?
When you hear the word “therapist” you might picture sitting or lying on a couch while talking about all of your problems. While traditional therapy is incredibly helpful, there are many types of alternative therapies that can help provide detox for negative emotions.
Energy Therapy
Energy therapy is a category of complimentary therapies that focus on balancing or correcting the flow of energy throughout your body. Energy therapists (aka early shamans) have been around for thousands of years. Today, modern energy therapy can also include the use of lights, sound, and magnets.
Musical Therapy
In addition to sound therapy, musical therapy is also an option. Studies have shown that musical therapy can be helpful in not only emotional wellbeing, but in physical rehabilitation as well. Records of music positively affecting mood go back to the beginning of civilization. As a modern profession, musical therapists began to emerge after the first World War, when they traveled to veteran hospitals to raise spirits.
Touch Therapy
Developed in the early 1970’s by Nursing Professor Dolores Krieger and Natural Healer Dora Kunz, therapeutic touch is a form of energy therapy. The therapist will lay their hands (usually slightly hovering over the patient’s body) in different areas to correct and balance energy fields. Scientists theorize that this type of therapy is effective because cells are restored and because of electromagnetic energy from the iron in our blood.
Plant Based Remedies to Feel Grounded
Nature gives us an abundance of plants that can help melt away the stress of everyday life. From edible infusions like teas and tonics, to scented oils and sprays, the essence of these plants is often distilled for use in a variety of ways. Common soothing plants include lavender, chamomile, jasmine, rosemary, and valerian.
Finally- Just Breathe! But Thoughtfully
I know what you’re thinking, “I am already breathing!” While it is true that our brain takes care of basic functions, breathing mindfully can take a little more work. According to Harvard Health studies, deep breathing that causes full oxygen exchange which helps to regulate both your heart rate and blood pressure leading to overall relaxation. Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Breathwork for more information.
Find Your Calm
As the world begins to embrace relaxation as part of overall well-being and necessary self-care, many of these relaxation methods are becoming more wide-spread and readily available. Mental health is intrinsically tied to physical health. The more relaxed you are, the better you will feel, and the better you will perform in everyday life. As with exercise or diets, please consult with your physician before trying any of these treatments for the first time.
Editors Note:
As the Coronavirus Pandemic continues to evolve, and certain activities remain closed, we at California Psychics realize that some of the relaxation techniques featured in this article may not be currently available for you to try. We encourage you to continue to follow CDC guidelines concerning public interaction, any social distancing and quarantine laws currently in place in your city/state, and the advice of your doctors concerning Coronavirus.
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