 What is cupping? Cupping is a traditional therapy dating back to as old as 1500 BC. It has been present in ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, Indian and Korean civilisations. Cupping involves placing specially designed cups onto the skin to create a vacuum seal. This gentle suction stimulates blood circulation, reduces pain, promotes lymphatic drainage, and helps release toxins and metabolic waste from the body’s tissues. Suction from cupping draws fluid into the treated area. This suction force expands and breaks open tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under your skin. Your body replenishes the cupped areas with healthier blood flow which supports the body’s natural healing processes. Benefits of Cupping Therapy This therapy targets myofascial pain, which often manifests as muscle knots or trigger points. Cupping therapy gently stretches and loosens the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles), allowing the muscles to relax and the trigger points to release. This process helps alleviate myofascial pain and restore normal muscle function. What to Expect During a Cupping Session During your session, the therapist will create a vacuum on your skin using cups and a manual pump. The cups look like large, round bulbs with wide mouths. When placed on your skin, the vacuum draws your skin in, starting the therapy. Sessions usually last about five to ten minutes. What to do After a Cupping Session Increase your water intake to help flush out toxins released during the session. You might feel a bit feverish as your body processes the toxins. This is normal. Fatigue is common after cupping. Rest is essential for recovery. Round red marks may appear on the skin. Cover these areas to protect them from sun. What to avoid After Cupping Therapy For at least 4-6 hours post-treatment, avoid: Caffeine, as it can negate the tension release benefits. Alcohol, as It interferes with the detoxifying effects. Sugar, as it can halt the detox process as your body processes glucose. Meat and Dairy, hormones in these foods can disrupt your body’s balance. Avoid hot or cold environments that can cause stiffness. Intense Exercise: Opt for light activities like walking or stretching. Common Side Effects Most people don’t experience side effects, but some common ones include: Fatigue, headache, body ache and lightheadedness. Symptoms typically resolve within a few hours. In summary Cupping is a great way to detox your body and feel better. While the process isn’t painful, you might experience some side effects afterward. Be gentle with your body and rest as needed to maximise the therapy’s effectiveness. If you have more questions, ask Stina during your next session. Stina Wangqvist is an osteopath based in the Northern Rivers, NSW (Lennox Head). If you are interested in finding out more information or would like to book an appointment, please contact the clinic by phone (0409 052 292) or book an appointment on this site. Sources 1. National Center for Biotechnology Information 2. Harvard Health
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 What is Dry Needling? Dry needling is a popular technique used by osteopaths and other healthcare professionals to relieve muscle pain and improve function. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in Western medicine principles and focuses on treating musculoskeletal issues. Dry needling involves inserting thin, sterile needles into trigger points (tight bands of muscle or knots under the skin). The needles cause a local twitch response within a trigger point, releasing the body’s pain-relieving chemicals. By inserting a needle into a muscle, the brain’s “pain gate” is closed and potentially resulting in increased blood flow, tension and pain relief in that specific area. Dry needling is considered safe, effective, and consistent with the general scope of practice for physical therapists. Dry needling typically takes 5-15 minutes and is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes manual therapy, heat, exercise, and education. Benefits of Dry Needling It helps alleviate chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. It releases tight muscles, enhancing flexibility and range of motion. Promotes quicker healing of muscle injuries by boosting blood circulation and can help decrease inflammation in affected areas, leading to quicker recovery. What to Expect During Treatment Your first session will begin with a thorough assessment of your condition. The practitioner will identify the trigger points and discuss the treatment plan with you. The needle insertion is usually quick and causes minimal discomfort. Some patients might feel a slight twitch or cramp as the muscle reacts, but this is normal and indicates that the treatment is working. Post-Treatment After the session, you might experience mild soreness in the treated areas, similar to the feeling after an intense workout. This is temporary and should subside within a day or two. Drinking plenty of water and gentle stretching can help alleviate any discomfort. Why Choose Dry Needling? Dry needling offers a targeted approach to pain relief and muscle rehabilitation. It is especially beneficial for athletes and active individuals looking to enhance performance and prevent injuries. With minimal side effects and proven effectiveness, it’s a valuable tool in managing musculoskeletal pain. If you’re considering dry needling, consult with a qualified osteopath to determine if it’s the right option for your specific needs. This treatment could be the key to unlocking a pain-free and more active lifestyle. When is Dry Needling Used? Dry needling can increase the range of motion in tight and hypertonic muscles. Other applications include: Joint problems like arthritis and bursitis. Back and hip pain, including disc degeneration and sciatica. Tendinitis. Scar tissue. Headaches. Whiplash. Repetitive motion disorders. Night cramps. Jaw and mouth problems such as toothache and temporomandibular joint dysfunction Side Effects and Precautions Common side effects include: Soreness during or after treatment. Minimal bleeding at insertion sites. Bruising. Fainting. Fatigue Is Dry Needling Right for You? Most people can undergo dry needling, but check with your doctor if you have: Pregnancy (especially during the first trimester). Bleeding disorders. Vascular diseases Lymphedema. Blood-thinning medication. Compromised immune system. Diabetes. Epilepsy Dry needling is not recommended for individuals with open wounds, ongoing infections, impaired healing ability, bleeding disorders, or a fear of needles without consent. Dry needling offers a valuable treatment option for various musculoskeletal issues. If you think it might benefit you, consult a qualified osteopath to explore how it can be integrated into your treatment plan. Stina Wangqvist is an osteopath based in the Northern Rivers, NSW (Lennox Head). If you are interested in finding out more information or would like to book an appointment, please contact the clinic by phone (0409 052 292) or book an appointment on this site.  How do you sleep at night? Do you struggle to fall asleep at night or wake up and toss and turn for no reason? You’re not alone. About 40% struggle to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night and only about 20% of Australians report sleeping uninterrupted. Quality sleep is essential for overall well-being. Lack of sufficient rest can negatively impact both mental and physical health.This blog explores the anatomy and physiology of sleep and offers practical tips for a good night’s sleep. How Much Sleep Do You Need? Your sleep-wake cycle is influenced by multiple factors; like light exposure, age, diet, activity levels, medical conditions, medications, stress, and sleep environment. Newborns sleep the most, around 18 hours per day, while young children need about 12 hours. Teenagers typically require 9 hours, and adults generally need 7-8 hours. Women in their first trimester may need more sleep, while the elderly often experience shorter, more interrupted sleep. Sleep Stages: Sleep consists of four stages: Awake, Light, Deep, and REM sleep. Awake: Time spent in bed before and after sleep. Light: Muscles relax, heart and breath rate slow, temperature drops, and sleep begins or transitions between cycles. It It is easy to wake up. Deep: Blood pressure drops, muscle repair and growth occur, the brain flushes waste, and long slow brain waves are present. It is harder to wake up, and you may feel disoriented if awoken. REM (Rapid Eye Movement): Increased heart rate and respiration, vivid dreams, and muscle immobility to prevent acting out dreams. This stage benefits memory, learning, and problem-solving. Each stage plays a crucial role in maintaining health. During an ideal night’s sleep, your body cycles through these stages sequentially, with early cycles featuring more deep sleep and later cycles more REM. Most of the night is spent in light sleep.  What Happens Physically During Sleep?
While you sleep, your body rests and restores, but some parts of the brain remain active: Hypothalamus: Controls sleep and arousal, receiving light exposure information from the eyes to regulate behavioural rhythms. Brain Stem: Communicates with the hypothalamus to transition between wake and sleep, relaxing muscles to prevent acting out dreams, and producing neurotransmitters to keep the brain active when awake. Thalamus: Relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex, active during light sleep, sending images, sounds, and sensations that fill our dreams. Pineal Gland: Increases melatonin production to induce sleep when lights go down. Amygdala: Processing emotions, most active during REM sleep. Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep Set a regular bedtime routine: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Choose the right mattress and pillows: Experiment to find your preferred firmness and support. Exercise daily: Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, with enough time between exercise and sleep. Avoid stimulants: Steer clear of caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol before bed. Avoid devices before bed. Reduce blue light exposure by reading a book or stretching instead. Wind down before bed: Take a warm bath or read a book. Limit liquid intake: Avoid large volumes of liquid to prevent midnight trips to the bathroom. Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep the lights out and maintain a comfortable room temperature. Osteopathy and Sleep As osteopaths, we believe in the relationship between structure and function. Osteopathic techniques cater to all bodily systems, including the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, visceral, and cranial. For chronic insomnia, regular osteopathic manipulative medicine can help restore balance and improve sleep quality. Remember, sleep is vital for recovery. Experiment with these tips to find what works best for you. Focus on progress rather than perfection, as sleep needs and preferences are unique to each individual. Stina Wangqvist is an osteopath based in the Northern Rivers, NSW (Lennox Head). If you are interested in finding out more information or would like to book an appointment, please contact the clinic by phone (0409 052 292) or book an appointment on this site. References: For more detailed information including articles and reports please check Sleep Health Foundation and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/ https://www.racgp.org.au/ Images / Istockphoto  Winter brings cold temperatures that can exacerbate aches and joint pain, making it useful to maintain regular osteopathic treatments. Regular sessions with an osteopath can significantly alleviate discomfort and improve overall well-being during the colder months. Cold weather often leads to muscle stiffness and joint pain as low temperatures cause muscles to contract and reduce circulation. This can result in decreased mobility and increased pain, particularly for individuals with arthritis or chronic joint conditions. Using techniques like stretching, massage, and joint manipulation can help to enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and improve flexibility. Osteopaths provide personalised exercise and stretching programs tailored to an individual’s specific needs. These exercises are designed to strengthen muscles, support joints, and enhance flexibility, which is crucial in preventing injuries and managing pain during winter. Osteopaths offer advice on lifestyle changes and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on the body, further contributing to pain management and overall health. Moreover, regular osteopathic treatments can boost the immune system by promoting better circulation and lymphatic drainage, helping the body to fend off common winter illnesses. This holistic approach ensures that individuals not only manage their pain but also maintain their general health and well-being throughout the winter. Regular osteopathic treatment is vital for combating winter-induced aches and joint pain. By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing flexibility, osteopathy provides comprehensive care that helps individuals stay active and healthy during the colder months. Stina Wangqvist is an osteopath based in the Northern Rivers, NSW (Lennox Head). If you are interested in finding out more information or would like to book an appointment, please contact the clinic by phone (0409 05 22 92), or book an appointment here: https://www.stinayogaosteo.com/book-online.html References:
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