Cupping. Yes it looks like a hickey.

Hi all! What a great day. Yes, it is totally hot but I love it!! My AC broke during the hottest day in Boston a couple days ago. It will be fixed tomorrow, but until then my windows are open and the breeze is making its way in.

During the week I train some clients at my apartment, but since it has been so hot in here without the AC we have opted for the outside! They really enjoyed the outside butt kick.

Image
Image

I had these girls running up and down the hill, lifting light weights, holding planks,and doing push ups, traveling lunches, burpees, abs, and butt work. Anything and everything. It was an awesome sweat fest!

Image
Image

Do not be alarmed! It looks worse than it feels. It looks like giant hickeys on my body, but it is actually the result of cupping. For the past month my neck has been a little off. I would usually go for a massage but this time I did something different; cupping. I am no "cupping" expert but I do know it is an ancient Chinese alternative medicine technique. There are these glass cup type things placed on your back (or I am assuming you can put them anywhere) and then there is a pump that creates a suction between the cup and your skin. Cupping is thought to increase the blood flow and energy in some blocked up areas which helps promote healing and clears toxins from your body.

Not only did I cup, but I did acupuncture too! The whole thing was a cool experience. I was more nervous about the acupuncture than the cups. Acupuncture was great though. It was amazing to see the different sensations my body went through. Some parts of my back got tingly and in other areas I got a weird sensation the moment she placed the needles in my back.. When she took out the needles some areas felt a little "hot" for about 5 seconds. I think everyone reacts differently.I am curious to see what my next session will bring.

Then came the actual cupping. It was very cool feeling, actually relaxing. NOT painful, even though the bruising after looks terrible.

Image
Image

So now, three days later, I do feel better. It was NOT an immediate feeling of total relief like I thought it would be. In fact I felt almost worse a day after my first treatment. I was even more tight. Today I do feel better. I think in my case I may need more than one treatment. I would totally try it again.  Have you ever received acupuncture or cupping? What was your experience?

After my cupping I headed to Portsmouth NH for a weekend of fun for my friends bachelorette! I walked around the city with hickeys on my back, but I only got a few weird looks!

 It was my first time in Portsmouth! Such a cute little place. We ate good food and went out dancing of course (I even had late night pizza!! WHAT??!?!)

I am off to film your video for this week! See you :)

Image
Image
Posted on July 22, 2013 and filed under Uncategorized.