“One of the myriad environmental factors that has been associated with the development of RA is stress, and it is widely reported to be a key trigger of flares. Reducing stress can help to decrease pain in the immediate moment, and will also help to decrease the allostatic load on a person’s body over the long-term. Massage and Craniosacral Therapy are fantastic ways to manage stress and reduce the toll it takes on the body.”

“Cupping is a therapeutic technique which uses cups to apply suction to the skin, which increases local blood flow and releases restrictions in soft tissue. Research has shown that cupping can decrease pain in areas treated, increase range of motion, and even help with such conditions as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and plantar heel pain.”

“Cupping can increase range of motion where it is restricted (such as in the shoulder or neck), and to relieve pain and stiffness in muscles and other tissues. Cupping in combination with massage is a powerful technique - and my clients love the results!”

Between the full stop of the Winter Equinox and the quickening of Spring, we are suspended. This is a time for introspection, for integration of lessons from the deep work we’ve done during the winter, and for dreaming of what will come next. We are living in the liminal space between dark and light, death and birth, and we are invited to revel and doze in the interface between wisdom and curiosity.

This is a time of a year when, for many of us, we are bombarded by difficult and draining forces. It is darker and colder. We slow down, our energy stores are lower, our bodies are craving warmth and comfort, we sleep more. Add to these seasonal changes the hustle and potential strain of the holiday season, and many people will find themselves emotionally burdened and stressed. 

Depression and other affective disorders may also rear up during this season in destabilizing ways.