HOW TO COPE WITH WINTER THREATS: FIRE CUPPING, ESSENTIAL OILS AND AT HOME TIPS
Written by: Chantal Owen, CMT + CR + CCA
With the cold, flu and allergy seasons upon us, we wanted to give the inside scoop on the ways Thrive can help aid your recovery and at-home tips to get through this season.
Luckily so far our winter has been very mild this year yet the yoyo effect between the cold and warm days has left many of us struggling with upper respiratory infections, cough, stuffiness, fatigue, and extremely annoying sinus congestion.
Many gentle yet effective remedies are available to our disposal to get a hang of the side effects of seasonal transitions.
Did you know that fire cupping with topical application of essential oils can help support the respiratory system while breaking up phlegm? This technique can speed up recovery and help the body expel mucus, open up airways, decongest the chest and sinuses by promoting drainage and reduce inflammation.
In as little as 30 minutes you can take a deeper breath, relieve headaches due to congestion, feel a boost of energy by stimulating the immune system and fight off viruses, bacteria or fungi that have taken over your body!
You might be asking yourself, “what is fire cupping?”
Fire cupping is a variation of cupping that incorporates the use of fire/heat in a painless way to alleviate chronic pain and other health conditions. This kind of cupping incorporates a degree of warmth with the flame that adds additional benefits, such as opening the chest and lungs, halting migraines, and alleviating cramps.
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Chantal’s tips and tricks for the cold and flu season:
1. LOAD UP IN VITAMINS AND ESSENTIAL OILS!
Vitamin C (2000mg daily or more if sick):
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Boosts immune and circulatory systems
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Helps with stress and inflammation
Magnesium:
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Magnesium chloride: helps the mind and the body to promote restful sleep, digestion, and bone health
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Magnesium sulfate: or also known as Epsom salt for sore muscles often used in the bath – adding a few drops of essential oils of wintergreen, lavender or any of your favorites (nonirritant to the mucosa) to the salt will increase the benefits of relaxation
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Magnesium glycinate: helps with stress and digestion
Throughout the day diffuse essential oils of lemon, jade lemon, orange, tangerine, lime, lemongrass for their uplifting, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic properties which can promote positivity, vitality, happiness, confidence, strength and support the respiratory system while purifying the air.
2. BE ACTIVE!
Daily minimal physical activity such as walking, biking, going up and downstairs, yoga, pilates for at least 30 minutes is necessary to maximize all body functions. WE ARE MOVING BEINGS! Using essential oils of peppermint, cypress, cistus, copaiba, balsam fir, black pepper, spruce or marjoram can promote a feeling of comfort, stimulation, energy and motivate one’s desire to stay active. Using an essential oil necklace can be an easy way to maintain access throughout the day of your favorite oils without interfering with other people’s scent preferences or sensitivities and with no need for external powered or battery-operated devices.
3. BREATHE!
Diaphragmatic breathing with a focus on rhythm to calm down a hyperactive nervous system is a simple and accessible technique for all, anywhere and at all times. A drop of essential oil of eucalyptus, ravintsara, juniper, balsam fir, hyssop, cajeput or spruce under the nose or on the wrists can help open up airways, clear mucus and discharge, relieve pressure and congestion or simply enhance the quality of the breath.
Increasing the amount of oxygen-rich blood to the body can be enhanced by essential oil diffusion that cleanses polluted air from chemicals, airborne bacteria, and viruses such as myrtle, lavandin, lemon, lemongrass, citronella, tea tree, cinnamon bark, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, mountain savory, oregano, marjoram, sage or clove.
4. REST!
Allowing the mind, body, and spirit to rest from a high speed, toxic and stressful life is not a luxury.
Self-care such as massage, meditation, prayers, and any modality focused on oneself to release tension, heal, stay grounded and recharge will prove to be cumulatively effective when integrated into one’s daily routine.
Meet Chantal
Chantal is a Certified Massage Therapist, as well as Certified Clinical Aromatherapist and Reflexologist. She has been practicing for 10+ years, but her passion for healing and helping others started when she was very young. She strongly believes in the healing power of touch and adores her craft. Chantal is a humble provider that cares for others physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through her artistic and intuitive bodywork, she offers the sum of her own life experiences, skills and knowledge to provide clients with the most valuable session that they can receive for ultimate mind + body healing.