Flood tales, Massage & Cupping, and continuing to help.
In September 2013, several Colorado communities suffered major devastation when flash floods ripped through small mountain towns and canyons. The towns of Lyons, Salina, Jamestown, and Estes Park are all still suffering. Many have lost their homes, while others were without electricity or running water for weeks or longer. Boulder and Fort Collins have areas devastated, too. Other out-of-town communities still struggle, such as Coal Creek Canyon.
"We're just glad to be alive" and "We still have each other" are common sentiments. Mountainfolk are hearty-hardy people who stick together. Every summer along the Front Range, wildfires seem to take another town. But no one was prepared for the floods. Some were ripped out of their homes in mudslides, while others had to wait to be rescued from their rooftops by the National Guard. Roads crumbled as their foundations were washed away, leaving residents stranded.
Now that the dust has settled...Wait, the dust hasn't settled. Heavy, stinky mud has settled. Life hasn't returned to normal for hundreds whose homes were flooded. In addition to the mess left in the wake, the seasonal weather reminds us that there is a limited amount of time to get one's home in habitable shape before the snow starts flying. So, the urgency to have a roof over one's head adds more stress.
The Psychological Stress of Recovery.
Most people choose to live in Colorado out of a respect and reverence for Mother Nature. We love the outdoors, the seasons, and the lifestyle that nature-worship affords. But right now, it's hard not to feel somehow betrayed by Mother Nature. How could such an idyllic life get swept away so quickly?
And to know that our own eco-ego ways (global warming, i.e.) are contributing to such epic spankings...well, that's a guilt, plus lifestyle overhaul, that lurks like the new elephant in the room.
The emotional and psychological stress zaps many from being able to perform the rebuilding tasks at hand. Feeling overwhelmed is common. It stops folks in their tracks, unable to tackle the pressing matters.
Dealing with insurance agencies adds to the stress. When someone says "At least they had insurance", I know that their troubles are not spared. Despite having flood coverage, many are losing the battles in seemingly cut-and-dry cases.
The Physical Stress of Recovery.
The water was an immediate challenge, when the floods arrived. But the clean-up bears physical burdens that just won't wash away.
In the recovery, flood survivors rebuild homes and shovel mud. The mud is deep and seemingly bottomless. It's heavy, and shoveling builds strong backs. So, if there was time for emotional recovery, it was obscured by the urgent physical loads to rebuild lives.
Many flood evacuees returned home to mold. Cleaning mold that is deep in walls is a difficult task that most Coloradans can't imagine. Mold...in Colorado? It's a dry state, but floods and the debris they carry brought enough water to create big-time mold. And mold spores take to the air, so many survivors struggle with respiratory problems.
Sleep has also been affected. Many flood survivors describe sleep patterns that reflect the timing of the flood events. The psychological and physical consequences of the flood have made "normal" sleep a rare occurrence for flood evacuees. Then, their lack of good-quality-rest affects everything else they do.
Massage and Cupping Therapies, with Balanced Boulder Massage & Cupping.
I have been inspired as I hear the stories of flood evacuees. I have been offering free massage therapy and cupping treatments to flood evacuees and volunteers for almost 3 months now (in my Boulder office). The tales have been tragic, stories that no one wants to tell. But the strength of communities, volunteers, and rebirthds have been uplifting! It fills me up to hear how they have been "shaking off the dust" and drying the tears.
Many flood evacuees have been working around-the-clock to restore their homes before snow-storms and winter. But when they have time to settle, they are still welcome to come to me for free treatments! My care continues, and I understand the time-crunch under which they have been.
Massage therapy's benefits include:
* Stress Relief
* Alleviate Pain & Tension
* Improve Sleep
Cupping therapy's benefits include:
* Detoxification
* Better Breathing
* More oxygen to tissues
How YOU can help.
As we give thanks during the holidays, we can express our gratitude by donating time, sweat, money and fun. You can donate to organizations (local and nation-wide) like the Lyons Musicians Relief Fund, the Lyons Community Fund, and the American Red Cross.
You can attend fund-raising events like "Wake of the Flood" concerts, too. Buy your holiday gifts at silent auctions that benefit flood survivors. And you can sweat it out and help with digging, mud-slinging, and rebuilding efforts.
This fall and winter, please keep in mind that many of your neighbors- Coloradans, fellow Americans- are still in great need due to the floods. The damage was deep and intense, and the recovery is ongoing.
Thank You!
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
Ease Knots and Tension in Soft Tissue with Cupping & MFR
What are those tension knots I get in my back and shoulders? How do I get rid of them?
Knots you feel due to tension are adhesions in your soft tissue. They are most likely in your fascia, or connective tissue, and in your muscles. These knots occur when your fascia becomes "glued down" from repetitive use or lack-of-use. Your fascia is like a giant spider web, connecting every spot in your body with every other spot.
Like glue that dries, or hardens, your fascia and soft tissue get glued tight. The tissue, itself, gets adhesions and restrictions that restrict movement and blood flow.
When you get those knots, your tissues aren't getting enough movement and circulation. Essentially, the smooth flow of chi has become blocked.
To relieve adhesions and restrictions ("snags" and "knots"), we can use cupping to perform a technique called Myofascial Release, or MFR. Watch this video about cupping and myofascial release to learn more:
For more about the piezoelectric effect, see the last post and its diagrams. In essence, your tissues harden with crystallization. Sustained pressue, held for several minutes at a time, induces the piezoelectric effect. Tissues are returned to normal, instead of staying hard and "crunchy".
Stationary cupping can be used as a form of MFR to return your body to a healthy state!
If you are getting pain or tension associated with connective tissue,
Knots you feel due to tension are adhesions in your soft tissue. They are most likely in your fascia, or connective tissue, and in your muscles. These knots occur when your fascia becomes "glued down" from repetitive use or lack-of-use. Your fascia is like a giant spider web, connecting every spot in your body with every other spot.
Like glue that dries, or hardens, your fascia and soft tissue get glued tight. The tissue, itself, gets adhesions and restrictions that restrict movement and blood flow.
When you get those knots, your tissues aren't getting enough movement and circulation. Essentially, the smooth flow of chi has become blocked.
To relieve adhesions and restrictions ("snags" and "knots"), we can use cupping to perform a technique called Myofascial Release, or MFR. Watch this video about cupping and myofascial release to learn more:
For more about the piezoelectric effect, see the last post and its diagrams. In essence, your tissues harden with crystallization. Sustained pressue, held for several minutes at a time, induces the piezoelectric effect. Tissues are returned to normal, instead of staying hard and "crunchy".
Stationary cupping can be used as a form of MFR to return your body to a healthy state!
If you are getting pain or tension associated with connective tissue,
CALL
Balanced Boulder Massage & Cupping
970-948-0179
and GET CUPPED!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Cupping Relieves Muscle Pain & Tension
If you get ...
* Soreness,
* Nagging aches,
* Joint stiffness,
* Tight muscles,
* Pain that's dull or sharp,
...then, you need to GET CUPPED!
How does cupping work?
Cupping involves the application of cups with suction to the body. A vacuum is created by the therapist, manually or thermally or using a hand-held pump.
Cups can be placed anywhere on the body, to treat a variety of ailments. They are often applied to the back, shoulders, hips, and legs.
How does cupping relieve muscle pain and tension, specifically?
Cups can be applied in a dynamic way, or stationary.
With dynamic (or massage) cupping, the gliding of the cups over the body feels relaxing. The cups are moved, with applied suction. This is similar to massage. Just like Swedish massage, pressure can be strong or light, or in-between.
Except cupping gives a bigger boost to circulation than massage, so your tissues are getting more blood flow, more oxygen, and more lymph.
For those who suffer from poor circulation, compromised immune system, or stagnant chi, massage cupping can feel like so heavenly, like no other treatment!
Your body doesn't distinguish between the compression of massage or the decompression of cups: it just knows it feels good!
When they are stationary, they sit on the skin for a few minutes. When they are dynamic, they are moved around in a gliding, massage way.
When cups sit stationary, they induce a myofascial release effect on underlying tissues. By sustaining the decompression, connective tissue in the body releases adhesions and restrictions. In other words, stationary cups get rid of knots and snags in your tissues!
In manual therapy and physics research, this has been described as the piezoelectric effect.
Your therapist might use stationary cupping, or massage cupping, or a combination of both. It depends on what your body needs at the time of your treatment.
Receive an ancient treatment, (new to the U.S.), and enjoy the relief of muscle pain and tension that cupping can provide!
* Soreness,
* Nagging aches,
* Joint stiffness,
* Tight muscles,
* Pain that's dull or sharp,
...then, you need to GET CUPPED!
Cupping therapy is an excellent natural remedy to relieve muscle pain and tension!
 |
| Glass cups feel wonderful, relaxing muscles and easing tensions |
How does cupping work?
Cupping involves the application of cups with suction to the body. A vacuum is created by the therapist, manually or thermally or using a hand-held pump.
Cups can be placed anywhere on the body, to treat a variety of ailments. They are often applied to the back, shoulders, hips, and legs.
When cups are applied, a small amount of skin and tissue are drawn up into the cup, decompressing the areas below the cup. Areas such as blood and lymph vessels are opened up.
Space is created. Pathways flow. Stagnant chi (circulation) moves again.
How does cupping relieve muscle pain and tension, specifically?
Cups can be applied in a dynamic way, or stationary.
With dynamic (or massage) cupping, the gliding of the cups over the body feels relaxing. The cups are moved, with applied suction. This is similar to massage. Just like Swedish massage, pressure can be strong or light, or in-between.
Except cupping gives a bigger boost to circulation than massage, so your tissues are getting more blood flow, more oxygen, and more lymph.
For those who suffer from poor circulation, compromised immune system, or stagnant chi, massage cupping can feel like so heavenly, like no other treatment!
Your body doesn't distinguish between the compression of massage or the decompression of cups: it just knows it feels good!
When they are stationary, they sit on the skin for a few minutes. When they are dynamic, they are moved around in a gliding, massage way.
When cups sit stationary, they induce a myofascial release effect on underlying tissues. By sustaining the decompression, connective tissue in the body releases adhesions and restrictions. In other words, stationary cups get rid of knots and snags in your tissues!
In manual therapy and physics research, this has been described as the piezoelectric effect.
 |
| Tension causes muscles and connective tissues to crystallize |
 |
| Tension in body tissues can be relieved naturally with the piezoelectric effect |
Your therapist might use stationary cupping, or massage cupping, or a combination of both. It depends on what your body needs at the time of your treatment.
Receive an ancient treatment, (new to the U.S.), and enjoy the relief of muscle pain and tension that cupping can provide!
ENJOY CUPPING!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Massage and Cupping Prices for Balanced Boulder Massage & Cupping
How are services priced at Balanced Boulder Massage & Cupping?
Each person is unique. And bodies change: you might feel on-top-of-the-world one day, but feel down-in-the-dumps the next. Therefore, each treatment is unique. I set my price for your treatment at the time of the treatment.
Here are some general guidelines, based on what we determine you need at the time of treatment.
Balanced Blends:
A 60-minute treatment that includes both Massage and Cupping $84
A 90-minute treatment with Massage and/or Cupping $109
60 minutes of Massage only or Cupping only $79
Focus Cupping, 20 - 30 minutes $49
examples: Facial Cupping, Lunch-time Quick Fix
Focus Cupping, 30 - 40 minutes $59
e.g.: Immune Boost, Upper Body Relief
Focus Cupping 40 - 50 minutes $69
e.g.: Detox Cupping, Sports Cupping
Each person is unique. And bodies change: you might feel on-top-of-the-world one day, but feel down-in-the-dumps the next. Therefore, each treatment is unique. I set my price for your treatment at the time of the treatment.
Here are some general guidelines, based on what we determine you need at the time of treatment.
Balanced Blends:
A 60-minute treatment that includes both Massage and Cupping $84
A 90-minute treatment with Massage and/or Cupping $109
60 minutes of Massage only or Cupping only $79
Focus Cupping, 20 - 30 minutes $49
examples: Facial Cupping, Lunch-time Quick Fix
Focus Cupping, 30 - 40 minutes $59
e.g.: Immune Boost, Upper Body Relief
Focus Cupping 40 - 50 minutes $69
e.g.: Detox Cupping, Sports Cupping
 |
| Facial Cupping reduces wrinkles and lines, clears sinuses and opens airways, and it's very relaxing! |
Monday, September 9, 2013
Doggie Dashers get Sports Massage
That race was for the dogs! And all the other pets of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley...and for the humans who care for them, too!
The dogs weren't the only ones having a BLAST at the Doggie Dash on Saturday, September 7th! The post-race party included yummy food and ales, groovin' jammin' tunes by the band Rocktin' Grove, treats and goodies from all the animal-loving vendors, cool tubs for hot dogs (on that hot summer dog day), and...
Sports Massage for the human racers!
Such a fun time, and for a great cause! Those of us who love, rescue, and support shelter pets came out for a good time. There was 1 brave cat present, a Persian, who kept her distance from the wet, sweaty, slobbering dogs by staying on her throne (see stroller, above).
And with so many dogs in one place, the racers were surprisingly well-behaved...and the dogs behaved, too! Seriously, the dogs were so focused on the race, and their run with their humans, that there was hardly a snarl or nip between dogs all day!
DOGGIE DASHERS: Dash into my Boulder office and Get "Comp" Cupped!
Your special post-race offer, good thru September 30th, 2013:
* Receive 30 minutes of Cupping FREE when you schedule a 60-minute Massage
OR
* Sample Cupping for FREE w/ a lunch-time quick fix, at my Boulder office, Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Your complimentary cupping does not have to be for sports performance. You don't have to get cupping for athletes, although cupping is an excellent therapy for muscle recovery from sports.
...Appointments must be made in advance, by calling Nina at 970-948-0179
...Spots will fill, so call immediately so you don't miss out!THANK YOU to EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED
in the Doggie Dash for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley!
It takes a huge village to love all these animals and keep the shelter afloat, to show these animals all the love they show us! THANK YOU!
The dogs weren't the only ones having a BLAST at the Doggie Dash on Saturday, September 7th! The post-race party included yummy food and ales, groovin' jammin' tunes by the band Rocktin' Grove, treats and goodies from all the animal-loving vendors, cool tubs for hot dogs (on that hot summer dog day), and...
Sports Massage for the human racers!
 |
| Racer Neil gets Thai-Sports Massage after the race: Notice the 1 cat, in the stroller, amidst the dogs & humans! |
 | ||
| Nothing but Ohhs and Ahhs from Audra as she gets Massage (for humans) after the Doggie Dash |
 |
| Giving post-race Sports Massage at the Doggie Dash - made in the shade! |
Your special post-race offer, good thru September 30th, 2013:
* Receive 30 minutes of Cupping FREE when you schedule a 60-minute Massage
OR
* Sample Cupping for FREE w/ a lunch-time quick fix, at my Boulder office, Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Your complimentary cupping does not have to be for sports performance. You don't have to get cupping for athletes, although cupping is an excellent therapy for muscle recovery from sports.
...Appointments must be made in advance, by calling Nina at 970-948-0179
...Spots will fill, so call immediately so you don't miss out!THANK YOU to EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED
in the Doggie Dash for the Humane Society of Boulder Valley!
It takes a huge village to love all these animals and keep the shelter afloat, to show these animals all the love they show us! THANK YOU!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Massage v. Cupping: Different therapies for different needs
What's the difference between massage and cupping (therapies)? How do you know which treatment is best for your health concerns?
Nina Dropcho offers both massage therapy and cupping therapy in her Boulder, Colorado office. In this video, Nina summarizes the key difference between the two:
Does your body need the compression of massage, or the decompression of cupping? Or...both? At Balanced Boulder Massage & Cupping, you can receive a "Balanced Blend" treatment with both.
When you schedule your appointment with Nina, you'll tell her your current health concerns and the reason you need treatment. Where is the focus of the session, i.e.? Together, you will decide which therapies are best to apply; which ones will "do the trick" to make you feel fantastic.
Call Nina today to schedule your Massage, Cupping, or Balanced Blend treatment:
970 948 0179
Nina Dropcho offers both massage therapy and cupping therapy in her Boulder, Colorado office. In this video, Nina summarizes the key difference between the two:
Does your body need the compression of massage, or the decompression of cupping? Or...both? At Balanced Boulder Massage & Cupping, you can receive a "Balanced Blend" treatment with both.
When you schedule your appointment with Nina, you'll tell her your current health concerns and the reason you need treatment. Where is the focus of the session, i.e.? Together, you will decide which therapies are best to apply; which ones will "do the trick" to make you feel fantastic.
Call Nina today to schedule your Massage, Cupping, or Balanced Blend treatment:
970 948 0179
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
EveryBody Deserves a Massage at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley!
What an amazing week! Massage therapists around the country have been participating in "EveryBody Deserves a Massage" Week. I spent Monday and Tuesday (July 15th, 16th) at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, giving neck & shoulder massage to volunteers who care for shelter animals.
The experience filled me with so much love and gratitude! It was definitely one of my career highlights and one of the reasons I chose to become a massage therapist. I love sharing the gift of touch with folks like these. Humans who love shelter pets are wonderful!
I had a line of takers from the moment I set up shop, in the shelter's upstairs library. Every person who got a massage had a story to share with me about animals they love. And many of their aches and pains were directly associated with animal care. Here are a few ways that can happen:
* Walking dogs can be strenuous. And when you are a volunteer, you are working extra-hard to let those dogs have fun. And dogs that need extra exercise are put in the "Tales on Trails" program, taken for long walks on local trails. All the while, volunteer dog-walkers are often holding tight to those leashes with a right arm (i.e., dominant side). Phew! All that leash-tugging can make arms and rotator cuffs tired, and it can even create micro-tears in myofascial tissue. Massage can alleviate soreness and restore tissues.
* Shelter pets can come from troubled backgrounds. Many have been abandoned and abused. At the shelter, they aim to heal them from their past and prepare them for new families. The shelter trainers and behavior coaches have to be firm with them and in control. This often requires a very tight grip on leashes and the ability to hold the animal firmly if they suddenly want to bolt. This can make a trainer's back, shoulders, and rotator cuff get tired and sore.
* Older pets can require "nursing care" just like older humans. For example, older dogs acquire hip pain that interferes with movement. Caregivers of older pets lift and move them, which can make arms and backs get sore.
* Some shelter pets have injuries upon arrival. They may need care that puts the caregiver in awkward positions, especially when treating smaller animals. This can put little "tweaks" in a caregiver's body that massage can relieve.
* Animals can be scared and stressed in the shelter environment. One volunteer had a fresh scratch when the little dog in her care got scared. Luckily, this massage therapist carries Neosporin cream, which was promptly applied to her skin. (No coincidence that one of the reasons I carry Neosporin is for my own scratches. Pets' nails can't always be perfectly trimmed: scratches happen.)
MANY THANKS to LINDSAY SCOTT, Humane Society of Boulder Valley's Volunteer Coordinator, for hosting this special event!
My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude for the amazing humans who give shelter pets the LOVE they deserve!
EveryBody ...at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley...Deserves a Massage!
The experience filled me with so much love and gratitude! It was definitely one of my career highlights and one of the reasons I chose to become a massage therapist. I love sharing the gift of touch with folks like these. Humans who love shelter pets are wonderful!
 |
| EveryBody Deserves a Shoulder Massage at Boulder's Humane Society |
* Walking dogs can be strenuous. And when you are a volunteer, you are working extra-hard to let those dogs have fun. And dogs that need extra exercise are put in the "Tales on Trails" program, taken for long walks on local trails. All the while, volunteer dog-walkers are often holding tight to those leashes with a right arm (i.e., dominant side). Phew! All that leash-tugging can make arms and rotator cuffs tired, and it can even create micro-tears in myofascial tissue. Massage can alleviate soreness and restore tissues.
 |
| This caring young lady, Catalina, got her 1st massage. She and mother, Claudia, walk dogs for the shelter. |
* Older pets can require "nursing care" just like older humans. For example, older dogs acquire hip pain that interferes with movement. Caregivers of older pets lift and move them, which can make arms and backs get sore.
* Some shelter pets have injuries upon arrival. They may need care that puts the caregiver in awkward positions, especially when treating smaller animals. This can put little "tweaks" in a caregiver's body that massage can relieve.
* Animals can be scared and stressed in the shelter environment. One volunteer had a fresh scratch when the little dog in her care got scared. Luckily, this massage therapist carries Neosporin cream, which was promptly applied to her skin. (No coincidence that one of the reasons I carry Neosporin is for my own scratches. Pets' nails can't always be perfectly trimmed: scratches happen.)
 |
| Lindsay Scott and Nina Dropcho appreciate shelter volunteers! |
MANY THANKS to LINDSAY SCOTT, Humane Society of Boulder Valley's Volunteer Coordinator, for hosting this special event!
My heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude for the amazing humans who give shelter pets the LOVE they deserve!
EveryBody ...at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley...Deserves a Massage!
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