3 hours  ~ Tuition: $50

Supplies needed: $55.00 for cupping kit

Cupping is an ancient Chinese medical practice in which "cups" are carefully applied to the skin under the vacuum pressure to purposely draw the skin upward into the cup.   The suction is created mechanically with a trigger devise (for use in plastic cups) or by lighting a cotton ball saturated with alcohol to burn the oxygen from the cup (glass, ceramic, animal horn or bamboo) before being placed on the skin.  The therapeutic value lies in the mobilization of bodily fluids from deeper layers up into the dermis for elimination via the lymphatic system.  Cups can be placed on dry skin and left for 5-20 minutes or the therapist can glide them over larger body parts with the aid of a lubricant.

In this class, students will learn techniques that;

~ Loosen restricted muscles

~ Encourage blood flow

~ Breaks up fascial adhesions

~ Sedate the nervous system

~ Reduce edema, even acute injury

~ Provide enhanced relaxation

Note:  Cupping kits will be available for use during class

Caryn Carroll, LAc, holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from University of CA at Santa Barbara.  She earned her Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine where she served on the faculty from 2003 to 2006. She is certified as an instructor in shiatsu, yoga therapy, Tui Na.  She also teaches anatomy and physiology for massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, Pilates, and dance for children.  She currently practices a combination of acupuncture and acupressure in Ventura and specializes in pain management and spinal care.