The use of castor oil dates back to Ancient Egypt, where it was used as fuel and for medicinal purposes. Despite its historical use, many people are discovering castor oil for the first time. Some people include it in various folk and alternative medicine applications, while others use it to help encourage healthier hair and skin. 

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil comes from the castor seed, which is native to India. Today, the majority of castor oil is produced in India, where it is still used as a laxative and in skin and hair care products. According to the FDA, castor oil is safe for treating constipation, but researchers are still investigating other potential health benefits. As of now, researchers attribute many of castor oil’s purported health benefits to ricinoleic acid. Reportedly, Cleopatra used castor oil to brighten the whites of her eyes, but you shouldn’t put it in your eyes.

Does Castor Oil Induce Labor?

Occasionally, castor oil is used internally to induce labor, but available research doubts its efficacy. Taking castor oil internally can cause intense diarrhea, so the idea is that it can also stimulate uterine contractions. Some people choose to experiment with castor oil to induce labor, but it may come with some side effects. That is why a lot of people prefer the external use of castor oil, so they don’t have to deal with diarrhea.

What Are Castor Oil Packs

Basically, the idea is that you pour castor oil on a piece of cloth and apply it to the skin for at least one hour with a heat source. The idea behind this is that it stimulates lymph and nerve function. Unlike other detox methods, the use of castor oil heat packs is not said to have any negative side effects. Many anecdotal accounts report that castor oil packs help improve sleep, enhance energy levels, and clear skin symptoms. 

Even if you use castor oil for external use, you may want to consult a doctor or naturopath to ensure that it is a safe remedy for you. Do not use castor oil packs if you are pregnant or struggling with a medical condition. Additionally, perform a small patch test with castor oil on a small part of your arm before using it on a larger area of the body. Wait 24 hours to see if you have a skin reaction. When you determine that it is acceptable for you to use, you can place the castor oil pack in certain places for the following benefits:

• Place castor oil packs directly on sore muscles or joints to help reduce inflammation. As a quick note, these packs are not a substitute for medical care; rather, they may help accelerate the healing of minor injuries or soreness. 
• Try to place castor oil packs on the lower abdomen to help reduce menstrual pain and difficulties. 
• Apply a castor oil pack to the right side of the abdomen or the whole abdomen to help support digestive and liver function. Some gallbladder specialists recommend castor oil packs for holistic treatment. 

What Does A Castor Oil Pack Do?

Essentially, a castor oil pack works to harness the anti-inflammatory and lymph stimulating benefits of castor oil for safe external use. What that means is that they aid liver detoxification, support uterine and ovarian health, and improve lymphatic circulation. Unfortunately, there are no conclusive studies involving the use of castor oil packs externally. A long history of traditional use in many cultures, however, does speak to the efficacy of castor oil packs. Some evidence does indicate that castor oil packs may have a suppressive effect on tumors and a positive effect on arthritis. 

How To Do A Castor Oil Pack

You can do a castor oil pack simply at home. When you apply them, you must be still for at least one hour. That is typically a hard task to accomplish! They can also be a bit messy, but if you prepare them properly then it will be just fine. There are also castor oil kits for sale if you do not want to purchase the following items. 

What You’ll Need:

• High-quality castor oil
• Unbleached and dye-free wool or cotton flannel (you can use up to 30 times)
• Hot water bottle or heating pad
• Glass container with lid
• Old clothes, towels, or sheets because castor oil stains
• Patience

How To Use A Castor Oil Pack

• Begin by cutting a large piece of cotton flannel and fold it into thirds to make three layers. If your original piece is 20 inches by 10 inches, it will be seven inches by 10 inches when you fold it. 
• Thoroughly soak (without completely saturating) the flannel in castor oil. The easiest way to do this is by folding the flannel and placing it into a quart-size mason jar. Add the castor oil to the jar one tablespoon at a time, every 20 minutes or so. You can screw on the lid and shake the jar between adding more oil. 
• Carefully remove and unfold the soaked cloth. Lie flat on an old towel or sheet and place the cloth on the desired body part. 
• Cover the area with the wrap or cotton flannel and place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top of it. Lie flat and elevate your feet, relaxing for 30 to 60 minutes. 
• After the desired time, remove the pack and return the flannel to the glass jar. Store in the fridge for later use. 
• Use a natural soap to remove any leftover castor oil on the skin. Relax and rest.

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Stress can come from any event or thought that makes you feel angry, nervous, or frustrated. It’s the body’s reaction to a problem, challenge, or demand. In short bursts, stress can be positive, helping you avoid danger or meet a deadline. When you have chronic stress, though, it can do more harm than you realize. 

How Does Stress Impact Your Joints?

Even though the body is made up of different organs and systems, it can be viewed as one complete system, given that all of those systems work together. That means that stress could end up having an influence on joint pain. Researchers note that elevated cortisol levels have been associated with more pain. Chronically high stress levels also deplete your adrenal glands, raising prolactin levels and increasing the body’s sensitivity to pain. 

Some health experts note that stress is the opposite of helpful for the immune system. The fact is that stress is an immune-modulator, and the immune system is responsible for a healthy inflammatory response. Inflammation is usually what you feel when your joints start to ache or hurt. Additionally, inflammation negatively affects gut health, and poor gut health increases joint pain and inflammation. To quickly summarize, stress can lead to poor gut health, inflammation, chronically high cortisol levels, and more, all of which impact joint pain. 

What Can You Do About It?

If you have been feeling some aches and pains in your joints, your stress could be to blame. The good news is that there are many helpful things that can give your joints a break. Before you begin to alleviate pain, identify the triggers by writing in a journal. Look for patterns and you’ll find your triggers. Once you find them then you can craft an appropriate plan of action. Other common stress-relieving tactics that may help joint pain are detailed below. 

Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been practiced in China for more than 3,000 years. It uses very fine needles, which are inserted in various points in the body to open blockages. Acupuncture aims to restore the flow of energy, qi, within the body. It is also a healing practice that stimulates the brain to release serotonin and endorphins, which may help relieve stress and promote an overall sense of wellbeing. Acupuncture may also help improve circulation, which may in turn benefit your joints. 

Take A Relaxing Bath

Soak in a warm bath for 20 minutes and allow your stress to fade away. Not only does the warmth soothe the mind, but it also supports joint and muscle recovery. Research shows that a warm bath can help reduce swelling and inflammation, in addition to increasing circulation. If you add Epsom salt, which is known to decrease inflammation and swelling, then you will enhance your bath experience. Enhance your tranquil experience by lighting some candles or adding lavender essential oil to the water. 

Get A Massage

Not only can a massage soothe sore muscles and joints, but it also works to relieve anxiety and promote better sleep. According to researchers, getting regular massages can improve levels of pain, reduce stiffness, and improve range of motion and overall joint function. Studies have also shown that applying moderate pressure during massage can lower the body’s production of cortisol and boost serotonin production. 

Meditate

Sit down in a comfortable position on the floor, or lie flat on your back, whichever is more comfortable. You can listen to guided meditation, soothing music, or simply enjoy the silence. Try your best to focus on your breath and let your thoughts come and go like waves up the beach. Perhaps you find it easier to repeat an inspirational mantra to help you stay in the present moment. 

Anything else you can do to help reduce stress is beneficial for your joints. Maybe you clear up your schedule to have more time to decompress or journal about your worries. The little things help and can help you feel more at ease. In truth, nobody wants to feel overwhelmed by stress. The body becomes acutely aware of excess stress and you may experience joint pain as a result. Learn to understand your body’s cues and you will be that much healthier!

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If you scroll through social media, you will most likely see a lot of fitness-inspired content. Perhaps you see a girl or guy flexing in the mirror or demonstrating a workout routine you can do anywhere, any time. Other times, you might see a split screen that shows a person deadlifting in the gym with dumbbells on the left. On the right side, it may show an older person bending over to pick up groceries with ease. The caption may read, “I do this when I’m younger so I can do this when I’m older.”

That type of video is intended to inspire people to stay active throughout their lives. This form of “fitspo” speaks to the fact that not enough people practice resistance training as they get older. Engaging in resistance exercises can help keep your bones and muscles strong. Not to mention, it can help reduce the risk of sarcopenia. 

What Is Sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is characterized by a rapid loss of muscle mass and function. Researchers note that between 5% and 16% of people over the age of 65 are living with sarcopenia. Some health experts suggest that that is a low estimation. It can affect 20% of people by age 60, and 50% of people by age 80. 

Because most people do not regularly test muscle health, knowing sarcopenia’s true presence is difficult. You cannot just look at someone and tell that they have sarcopenia, because different body types store muscle mass differently. You would need a couple advanced tests to determine changes in musculature. That is why experts stress the integration of more accessible tools for the average person. That is likely years and years away, though. 

Is Sarcopenia Preventable? 

Experts predict that sarcopenia will only become more common in the future. The reason for this prediction is due to the increasingly sedentary nature that is tied to technology. Additionally, the rapid increase in GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, may indirectly cause a decline in muscle mass. Roughly 25% of patients who use GLP-1 drugs can expect to lose lean muscle mass in addition to fat, especially if they do not follow a healthy lifestyle. 

Sarcopenia is relatively common, and may become more common in the future, but that does not mean it is inevitable. It is natural to lose a little less than 1% of lean muscle mass per starting at age 30. Experts note that you can fight this with the right habits. Continue reading to learn how to reduce your risk of sarcopenia as you age. 

Eat High-Quality Protein At Every Meal

You cannot build or retain muscle if you do not consume protein. Protein requirements may vary depending on age and level of physical activity. Generally speaking, nutritionists suggest that people should consume 25-30 grams of protein at each meal to promote healthy muscles. Spacing out your protein can ensure that your body receives a steady source of amino acids, which are necessary for building muscle. Most Americans, however, tend to eat most of their protein at dinner. Great sources of protein include quinoa, legumes, pea protein, tempeh, tofu, wild caught fish, some vegetables, and whole grains. 

Strength Train A Couple Times Per Week

Cardiovascular exercise benefits heart health and can improve circulation, but strength training is necessary to maintain muscle protein synthesis (new muscle growth). You can do resistance training with or without weights, for example, bodyweight squats, push-ups, pull-ups, etc. Ideally, experts encourage two to three days of resistance training per week to encourage optimal muscle strength and function. Split up workouts to focus on different muscle groups, such as upper-body day, lower-body day, and full-body day. You can level up your workouts as you progress. For example, you may start with a barbell squat without weights. A couple weeks later, you may find that you have a 25-pound plate on each side of the bar. Kettlebell exercises are also great full-body workouts that can also increase core strength. The main thing is to be consistent to maintain your progress. 

Take Recovery Seriously

If you take your workouts seriously, then you should do the same for your recovery. You don’t just bounce back after a workout if you don’t practice the proper recovery methods. The body requires time to heal and get stronger. Treat recovery days the same way you treat workout days. Make sure that you stretch, tend to sore muscles, and sleep enough each night and you will see a huge difference. 

If you plan on combating muscle loss that comes with age, make sure to engage in resistance training, eat enough protein, and optimize your recovery. The more you prioritize strength as you age, the better off you’ll be later on in life. You’ll be able to have more independence to do the things you want to do!

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It doesn’t have to be cold outside to use a heating pad. Whether you have a headache, sore muscles, or cramps, a heating pad is highly beneficial. Homemade heating pads are even better! Snuggle up with them if you are chilly, need comfort, or want to embrace the warmth. This article details how to make your own heating pads and the supplies you’ll need. 

Firstly, you have to gather the supplies, which are a pair of cute and cozy socks, one pair of thin socks, 2 bags of small white beans, sewing supplies, and scissors. Don’t have beans? Replace them with rice! Don’t have cozy socks? A thicker pair of socks will do the trick! By the way, you don’t have to be a professional tailor or seamstress to make these. We believe in you! 

Homemade Scented Heating Pads

• Step 1: Take the thin socks and sew them together at the cuffs. Make sure to leave a one-inch gap, and then fill each sock with a one-pound bag of beans, or one pound of rice. 
• Step 2: Sew up the rest of the cuffs because this will serve as the inside bag for your heating pad. 
• Optional Step: Drop some lavender essential oil onto the thin socks and allow it to soak into the material for about 15 minutes. 
• Step 3: Take the cozy socks and sew them together, leaving a hole big enough to fit the thin socks with the beans into them. Once you fit the thin socks inside the cozy socks, finish the sewing job. Your homemade heating pad is ready, and it should resemble a horseshoe.
• Step 4: Warm the heating pad up in the microwave for about thirty seconds and then use it on the affected area. 

The Benefit of Heating Pads

There are quite a few situations that call for a heating pad. Most importantly, heating pads help relieve aches and pains, relieve cramps, and ease muscle tension. Heating pads are a form of heat therapy, which encourages consistent circulation throughout the body. When dealing with an injury, heating pads can help reduce both muscle and pain discomfort. We detail some of the other benefits below. 

Accelerates The Healing Process

Promoting blood flow to the injured area is an essential part of the healing process. The reason for this is because increased blood flow delivers more oxygen, white blood cells, platelets, and other essential nutrients. All of these things help repair damaged tissues, which is a crucial part of the healing process. Heat transfers all the way from the skin’s surface to deep muscle fibers. This improves blood circulation to the muscles, but also heats the cross layer of fat under the skin. People who have a thicker layer of fat, then, may not respond to heat therapy as well as people with less fat. 

Heat Interrupts The Transmission Of Pain Signals

The reason you feel pain is because of sensory receptors that exist at nerve endings. Receptors compete with one another to reach the brain, and one set of receptors may block or mute the signals from another set. Heat therapy actually activates heat-sensitive calcium channels, which can block pain receptors directly. It’s also possible for heat to stimulate other sensory receptors, which may indirectly reduce pain.

Heat Increases Immunity

By elevating the body temperature via heat therapy (external heat), you mimic the function of a fever (internal heat). What this does is signal the immune system to respond at varying levels. Hot baths, for example, activate monocytes, a type of white blood cell that help fight infections and remove dead cells from the body. Heat therapy may also decrease levels of inflammatory markers in the body. Low levels of C-reactive protein, for example, indicate a stronger immune system.

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When you think of cupping, you probably imagine dark circles that resemble large bruises all over the skin. Even though it may look like the person lost a fight to an octopus, the bruises that result from cupping therapy can indicate healing. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that the ancient therapy of cupping was used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and general pain. 

There are two types of cupping: wet cupping and dry cupping. Both forms of this alternative therapy involve the creation of a vacuum within the cups either through heat or a suction device. With wet cupping, the practitioner lightly pierces the skin so that blood is drawn into the cup. Dry cupping doesn’t draw out any fluids. The suction pulls the skin up into the cups, breaking capillaries or blood vessels under the skin. That is why you see bruise-like circles after a cupping session. The body responds to the treatment as an injury, so it sends increased blood flow to accelerate the healing process.

Today, you can receive cupping from a variety of practitioners, including acupuncturists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists. And although it is an ancient healing modality, modern medicine continues to search for ways to understand its efficacy as a complementary treatment. Anecdotal reports and limited studies, however, support the following health benefits of cupping therapy. 

May Ease Headaches

Some research suggests that people who deal with chronic headaches or migraines may benefit from cupping therapy. A small study from 2019 observed 132 participants with migraines. The results found that those who received cupping therapy experienced significant reductions in pain intensity, compared to the controlled group who did not receive cupping. Another uncontrolled study observed 70 people with chronic tension or migraine headaches. The participants who received cupping therapy experienced a 66% reduction in headache severity. Plus, the total number of headaches they had per month decreased by 12.6 days. 

May Improve Mood 

People who receive regular cupping sessions report a variety of mental health benefits. Naturopathic doctors who practice cupping suggest that the therapy can help relieve stress, promote relaxation, and induce a sense of calm. All of those benefits may help improve sleep and improve overall mood. Although scientific research is limited, some evidence indicates that people with chronic fatigue syndrome who received cupping experienced a reduction in fatigue. A 2020 study confirmed that participants experienced better sleep and overall mood, both of which were more pronounced after 10 cupping sessions.

May Reduce Pain And Sore Muscles

A lot of athletes receive cupping to either help reduce sore muscles, accelerate recovery, or to reduce injury. You don’t have to be an athlete to receive cupping therapy, though. Some research indicates that cupping can help with muscle recovery. In fact, a small study from 2021 found that cupping was a great way to treat muscle fatigue 24 hours after participants worked out biceps and triceps. A larger review found that cupping therapy showed positive results on back pain, but research is still limited in this area. 

May Improve Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

One study monitored 56 participants with carpal tunnel syndrome. Half of the group received routine physical therapy (which included electrical nerve stimulation and ultrasound) and the other half received that same routine treatment plus cupping in the wrist area. The group that received cupping experienced significant improvement in symptom severity. Additionally, another study observed 52 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and associated shoulder and neck pain. Half the group received wet cupping to the trapezius region and the other group only received heating pad treatment. Researchers noted that the cupping group reported less pain a week after their cupping session.

May Help Reduce Arthritis Pain

This is based on one primary study that compared the effects of cupping with the over-the-counter pain reliever, acetaminophen, in 20 participants with one osteoarthritis. One group received dry cupping for 11 sessions over a two-week period. The rest of the participants received 650 milligrams of acetaminophen three times a day for the same two-week period. The researchers noted that the cupping group had better results in terms of pain, swelling, tenderness, and morning stiffness, compared to the medication group.

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At some point in your life, you are bound to experience lower back and hip pain. This is especially true if you sit at a desk for eight hours per day, or stand for the same amount of time. Sitting ruins posture, creating tension in the upper back and tightness in the hips, while standing increases the curve of your lower back and puts pressure on the surrounding spine. Life doesn’t want you to win, but you can fight the pain without ever walking into a doctor’s office. All you have to do is stretch.

The deepest hip flexor, the psoas, directly connects to the lumbar spine (in the lower back). If hip flexors tighten, they tug on that area of the spine, which is why you feel stiffness, tightness, or ashiness in the lower back. Back to the psoas muscle for just a moment. This muscle is attached around the mid-spine and connects to each vertebra as it continues down the body. It acts as a thigh and hip flexor and you can thank it for helping you move. Standing or sitting for long periods can cause this muscle to become tight, which is exactly what you want to avoid. A tight psoas is your ticket to lower back and hip pain, but these stretches can help you counteract that tightness, loosening you up to improve mobility. 

Happy Baby Pose

Happy baby pose is the perfect place to begin your journey to better mobility, as it is a gentle stretch that opens the hips and stretches the lower back. Lie flat on your back and bend your legs toward your chest. Splay your legs open from side to side and lift your feet into the air above your chest, facing the soles of your feet to the ceiling. Reach your hands up to grab the soles of your feet from the outside edges. Make sure that you press your lower back into the floor, holding your knees closer to your chest if necessary. Don’t let your back leave the floor while you hold this pose for 30 seconds. If you like, you can rock side to side to massage the lower back. 

Low Lunge

If this doesn’t make your hips and back happy, we don’t know what will. During this stretch, you should feel your hip flexors lengthen, but make sure not to rush through the motions. Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your hands and hips above your knees. Step your left foot back so that your shin is flat on the ground, forming a 45-degree angle with your thigh. Bend the right knee to step your foot beneath your hands, making sure the knee doesn’t extend beyond your toes. Tuck the left toes under and come up onto them as you straighten your left leg. You should feel a stretch along the front of your left hip and thigh. Take a few deep breaths and hold for 20 seconds before switching sides. 

Adductor Opener

This is a beautiful stretch to open up the hip adductors and hip flexors. Your adductors are the muscles that run along your inner thighs. Begin standing up straight with your feet wider than shoulder-width. There should be about a three-foot space between your feet. Point your toes out slightly and squat down as if you are going to sit in a chair. Keeping your back straight, place your hands on your inner thighs and press to open your legs until you feel a stretch along the inner thighs and groin. Hold this position for 30 seconds. 

Figure Four

If you want to reduce lower back and hip pain, you have to stretch the glutes and piriformis, in addition to the hip flexors. This is a gentle stretch that should elongate your tight gluteus muscles. Lie flat on your back and bend your knees, placing your feet on the ground hip-distance apart. Bring your right knee toward your chest and bend it out to the side, placing your ankle above your left knee on the thigh. Reach your right hand between your legs to interlace it with your left hand behind your left thigh. Keep your head and shoulders on the ground as you draw the left thigh towards you, pulling until you feel a stretch along the outer right hip. Hold for 30 seconds before switching sides. 

Child’s Pose

This is a basic yoga pose, but it provides incredible relief to your back, and it also works to open up the hips by stretching the glutes. Begin on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your hands and hips above your knees. Angle your knees out to the sides and bring your big toes together. Sit your hips back onto your heels and walk your hands forward until you can lower your forehead to the ground. If you cannot bring your forehead to the ground, that is completely fine. Ideally, you should feel a stretch in your lower and upper back. You can extend your fingertips and walk your hands to each side to stretch your sides as well. Hold for at least 30 seconds, or as long as you need to remain in the stretch.

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Ask anyone on the planet and they’ll tell you that they have sore muscles from time to time. Muscle soreness can stem from a hard workout, injury, or general tightness that stems from lack of flexibility. Depending on the severity of the muscle pain, you may be able to relieve it with stretches, ice packs, or the DIY cream in this article. 

When it comes to muscle soreness, the most common areas of pain are the shoulders, neck, and lower back. In fact, roughly 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point during their lifetimes. If the back pain becomes severe from accompanying inflammation, it may interfere with your daily activities, including work, hobbies, or general movements. Although a DIY cream may not be able to quickly relieve pain that you have not addressed for years, it may be able to remedy acute muscle pain. 

Essential oils are powerful extracts from the leaves, seeds, flowers, fruits, and barks of plants. They are popular in aromatherapy, but you can apply them topically after proper dilution. The skin absorbs their health properties to alleviate numerous ailments, from skin conditions to muscle pain. The following essential oils are in the DIY sore muscle cream. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is commonly used to promote decongestion and relaxation. It exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and it also has analgesic effects in muscles and joints. According to a 2015 clinical review, eucalyptus essential oil may treat ailments like arthritis, wounds, and the flu. A separate study examined a mixture of eucalyptus, marjoram, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint essential oils. The results indicated that this combination of essential oils wee able to reduce arthritic muscle and joint pain. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Similar to eucalyptus essential oil, peppermint essential oil has potent analgesic properties. The main components of peppermint oil are menthol and menthone. In the past, menthol has been used to treat pain from both tension and migraine headaches. A small study found that topically applying a 10% menthol solution to the temples was a great solution to relieve migraine pain. Health experts also believe that the awakening scent of peppermint essential oil may help to reduce muscle spasms. After dilution and topical application, people with arthritis may find that peppermint essential oil relieves joint pain.

In addition to these essential oils, the DIY sore muscle cream also contains coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. These ingredients help to lock moisture in the skin, as they have emollient properties. It’s also worth noting that massaging the sore muscles alone may help to relieve some of the pain, regardless of the essential oils. Keep this in mind when using the DIY cream below. 

DIY Cream For Sore Muscles

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup beeswax pastilles 
• 1/2 cup organic shea butter
• 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil to a microwave-safe glass bowl and microwave for about two minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted. 
• You may need to microwave longer until you have liquified the mixture. 
• Stir in the peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils and then allow the mixture to harden a little. 
• Once it has firmed up a bit, use an electric hand mixer to whip the mixture until it looks smooth and creamy.
• Spoon it into a mason jar, cover, and store in cool, dry place. Massage a generous amount into sore muscles when you experience muscle pain. 
• This can be beneficial after a long day at work or a hard workout. 

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How does it feel to get in a fight with an octopus? Only a select number of people may be able to answer that question, and our content writer, Vinnie (a.k.a. V-Man), is not one of them. That being said, he did look look like he lost a fight to an octopus after his latest adventure. The most recent episode of The Adventures of V-Man chronicles Vinnie’s experience at Muscle Lab, where he received cupping therapy. Let him tell you all about it below.

What Is Cupping? 

Cupping is an old tradition that helps to stimulate circulation to muscles and improve recovery. It received a lot of attention during the 2016 Summer Olympics, during which Michael Phelps competed with purplish circles all over his back and legs. But cupping is an ancient therapy that is believed to help balance yin and yang, or the flow of qi in the body. Qi is the Chinese word for life force, and any pathogens that inhibit the flow can cause pain or reduced blood flow.

A cupping session involves a series of cups that the therapist places on different muscles. There are multiple styles, including dry, wet, and fire, but the most common variety is dry cupping using a pump. You can see how it works in the video in this article. The suction creates a vacuum inside the cup, causing the skin to rise into the cup. The reason that the skin reddens is because blood vessels expand. As you’ll see in the video, it looks very intimidating, but the markings are completely natural and they fade away within a week. Let Vinnie tell you all about his cupping experience below.

Arriving At Muscle Lab

First of all, Muscle Lab may be one of the coolest places that we’ve visited for The Adventures of V-Man. If there is one place that is designed to keep your body in the best condition possible, it’s Muscle Lab. They offer numerous services to optimize overall health, including cryotherapy, red light therapy, personal training, boxing, massage, cupping, and more. 

After we got a tour of the facility, we met with Ari Escala, the cupping therapist. Let me tell you something: Ari is a cupping master. She knows all about it and has dedicated a lot of time and effort to keeping her body, and all those she works with, in the best shape possible. One of the best ways to keep the body in shape, outside of working out and eating clean, is to engage in different recovery methods, cupping being an excellent option. Even if you don’t engage in regular exercise, it’s easy to experience tension or soreness from a sedentary lifestyle. Cupping works to increase circulation to those static muscles, which helps decrease pain levels and overall discomfort. 

The Cupping Experience

I cannot lie to you; it was a little nerve-racking to receive cupping. There are so many gruesome images of glass cups suctioning a person’s skin, and they contain bodily fluids. They scare people away from receiving cupping therapy, but there’s no need to be frightened, especially if you go to Muscle Lab. Ari talked to me the entire time she suctioned the cups up and down my back. You don’t want to push the body past the point of comfort, but a little suction is necessary. She encouraged me to communicate if anything was uncomfortable to ensure that I had the best experience possible. 

To be completely honest, there was very little discomfort during the entire cupping session. The only time that I felt slight discomfort was when we transitioned to a seated position instead of me lying face down. Ari likes to incorporate movement into the cupping therapy session to maximize blood flow. Additionally, motion is the body’s lotion, meaning that mobilizing the sore area will only increase circulation and accelerate recovery. 

Even though those a couple of those movements were tough to make it through, Ari was supportive and encouraging throughout. She makes you want to dig deep within your soul and push through the other side as a triumphant being. In fact, I can say that about the entire Muscle Lab staff. Let’s just say I overheard them coaching others and the intensity was real, but very inspirational. 

Conclusion

Cupping is a unique therapy that is beneficial for anyone, not just athletes. Whether you want to relieve lower back pain that results from sitting at your desk or shoulder pain from a hard workout, cupping can accelerate your road to recovery. Head on over to the folks at Muscle Lab and they’ll help you get your body into the best shape possible. We only took advantage of their cupping therapy, but the facility offers other beneficial therapies. Tell them that V-Man sent you if you live in the Greater Los Angeles Area. 

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If you aren’t hip to calendula oil yet, it’s time to board the train because the health benefits are too good to pass up. The secrets about calendula are out, attracting the interest of scientific researchers and herbal enthusiasts alike. The calendula plant offers a wide range of benefits, and has proven to remedy myriad ailments over the years. 

What Is Calendula? 

This colorful flower belongs to the Asteraceae/Compositae family and is native to areas in Canada and the United States. As long as the soil is fertile and well-drained, you can grow calendula, especially if it has access to ample sunlight. The leaves are shades or rich oranges and yellow, and have a lovely fragrance. Various animal and in vitro studies have concluded that the flavonoids from these petals exhibit neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. This makes calendula a highly respected plant in the field of alternative medicine. 

Historically, people used calendula to treat kidney stones and gall stones, primarily because it has disinfectant and diuretic properties. Italian folk medicine used to use calendula oil to reduce inflamed wounds and burns. Some cultures brewed the petals into teas and used it as a face wash to reduce freckles or dark spots, or an eye wash to reduce the risk of conjunctivitis. 

Health Benefits Of Calendula Oil

Nowadays, people continue to use calendula oil to remedy a variety of ailments. The most common uses involve topical application to reduce infections or fungus. According to research, however, calendula oil may help to reduce diaper rash, inflamed skin, and vaginal yeast infections. You can thank the triterpene saponins, triterpene alcohols, and flavonoids for calendula’s ability to do all of these things. These naturally occurring chemicals interact with the body to improve collagen synthesis and enhance new skin tissue growth. Continue reading to learn more about the primary benefits. 

Calendula For Wound Healing

According to a recent study in The Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, calendula ointment was tested on cesarean scars in 72 women. The study compared the use of calendula ointment to conventional hospital treatment. The women who used calendula ointment had quicker healing time, and they reported less redness and swelling. Various animal studies tested calendula oil’s efficacy for healing bug bites, scrapes, burns, and bruises. The studies found that topical application of calendula oil encouraged 90% wound closing, compared to a separate controlled group. A newer study concluded that calendula oil may ward off infection, which contributes to faster wound closure.

Calendula As A Sunscreen

During in vitro studies, calendula oil exhibited an ability to encourage cell rejuvenation. The studies tested its efficacy as a sunscreen, showing a slight ability to protect the skin. Unfortunately, the evidence was not substantial enough to deem it acceptable as a sunscreen replacement. Fortunately, more studies are in the works to determine how effective it is at protecting the skin from UV damage. 

Calendula For Vaginal Health

Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections are two common occurrences for women. One study with 80 women monitored the use of calendula ointment compared to metronidazole, commonly used to treat bacterial vaginosis. After one week, the study found that both the ointment and metronidazole effectively cured bacterial vaginosis with no side effects. This sparked interest in the participants. The opportunity to use a natural ointment in place of medication excited the women.

Calendula For Muscle Spasms

If you want to ease muscle spasms or tension, get your hands on some calendula oil. According to a Pakistani study, calendula oil was able to relax spontaneous muscle contractions. A different study found that it helped to erase muscle spasms. Because of this ability to reduce muscle spasms, people wonder if it can be beneficial for menstrual cramping. According to anecdotal research, calendula helped induce menstruation for women who experienced irregular periods. It may also ease PMS symptoms like cramping, but more research is necessary to prove this.

How To Make Calendula Oil

Ingredients:

• Dried calendula flowers or petals
• Carrier oil of choice (extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, organ oil, sweet almond oil)
• 1 glass container (half-pint jar works great)

Instructions:

• Fill a half-pint glass jar about 3/4 of the way full with calendula flowers or petals. 
• Pour your desired oil into the jar so that the flowers are fully submerged. 
• Place a lid on the container and store it in a sunny, warm location to enhance the infusion process. A windowsill is perfect. It will stay here for three weeks.
• After the three weeks, you have to strain the flowers from the oil. Pour the oil through a cheesecloth into measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Pour the strained oil into a glass jar and store it in a cool, dry place. Use it on your body, or face at will. 

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Muscle Bath Drops – herbal bath drops that aid in relieving deep aches and pain and calm inflammation.

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