Pain: A Mind-Body Connection

I read a commentary on the Sunday paper a few weeks ago titled “That pain in your back? It’s really a pain in your brain”. And it motivated me to take a deeper dive into the mind-body connection of pain. And we did discuss in a past article, What is Pain Processing and Neuroinflammation?, that pain is a complex and multilayered experience that involves both the mind and body.  And before we go any further, I want to let you know that I am not a medical professional and what follows is not medical advice.
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Gua Sha and Pain Relief

In the pursuit of holistic wellness, various traditional techniques have resurfaced to address modern-day discomforts. Gua Sha, an ancient Chinese therapy, has gained recognition for its ability to lessen pain and tension by promoting blood circulation and releasing muscle tightness. However, for those new to this practice, navigating its intricacies can seem daunting. To demystify the process, here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Gua Sha for targeted pain relief and relaxation.  And before we continue, I want to let you know that I am not a medical professional, and what follows is not medical advice.
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The Science Behind Gua Sha

Today’s article explores the scientific evidence supporting the value of Gua Sha therapy, including studies on its effects on circulation, pain relief, inflammation reduction and the fascia. Upfront, though, I want to let you know that I am not a medical professional, and what follows is not medical advice. However, it is my hope that is article will help you with your deep dive into this topic to better understand the physiological mechanisms behind Gua Sha’s claimed benefits.
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What are Gua Sha Tools?

Gua Sha tools are instruments used in a traditional Chinese medicine technique known as Gua Sha. Gua Sha is a therapeutic method that involves scraping or rubbing the skin with a smooth-edged tool to promote blood circulation and alleviate various health issues. And before we continue, I want to ensure that you know that I am not a medical professional, and what follows is not medical advice. I enjoy providing information on such topics, hopefully whetting your appetite so that you can do your own research.
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Tools used in the Graston Technique

Last week’s article introduced the Graston Technique. Today’s article discusses the tools utilized in this particular technique. Before we continue, I want to let you know that I am not a medical professional, and what follows should not be taken as medical advice. Hopefully you can use this information to perform your own deep dive into this topic.
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What is the Graston Technique?

The Graston Technique is a form of manual therapy that involves the use of specialized tools to massage and manipulate the fascia and soft tissues in the body. As discussed in past articles, the fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs. Before we dive into today’s article, I want you to know that I am not a medical professional and what follows is not medical advice. It is my hope that you use the information as a steppingstone to do your own research on this topic.
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What is Rolfing?

Rolfing, also known as Structural Integration, is a form of bodywork that focuses on manipulating and reorganizing the connective tissues (i.e., the fascia) in our body. Dr. Ida P. Rolf, a biochemist, developed this approach in the mid-20th century. And thus, the name “Rolfing”. The primary goal of Rolfing is to bring the body into better alignment and balance by working with the fascia. Before we continue, I want to be clear to you that I am not a medical professional, and what follows is not medical advice.  I hope the following information triggers your curiosity to do your own research and do a deeper dive on this topic.
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Deep Tissue Massage, the Fascia and Pain Relief

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on reaching deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. The fascia is a key component of connective tissue within our body. Before going further, I want to let you know that I am not a medical professional, and what follows is not medical advice. I hope you find this information helpful and use it as a steppingstone to pursue this topic even further.
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Foam Rolling for Pain Relief

Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release that involves using a foam roller to apply pressure to specific areas of the body, targeting muscles and fascia. As discussed previously, the fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs. The goal of foam rolling is to release tension in the fascia, reduce muscle tightness, and improve flexibility. And before we continue, I want to let you know that I am not a medical professional, and what follows should not be taken as medical advice. I hope you can use the information for your own deep dive research into this topic.
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What is Myofascial Release?

Manual therapies that involve the fascia for pain relief are often referred to as myofascial release techniques. Last time, we discussed how the fascia was this web-like network within our body, and is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and organs in the body. Myofascial release focuses on the restrictions or tightness in the fascia to restore the natural elasticity of the fascia, alleviate pain and improve mobility. As always, I want to mention that I am not a medical professional, and what follows should not be taken as medical advice. I enjoy researching topics on pain relief and pain management, and hope the following information triggers your curiosity to dive deeper on this topic.
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