The latest on at-home cupping
Also known as myofascial decompression, cupping therapy involves suctioning tissue and fascia up and away from the body with the goal of increasing blood flow in the affected area. During a professional cupping session, multiple cups are placed over large muscle groups, targeting multiple parts of the anatomy at the same time.
Though this method has been used for thousands of years, there is limited information on the exact science behind the practice. Yet, one recent systemic review of cupping therapy found that it may help alleviate chronic neck and back pain.
With cupping sessions costing approximately $80 per treatment, the one-time cost of an at-home cupping machine might be tempting—particularly if you receive regular treatments.
The challenge for the non-professional is knowing enough about the human body to place the cup in the correct area. If you feel confident in your knowledge of anatomy, opt for a model that features complementary therapies such as massage vibration, heat, and red-light therapy.
Eating for longevity with the Blue Zone diet
Take a cue from the dietary habits of those who live in the Blue Zones—places around the world where people regularly live past the age of 100. The five suggested Blue Zones include Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; and Okinawa, Japan.
People who live in Blue Zones are believed to share a common diet that is 95 to 100 percent plant based. Special emphasis is placed on seasonal vegetables, which are then preserved via dehydration or fermentation for enjoyment throughout the year.
Other mainstays of the Blue Zone diet include modest fish and egg intake as well as daily consumption of nuts and legumes—meat, sugar, and processed foods are eaten sparingly.
The benefits of enjoying a varied, plant-based diet are well-documented and extend beyond increased life expectancy. They also include a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity, as well as improved gut flora and increased feelings of satiety after eating.
Give heatless curls a try
Do you dream of curly tresses but dread the thought of damaging your hair with heat styling? Get to know the trendy world of heatless curling methods—all of which bypass the potentially damaging effects of curling wands and flat irons.
From classic no-heat rollers to curling headbands, there are heatless tools that can help you achieve your desired style. To achieve style without the use of special equipment, try braiding hair for a crimped look or twisting hair into space buns for loose curls.
To achieve long-lasting style, allow seven to nine hours for the curls to set (for this reason, most methods suggest letting your hair set overnight). Use your fingers to style and shape the hair, resisting the urge to brush or comb. To set the look, finish with hairspray or another lightweight hold product.
Treat aging skin to colostrum cream
Could bovine colostrum become the next superstar anti-aging ingredient? According to early research studies, the answer could be a resounding yes (although more research is needed on its use as a topical application to fully understand the potential benefits).
Bovine colostrum is milky fluid that flows from the udder of a cow following the birth of a calf. Compared to regular milk, colostrum is rich in antibodies that combat bacteria and viruses—it’s also considered a byproduct of the dairy industry, which means it might otherwise be wasted if not for its use in skincare products.
Preliminary animal studies have found that colostrum cream may have a protective effect on the skin; it is hypothesized that the proteins in colostrum cream have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that can benefit skin as it ages.
This article was originally published in the February 2024 issue of delicious living magazine.
