When Michael Phelps prepared to dive into the pool last summer at the Olympics, millions of spectators were stunned by the rows of large purple circles that adorned his back. In an instant the ancient modality of cupping resurfaced on the global stage. The record breaking olympic gold medalist practices cupping therapy to heal and support his muscles, joints and immune system which are pushed to the limits all year long by his intense training and then days of competition during the games.

Save Michael Phelps, I knew nothing about cupping and wanted to learn more. I sought a master practitioner in New York City and was introduced to Anton Lee, a third generation licensed acupuncturist with extensive cupping training. Acupuncture is an integral part of cupping. Anton educated me on the basics.

What Is Cupping?

Born of a culture that considered surgery, the act of cutting the body, an affront to their ancestors, (I found this particularly interesting as Judaism forbids the practice of tattoo and most piercings precisely for this reason) until the introduction of antibiotics, cupping was the principal modality of healing not only muscular pain in the body but ailment of major internal organs as well. In fact, prior to the introduction of antibiotics, boils were the leading cause of death. Cupping was partly developed as a method for removing the toxic fluids that were contained within the boil. With the introduction of antibiotics cupping began to fall by the wayside where it would become classified, at least in western medicine, as an alternative therapy.

Dispelling Myths

You will read almost everywhere that the practice originated in China. “Not true!” Anton insisted. It has been practiced all over the world for a few thousands years throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas and Middle East. Cups were made out of whatever natural resources were available in the region. In the Middle East, cups were made of goat horns, while in China they were fashioned from Bamboo. The modern day versions are made of glass and silicone.

What Does This Have To Do With An Olympic Athlete?

Every time we move energy is created which makes blood and fluids circulate through the body. This in and of itself is a good thing. But like anything, too much of a good thing can turn bad. When muscles and tissue are over exerted, it creates a trauma. When there is a trauma to the body, typically blood and fluid flow to the affected area in an effort to repair it. If The body is functioning healthfully, it is extremely efficient and directs energy, blood and fluid to where it is needed to support and heal the area. When this excess fluid is not completely absorbed by the body it can get deposited onto the muscle. This fluid bonds like glue to the muscle and creates a blockage. This can be in the form of a knot that you might get in your neck, or back. This causes pain and is toxic to the body. Just as the person loses his or her typical range of movement, this blockage is stuck. If you’re not an olympic athlete, you may be susceptible to extreme weather, which can also cause trauma to the body. When it’s cold we condense our bodies physically and this energy creates stagnation. This stagnation is perceived by us as pain.

How Can We Break Up The Blockage?

By hand. A needle is inserted at the point of pain (Acupuncture is an integral part of cupping) to create the movement of energy, fluid and blood, within the tissue – to break up the proverbial “glue”, then a cup is placed over it and suction is applied to draw it out into the skin. The skin is not only the largest organ of the body, but the largest filtration organ of the body. Just as the liver filters blood, the lungs filter air and the stomach filters food, similarly the skin filters excess fluid. Skin contains millions of micro vessels – this is why, when we get cut, we heal so quickly. Using the skin’s filtration system the body disposes of what it does not need and recycles what it can use.

The Basics

The more toxic your body is the darker the cup marks will be. In general men tend to present with darker marks as women’s bodies are cleaner due to the menstrual cycle which circulates and cleans out blood and tissue from the body regularly.

My Mini Consultation

Anton is the real deal. Towards the end of our almost two hour meeting, Anton turned to me and asked if he could take my pulse. He told me that I am a worrier. Worry and stress cause the digestive system to slow down. The stomach is considered the mother organ as it filters food that is then distributed to the other organs of the body in order to nourish them. The odd thing is that I have colitis. It turns out that cupping can be used as part of a regimen to heal colitis and other digestive ailments. He also told me to keep an eye on my posture as bad posture wreaks havoc on the body – yes, causing trauma. The odd thing is, as soon as I walked into Anton’s office, I became acutely aware of my posture. It almost felt as if he was communicating telepathically to me, nudging me to sit up straight.

Just Scratching The Surface

Cupping is a practice that is tailored specifically to each individual depending on his or her needs and there are many more tools involved in the modality that I did not delve into here. Above I have merely scratched the cupping surface. To schedule a consultation or appointment with Anton, please call Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté at 212-588-1771.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

Have you waited until the absolute last nanosecond – today is the day, February 14, Valentine’s Day – to realize that you still have not picked up something special for your honey or Mom? Instead of running out at lunch, or right after work, like a crazy person on a tear, or settling for something not so unique just to check off the I got you something, box, give the gift of a pampering beauty experience! It’s so easy to phone a spa and purchase a gift certificate, and it’s something you can give right away. Everyone will welcome the gift of self-care. An indulgent treatment can be just the thing your favorite person needs to unwind, not to mention the perfect treat that communicates how special he or she is to you. Here are some of our favorite beauty and wellness treatments.

Shiatsu Shampoo at Salon Ishi

The shiatsu shampoo and head massage at Salon Ishi to the rescue. This is the quintessential serenity now gift and can be particularly wonderful during the cold winter months when our immune systems could use a little boost. A Japanese treatment is applied to open pores and gently cleanse and nourish the scalp. The massage activates acupressure points stimulating blood flow and relaxation. Prepare to be magically transported to a very happy place.

Salon Ishi, 70 East 55th Street, New York, New York. Call: 212.888.ISHI

Gift Certificate to Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté

Want to give someone a wonderful treatment experience but not certain what s/he would like? Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté is one of New York City’s preeminent spas. Yasmine has been written up in Vogue, New York Magazine, Allure and New Beauty – just to name a few – and offers a wide variety of world-class treatments including massage, cellulite and body treatments and semi permanent makeup sessions. Yasmine’s Remodeling Facial is the spa’s signature treatment. Be prepared to look 10 years younger by the end of your session! We also love the 60 minute Seaweed Wrap Treatment.

Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté, 60 East 30th Street, New York, New York. Call: 212.588.1881

Colonic at Exhale Healing Arts

At first blush this might seem like an odd gift, but for a wellness-minded individual, a colonic is a wonderful  - albeit unique – gift. Gina Mikan is as good as it gets. She uses the Woods Gravity Method, essentially an internal bath (possibly the best euphemism ever) that helps cleanse the colon of gas, mucus and accumulated fecal matter. There is no discomfort (really!) and only slight internal pressure, just a gentle flow of water in and out of the colon, expertly controlled by the therapist. During the procedure Gina explains the process step-by-step so your friend (or you!) will feel as at ease as possible, given the circumstances. The colonic appointment is one hour.

Exhale Healing Arts, Brooklyn: 71 Eighth Avenue (corner of Union Street) & Manhattan: 124 East 40th Street (corner of Lexington Avenue), Suite 703. Call: 787.406.8061. Email: ExhaleHealingArts@gmail.com

Hair & Scalp Treatment at The Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic

Treat him or her to a one-of-a-kind custom hair treatment. A one hour session which includes the application of hair and scalp cream and of course, Philip Kingsley’s world famous Elasticizer which was created expressly for Audrey Hepburn. Also includes infrared, radiant heat and/or ultraviolet light therapy, depending on your unique hair and scalp concerns and a heavenly scalp and neck massage. Whether you have hair loss, texture and/or scalp issues or just want to give your hair a boost of health and radiance, this gift is aces.

Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic, 16 East 52nd Street, New York, New York. Call: 212.753.9600

Aesthetic Treatment With Dara Liotta, MD

If you know someone who’s been considering a little cosmetic “tweaking”, but has been nervous about finding a quality doc, a gift certificate to Dr. Liotta’s practice is just the thing! Dr. Liotta is masterful at what she does. She is board certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery as well as Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Liotta spent five years training in Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery before going on to complete fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She is intimately acquainted with, and comfortable manipulating, the delicate and complex anatomy of the face and neck from its most superficial to its deepest layers. As a Board Certified ENT surgeon as well as a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, she believes her job is not complete until everything looks good, functions well, and feels healthy.

Dr. Liotta does it all: from Botox, fillers and laser treatments to rhinoplasty, facelifts and necklifts (and more).

City Aesthetics, 154 E. 85th Street, New York, New York. Call: 212.288.2222. Email: facialplasticsnyc@gmail.com

By: Travel Beauty Editors

While utilizing quality skin care products and establishing a consistent self care routine is the cornerstone of any effective skincare practice, seeking out professional guidance is a must as well. Just as many of us schedule routine teeth cleanings and check-ups twice a year to take inventory of our oral health, we need to do the same for our skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is the body’s first line of defense against the elements. Like any organ, it is constantly in flux and affected by age, pollution, our nutritional intake, levels of anxiety, hormones, the season and many other factors. So in addition to cleansing, using a quality serum, moisturizer, face oil when necessary, eye cream and a weekly mask, I recommend having a routine facial. At a minimum shoot for 4 times a year. To that end, we sat down with Yasmine Djerradine, renowned skin care expert and founder of Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté, to discuss her approach to skin care and why it is more important than ever to take good care of ourselves.

TB: What do you love most about what you do?

Yasmine: So many things…I love to take care of people. There is something intimate about caring for another’s skin. I like to customize each treatment.

People often call me and describe their skin over the phone and ask me to recommend a regimen for them. I always tell them that I need to see and touch their skin in order to understand their unique health and beauty needs.

TB: What is the single most important piece of skin care advice that you give your clients?

Yasmine: Please don’t overdo it! Your skin is an organ, and your body’s first line of defense against the elements. Many harsh procedures actually strip your skin of what it desperately needs to protect itself! Focus on cleansing and hydrating, and your skin will always be there to protect you.

Customization in skin care is also crucial. Everything has to be “sur mesure”, or made to order. Everyone ages differently and responds to the elements and pollution uniquely.

TB: If you had to recommend a few essential skin care products that you would encourage people to splurge on, what would they be?

Yasmine: Today people are living longer and so we need our youthful complexion to last indefinitely. It is more important than ever to take care of ourselves as we age. If you think about the adverse effects of collagen collapse, sun or wind damage, cancer, etc., all of these issues can be traced back to the various ways we have neglected our skin. We must utilize a serious moisturizer during the winter to protect ourselves from the cold and wind and the best sun protection when we are in the sun – basically all year round.

TB: What defining moment in your career had the strongest influence on you?

Yasmine: I have defining moments all the time! I am constantly discovering new products, working with new clients and experimenting with new treatment technologies. This is why, even after 30 years, I am still so passionate about skin care. It is my hope and vision for the future that each new experience will be insightful and exciting. I strive for every moment to be the next “aha” moment!

Read more about Yasmine on her Travel Beauty Expert Page.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

When Michael Phelps prepared to dive into the pool this past summer at the Olympics, millions of spectators were stunned by the rows of large purplish circles that adorned his back. In an instant the ancient modality of cupping resurfaced on a global stage. The record breaking olympic gold medalist practices cupping therapy to heal and support his muscles, joints and immune system which are pushed to the limits all year long by his intense training and then days of competition during the games.

Save Michael Phelps, I knew nothing about cupping and wanted to learn more. I sought a master practitioner in New York City and was introduced to Anton Lee, a third generation licensed acupuncturist with extensive cupping training. Acupuncture is an integral part of cupping. Anton educated me on the basics.

What Is Cupping?

Born of a culture that considered surgery, the act of cutting the body, an affront to their ancestors, (I found this particularly interesting as Judaism forbids the practice of tattoo and most piercings precisely for this reason) until the introduction of antibiotics, cupping was the principal modality of healing not only muscular pain in the body but ailment of major internal organs as well. In fact, prior to the introduction of antibiotics boils were the leading cause of death. Cupping was partly developed as a method for removing the toxic fluids that were contained within the boil. With the introduction of antibiotics cupping began to fall by the wayside where it would become classified, at least in western medicine, as an alternative therapy.

Dispelling Myths

You will read almost everywhere that the practice originated in China. Not true! Anton insisted. It has been practiced all over the world for a few thousands years throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. Cups were made out of whatever natural resources were available in the region. In the middle east, cups were made of goat horns, while in China they were fashioned from Bamboo. The modern day versions are made of glass and silicone.

What Does This Have To Do With An Olympic Athlete?

Every time we move energy is created which makes blood and fluids circulate through the body. This in and of itself is a good thing. But like anything, too much of a good thing can turn bad. When muscles and tissue are over exerted, it creates a trauma. When there is a trauma to the body, typically blood and fluid flow to the affected area in an effort to repair it. If The body is functioning healthfully, it is extremely efficient and directs energy, blood and fluid to where it is needed to support and heal the area. When this excess fluid is not completely absorbed by the body it can get deposited onto the muscle. This fluid bonds like glue to the muscle and creates a blockage. This can be in the form of a knot that you might get in your neck, or back. This causes pain and is toxic to the body. Just as the person loses his or her typical range of movement, this blockage is stuck. If you’re not an olympic athlete, you may be be susceptible to extreme weather, which can also cause trauma to the body. When it’s cold we condense our bodies physically and this energy creates stagnation. This stagnation is perceived by us as pain.

How Can We Break Up The Blockage?

By hand. A needle is inserted at the point of pain (Acupuncture is an integral part of cupping) to create the movement of energy, fluid and blood, within the tissue – to break up the proverbial “glue”, then a cup is put over and suction is applied to draw it out into the skin. The skin is not only the largest organ of the body, but the largest filtration organ of the body. Just like the liver filters blood, the lungs filter air and the stomach filters food, similarly the skin filters excess fluid. Skin contains millions of micro vessels – this is why, when we get cut, we heal so quickly. Using the skin’s filtration system the body disposes of what it does not need and recycles what it can use.

The Basics

The more toxic your body is the darker the cup marks will be. In general men tend to present with darker marks as women’s bodies are cleaner due to the menstrual cycle which circulates and cleans out blood and tissue from the body regularly.

My Mini Consultation

Anton is the real deal. Towards the end of our almost two hour meeting, Anton turned to me and asked if he could take my pulse. He told me that I am a worrier. Worry and stress cause the digestive system to slow down. The stomach is considered the mother organ as it filters food that is then distributed to the other organs of the body in order to nourish them. The odd thing is that I have colitis. It turns out that cupping can be used as part of a regimen to heal colitis and other digestive ailments. He also told me to keep an eye on my posture as bad posture wreaks havoc on the body – yes, causing trauma. The odd thing is, as soon as I walked into Anton’s office, I became acutely aware of my posture. It almost felt as if he was communicating telepathically to me nudging me to sit up straight.

Just Scratching The Surface

Cupping is a practice that is tailored specifically for each individual depending on his or her needs and there are many more tools involved in the modality that I did not delve into here. Above I have merely scratched the cupping surface. To schedule a consultation or appointment with Anton, please call Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté at 212-588-1771.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

Experiences. Not Things.

Everyone is so busy running around during the holiday season—shopping, traveling, cooking, etc. Sometimes the best gift you can give is the gift of self-care! An indulgent day, or even an hour, can be just the thing your favorite person needs to unwind.

Shiatsu Shampoo at Salon Ishi

The shiatsu shampoo and head massage at Salon Ishi to the rescue. This is the quintessential serenity now gift and can be particularly wonderful during the holiday season when we are not only physically running around but have lots on our mind. A Japanese treatment is applied to open pores and gently cleanse and nourish the scalp. The massage activates acupressure points stimulating blood flow and relaxation. Prepare to be magically transported to a very happy place.

Salon Ishi, 70 East 55th Street, Manhattan. Call: 212.888.ISHI

Gift Certificate to Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté

Want to give someone a wonderful treatment experience but not certain what s/he would like? Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté is one of New York City’s preeminent spas. Yasmine has been written up in Vogue, New York Magazine, Allure and New Beauty – just to name a few – and offers a wide variety of world-class treatments including massage, cellulite and body treatments and semi permanent makeup sessions. Yasmine’s Remodeling Facial is the spa’s signature treatment. Be prepared to look 10 years younger by the end of your session! We love the 60 minute Seaweed Wrap Treatment.

Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté, 60 East 30th Street, Manhattan. Call: 212.588.1881

Colonic at Exhale Healing Arts

At first blush this might seem like an odd gift, but for a wellness-minded friend, a colonic is a wonderful  - albeit unique – gift, especially around the holidays when many of us are prone to overindulging! Gina Mikan is as good as it gets. She uses the Woods Gravity Method, essentially an internal bath (possibly the best euphemism ever) that helps cleanse the colon of gas, mucus and accumulated fecal matter. There is no discomfort (really!) and only slight internal pressure, just a gentle flow of water in and out of the colon, expertly controlled by the therapist. During the procedure Gina explains the process step-by-step so your friend (or you!) will feel as at ease as possible, given the circumstances. The colonic appointment is one hour.

*For a limited time, Exhale Healing Arts founder, Gina Mikan, is offering Travel Beauty readers a special introductory offer of $90 for a first colonic appointment. Just mention Travel Beauty!*

Exhale Healing Arts, Brooklyn: 71 Eighth Avenue (corner of Union Street) & Manhattan: 124 East 40th Street (corner of Lexington Avenue), Suite 703. Call: 787.406.8061. Email: ExhaleHealingArts@gmail.com

Hair & Scalp Treatment at The Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic

Treat him or her to a one-of-a-kind custom hair treatment. A one hour session which includes the application of hair and scalp cream and of course, Philip Kingsley’s world famous Elasticizer which was created expressly for Audrey Hepburn. Also includes infrared, radiant heat and/or ultraviolet light therapy, depending on your unique hair and scalp concerns and a heavenly scalp and neck massage. Whether you have hair loss, texture and/or scalp issues or just want to give your hair a boost of health and radiance, this gift is aces.

Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic, 16 East 52nd Street, Manhattan. Call: 212.753.9600

Microcurrent Treatment for Face and/or Body at SB Skin

Shamara Bondaroff, founder of SB Skin, has been featured in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Yahoo Beauty and more for her transformative face and body treatments. Know someone who is soon to be jetting off to the Caribbean? A gift card for a microcurrent body treatment (or five) with SB Skin is the perfect pre-vacay gift. What does microcurrent actually do? The low level electricity applied stimulates the muscles, causing them to contract — just like when you do crunches or squats — thus helping to tone and slim the area being treated (the stomach and bum are two of the most-requested areas). The treatment encourages lymphatic drainage, which makes skin look taut and smooth, and also majorly improves cellulite. One treatment will have a subtle, noticeable result, but the best way to really fulfill your derriere dreams is to get a series of at least five sessions. Bonus: Your friend (or you!) can also enjoy a body treatment and a facial AT THE SAME TIME.

SB Skin, 289 7th Avenue, #4 (2nd floor), Manhattan. Call: 917.273.7374. Email: info@sbskin-nyc.com

Aesthetic Treatment with Dara Liotta MD

If you know someone who’s been considering a little cosmetic “tweaking”, but has been nervous about finding a quality doc, a gift certificate to Dr. Liotta’s practice is just the thing! Dr. Liotta is masterful at what she does. She is board certified in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery as well as Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Liotta spent five years training in Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, before going on to complete fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She is intimately acquainted with, and comfortable manipulating, the delicate and complex anatomy of the face and neck from its most superficial to its deepest layers. As a Board Certified ENT surgeon as well as a Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, she believes her job is not complete until everything looks good, functions well, and feels healthy.

Dr. Liotta does it all: from Botox, fillers and laser treatments to rhinoplasty, facelifts and necklifts (and more).

City Aesthetics, 154 E. 85th Street, Manhattan. Call: 212.288.2222. Email: facialplasticsnyc@gmail.com

By: Claire McCormack, Twitter & Instagram and Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie