So, big day! After meeting a few times with my friend Marla Gold, who teaches Nia and Acuball Classes (among a long list of healthcare worker certifications)... I became a new member of the Acuball distribution team of teachers and health care practionners who use, teach with and absolutely love this beautiful.... blue.. ball.
Actually, there is The Acuball and The Acuball- Mini. I am using the Acuballs in class and meeting with practionners who want to use this tool for themselves, or with patients/clients in small offices, corporations, medical teams, in therapy, and at home. If you already have an embodied practice in your work life, the use of the ball and Michael's intention in it's accessibility to the public, will make quite a lot of sense to you.
There are many ways to use The Acuball. In class i will be focusing on the spine and myofascial release techniques along side our movement, weight training, stretching and embodied meditation. (For those of you who don't know, myofascial release is a form of soft tissue work to aid in releasing muscle and muscle 'casing' contractions, tightness and so on. In clinical terms we can say that myofascial release aids in treating somatic dysfunction, accompanying pain and restriction of motion. )
The Acuball’s effectiveness is the result of a number of really bright design features. Lying on the floor of Michael's medical office this morning.. we both enjoyed the simplicity and accessibility of 7 years of very intense research by Dr. Cohen, friends and his team. We'll be using these in class so get ready to loooooove your muscles and your body. It's like embodiment, ment for easy understanding and access. And thanks to Leslie, on admin, for being a great multi-tasking photographer :)
1) Dual Stimulation Zones for Large & Small Muscles
The zone on the bottom of the Acuball has multiple smaller acupoints for doing lighter work like releasing tight muscles in your scalp, face and temples or massaging your child. The larger acupoints on the rest of the Acuball are for deeper work like loosening larger muscles in your neck, legs, hips and low back.
2) Spine Align Belt for Releasing Tight Vertebrae
Many spinal problems come from tight muscles which cause vertebra to lock together, 'jamming up' instead of flowing freely. The Spine Align Belt, a precision moulded groove running around the middle of the Acuball, allows you to lie directly on the Acuball - opening and loosening your spine one vertebra at a time. Like pulling an accordion open, this helps to ‘free up’ your spine all the way from your low back up to the top of your neck. The acupoints at the side of the Spine Align Belt also give an acupressure treatment to the important postural muscles running along both sides of your spine (the erector spinae muscles), allowing them to open and relax. Better spinal motion, improved Central Nervous System flow (since your Central Nervous System runs through your spine) and improved posture result.
The area where your neck meets the back of your head is a key area for wellness enhancement. Why? Because it is here that your brain exits your skull and becomes your spinal chord, transmitting vital information to every part of your body. Any tightness here affects your brain's ability to optimally communicate with your body, so you want this area to be as loose and flexible as possible. Because we spend so much time with our heads bent forward - working, computing and care-giving this area is almost always tight. The Spine Align Belt allows you to open this crucial area, which as you'll experience for yourself, feels truly wonderful.
3) Heatability
If you like the feeling of heat on tight sore muscles, you'll love the Acuball's unique patented heating ability. You certainly don't have to heat it, many people use it at room temperature, but you should try it. People have remarked countless times that they love the sensation of deep penetrating warmth on sore, achy muscles. Many people love taking a heated Acuball to bed with them. Why does it feel so good when it's heated? Heat expands muscles, causing blood vessels to open up, bringing more blood to tight areas. This increased blood flow flushes out accumulated wastes, calming irritated nerves and loosening muscles back to their normal relaxed state.
The Acuball-Mini
The Acuball-mini’s smaller nibs and harder feel make it perfect for releasing tight muscles in the smaller muscle groups of the body such as the feet, shoulders, upper back and arms. It is particularly effective in the feet for relieving painful conditions like plantar fascitis. Athletes (golfers, runners, tennis players) use the Acuball-mini before their activity to loosen problem areas in their feet, shoulders or arms to enhance muscle performance and reduce risk of injury.
See You in Class!!
Miriam
For booking workshops and kits call Miriam Schacter
DanceFIT Canada PH: 416.939.1672
Torontomoves@gmail.com
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