Shiatsu:
Shiatsu is based on principles of Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Similar to Acupuncture in theory, Shiatsu can
bring balance to the flow of Qi or Energy without the use
of needles. Over the centuries, Chinese health
practitioners developed a system based on the premise that
good health is dependent on the balanced flow of vitality
in the body and in particular on the energy that flows
through a specific system of channels or meridians.
Shiatsu can be very helpful for postural and
muscular-skeletal problems and stress related conditions.
Recipients report Shiatsu has helped with headaches, PMS,
chronic pain and injuries. It has also been shown to
promote improved sleep, relief of anxiety, and reduced
muscle tension.
Shiatsu can be very useful where oils should be avoided due
to skin conditions or allergies. The pressure used can vary
between a deeper pressure with intense stretching or gentle
for those you prefer a light touch. When you receive
Shiatsu, you will lie on a floor mat or a massage table
fully dressed so wear comfortable clothing. Oils are not
usually applied. The practitioner will use their fingers,
palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and/or feet to apply a
comfortable pressure. You may also be moved and stretched
in order to restore the flow of Chi in the meridians.
During a session you can expect to relax deeply. Feedback
between client and practitioner will prevent any pressure
that is uncomfortable to you.
Tui
Na:
Tui
Na translated means “pushing-grasping,” and is the name
commonly used to refer to Chinese medical massage. The
therapist employees various hand techniques to loosen soft
tissue and increase range of motion in the joints. Properly
employed the theories and techniques of Tui Na are
extremely effective at treating a wide variety of problems,
including structural misalignment, orthopedic problems and
sports injuries, as well as internal diseases.
When
receiving Tui Na, the client will remain dressed and no
massage oils are used. In the treatment of various
conditions, the use of liniments and/or herbal plasters may
be utilized to enhance healing.
Adjacent
therapies:
Cupping Therapy - Glass or plastic cups are placed on the
back and other area's with restricted Qi. The cups use
suction to draw stagnant Qi up so it may be dispersed. It
will also help free fascia, move fluids and break holding
patterns. Cupping therapy can be done 2 ways: first they
remain on certain points and secondly they are moved along
the body. The client is typically left with reddish marks
on the area that was cupped. The marks will disappear
anywhere between 1 hour to 5 days.
Gua sha - Gua sha is an age old healing technique that some
think of as 'folk' medicine. Gua means to scrape and Sha is
the reddish rash that appears as the scrapping is done. If
Sha is present, there is blockage of Qi. This technique is
used when there is a restricted blood flow in an area. Most
gua sha is done to the back, neck, shoulders and glutes.
Typically there is pain in the area that has sha present.
If you press your fingers into an area, quickly releasing
them and white marks remain, sha is present. It can also be
used to treat colds, flu and other internal conditions.
Many people feel immediate results after having gua sha
done. Like cupping, redness will be present but fades
within 24 hours or at the most 3-5 days. The longer it
sticks around is an indication of poor circulation in the
area.
These therapies, if called for, will be discussed with the
client and consent received.