|
Acupressure ~ is an ancient Oriental healing art which involves applying manual pressure to specific points on the body. These points, called acupoints, are located along the body’s meridians. Meridians are the circuits, or pathways in the body, through which Qi (Chi), or life energy flows. The goal of acupressure is to help the body to achieve and maintain balance, by relieving blockages of energy at the acupoints, and encouraging the free flow of Qi to all the body’s systems. Acupressure is used to relieve pain and muscular tension, as well as to assist with many other disturbances in the body, such as insomnia, headache, anxiety, or acute illness.
Acupressure is very relaxing. While acupoints may be tender at first, as the therapist holds pressure on the point, the discomfort will lessen within a minute or two, and will often disappear completely. Acupressure can be applied in many situations when a general massage would be contraindicated, for example if you are sick with a bad cold or flu, or have a medical condition which precludes traditional massage. Acupressure can be used in conjunction with a regular massage or can be applied as a stand-alone treatment.
TuiNa (Chinese Medical Massage) ~ like other Eastern modalities, has the goal of returning the body to balance. TuiNa focusses on promoting the flow of energy, or Qi, through the body’s meridians, as well as within the muscles. Techniques used include grasping, rolling, kneading, stretching, tractioning, striking and frictioning. In general, a TuiNa massage will feel both relaxing and invigorating and will help you feel more energetic. TuiNa has been in use in China for over 2,000 years and is utilized as a treatment, or as a complement to treatment, for a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders, as well as for chronic stress-related disorders of the internal systems.
TuiNa can be used in conjunction with Western style massage techniques, or can be used alone. TuiNa massage usually does not require the application of oil or lotion, so it can easily be done with the client fully clothed.
Gua Sha ~ is a traditional Asian technique which can be used whenever a client is experiencing pain, whether from an acute or chronic disorder. Gua Sha releases blocked Qi, promoting normal circulation and metabolic processes. The skin of the back, neck or limbs is lubricated with oil and then firmly stroked with a smooth flat tool to produce petechiae, small red spots, which fade within a few days. The petechiae, or “sha” are indicative of stagnation in the tissues. This technique is used to treat a wide variety of conditions including muscular pain and stiffness, as well as acute and chronic conditions involving the respiratory and digestive systems.
AcuStone Massage ~ is a type of hot and cold stone massage which focusses on the body’s energy meridians. Like other Eastern modalities, the ultimate goal of AcuStone Massage is to help the body return to balance, by releasing energy blockages and encouraging the free flow of Qi, or life energy, throughout the body’s systems.
Smooth stones are heated in a clean water bath, or cooled in the refrigerator or freezer, until they reach the proper temperature. The stones are then placed on meridian points of the torso, legs, arms, and face, to impart soothing and deeply relaxing warmth, or refreshing coolness (chilled stones are generally used on the face.) Oiled stones are also used for massage, increasing the beneficial effects. A variety of massage strokes are used, including long, flowing strokes, as well as TuiNa-style rolling on tense or knotted muscles.
AcuStone Massage will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, and will help to increase your energy.
|
