Oriental Body Work

Tui Na

Tui Na is an excellent alternative to Swedish massage, focusing on deep tissue bodywork. The major focus of this massage is on pain sites, acupressure points, meridians, muscles and joints. Tui Na works in accordance with Traditional Chinese Medical theory. Comprehensive diagnosis is based on theories of Yin and Yang, Qi and the Five Elements. The organ systems and meridian theories are used as the main diagnostic methods in determining the appropriate bodywork to take place in a session, as these systems are closely related to the neuromuscular system. Meridian pathways composed of life force move through the body’s nervous system, blood vessels and lymph glands. When the balance of this energy is disturbed due to trauma, poor diet, medication, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, excessive or prolonged emotional issues; pain or sickness result. In oriental bodywork, as in other areas of TCM, the focus is to correct the root cause of illness in the body. Therefore, Oriental bodywork produces a lasting result, rather than covering up symptoms.

Cupping

Cupping is a method of relieving local congestion by applying a partial vacuum, which is created by cups with heat or by suction. Cupping has been used for thousands of years. Although it is often associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine, the entire world once knew this therapy and used it. The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese once used cupping therapy.

Cupping is personally my favorite treatment to receive. I tell clients that it may feel like a deep tissue massage. There is two types of cupping I implement. One is called moving cups. Here the body has a thin layer of oil then the cups are placed and moved usually up and down the back (erectors), shoulders, and hips. Secondly there are stationary cups. Usually no oil is used and the cups may be placed on most areas of the body for anywhere of 1-15min depending on the condition.

Why do we use cups?
This treatment gives the tissues a superb massage. It breaks down adhesions and thus removes hindrances to the circulation. There is an abundance of health benefits. Do not be surprised by slight bruising in the treated areas, this is of little consequence physiologically and visually will take 3-7 days to disappear.

Conditions which can benefit from cupping include headache, back pain, joint and muscular pain, infertility, sexual disorders, rheumatic diseases, hypertension, menopausal symptoms, bed wetting, common colds and flu, insomnia, stroke, fever, constipation and diarrhea, chest pain, asthma and blood disorders.

Acupressure

Acupressure is healing art that has been practiced for over 2000 years. When combined with massage, it relaxes the body while energizing it. A therapist uses finger pressure, instead of needles to massage muscles and stimulate specific reflex points. This technique releases energy blocks in the body. The patient is massaged firmly but painlessly over certain areas to harmonize the body’s vital forces. Acupressure is a powerful tool to alleviate fatigue, relax muscular tension and infuse a feeling of general well being. Acupressure massage is a safe and effective treatment for everyone. The practitioner works in a set sequence, applying pressure to the specific points. This allows stagnant or over-active energy to flow freely through the meridians bringing more balance to the client. As blocked energy starts to release, both the body and mind begin to relax.

Yoga

I instruct classes and individual sessions in Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. Visit my Yoga page for more info.

Transformative Wellness - Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Nutrition & Yoga Clinic - Vancouver BC