Chinese massage

Chinese massage can be described as acupuncture without needles, and uses the same diagnostic tools, such as taking the pulse and looking at the tongue.

Anyone can benefit from Chinese massage as it can be used in the treatment of many illnesses. The therapy ranges from paediatric massage, to sports massage and massage for the prevention of injuries and diseases.

Not only does it treat muscular aches, pains and tension, like sports injuries, traumas and repetitive strain injuries, Chinese massage can also treat internal disharmonies. These may range from colds and flu to insomnia, menstrual problems, digestive disorders, stress and mood disorders.

Chinese massage focuses on ensuring that the qi and blood flow correctly. If qi is stagnant, then pain is dull and an ache can move around the body, but if the blood is stagnant, the pain is sharp and fixed in one position. This therapy incorporates styles such anmo, tui na, and dian xue.

Anmo (translation: push, pull) developed by Tina Sohn, is like a relaxation massage, in that it works just on the muscles that are causing stiffness and tension.The technique uses deep tissue, friction and touch along the meridians to stimulate healing. Tina Sohn has discovered some powerful energetic points. The therapy also uses detoxification, herbs, vitamins and therapeutic exercises.

Tui na is an ancient Chinese system of manual therapeutics with a wide range of techniques and indications. While traditional Chinese medical precepts form its theoretical basis, clinical experience governs its application. Tui na techniques range from those that are light and soothing to those that are strong and invigorating. Refined over the centuries, tui na facilitates healing by regulating the circulation of blood and qi (vital energy), which controls body function and enhances resistance to disease. The term tui na (pronounced t-weigh na) combines the names of two of the hand techniques, tui meaning to push and na meaning to lift and squeeze, which are used to represent the system. Practitioners of tui na claim there are more than 365 hand techniques, although they can be generally placed in the category of pressing, rubbing, waving, shaking, percussion, or manipulating. The term “tui na” first appeared in the Ming Dynasty text Pediatric Tui Na Classic in 1601.

Dian xue is like acupuncture without needles, in that pressure points that would normally be stimulated by needles are instead stimulated by massage.

There are 24 different main techniques used in Chinese massage and each technique has a specific action on the flow of qi and blood. Tonifying, sedating, invigorating and dispersing the flow of qi and blood can be done by implementing different techniques.

Chinese massage also works well with other therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. Lifestyle and diet are also taken into account during a treatment session. Exercises such as tai chi, qigong and yoga, to name just a few, can also really help to benefit and maximise a massage treatment.

It is a very safe therapy, with the practitioner consulting with the patient before any treatment is begun. This is so that they can gain an accurate diagnosis and select the appropriate technique to achieve the desired therapeutic benefit.

So if you’re after a massage therapy that can help to treat a health condition while still providing you with relaxation, then Chinese massage is just right for you. Whether you opt for just the massage treatments or choose to add in some complementary therapies, you’ll soon be feeling fuller of vigour than ever before!

Zhi Ya is a form of Chinese massage based on acupressure. It is similar to Tui Na massage except it focuses more on pinching and pressing at acupressure points.