All of Traditional Chinese Medicine is concerned with the flow of energy (known as Qi) around the systems of the body. The form of TCM that I practice particularly emphasises the importance of maintaining a strong flow of Qi along the spine as this is the primary connector for all the limbs and systems of the body.
Blockages along the spine and limbs can be released using gentle stretching and manipulation, so that your body re-aligns itself. This is then followed by one, or a combination of treatments such as moxibustion, cupping, Tui Na massage, or Gua Sha to encourage the body to stay aligned.
Depending on your symptoms, any of the following additional TCM methods could form part of your treatment:
PHYSICAL THERAPIES
Cupping
Cupping is a therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. The suction is designed to stimulate the flow of blood within the superficial muscle layers, promoting the flow of energy (Qi) and removal of toxins from the body. It is commonly used to help relieve stress and muscle tension as well as the common cold.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves burning a fragrant medicinal herb slowly, applying the heat to specific acupuncture points on the body. Sometimes a heat lamp is used to apply heat to larger areas. Heat therapy is used to gently stimulate acupuncture points or painful areas of the body in order to assist the healing process.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a technique used to release muscle tension, tightness, constriction and pain. A Chinese spoon is used to gently stroke the skin over a problem area and stimulate blood flow. In turn, this releases stagnant toxins and allows new blood to replace the stagnant. Gua Sha is as effective as a deep tissue massage in treating problem areas.
Tui Na Massage
Tui Na is a Chinese medicinal massage technique that aims to soften the muscles, increase circulation and range of motion. It’s often used to relieve muscle pain, tension and inflammation, and to heal physical injuries.
FAQ - PHYSICAL THERAPIES
Q: HOW DOES CUPPING WORK?
Used primarily on your torso, oil coats the skin surface before an inverted glass cup is heated and placed over an acupuncture point. The suction created by the vacuum causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping is much like the inverse of massage - rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward. The cups are generally left in place for about ten minutes while you relax.
Q: IS THE GUA SHA TREATMENT PAINFUL?
Generally it may be a bit tender, however your experience of the Gua Sha treatment depends on a range of factors. Oil is applied to your skin and a simple porcelain spoon is used to make repeated strokes with gentle to firm pressure. Some areas may be more sensitive where there is stagnation in the muscles and is indicative of a Qi blockage. Temporary tenderness is a sign that the treatment is effectively clearing the stagnation.
It is fine for you to ask me to move away from a painful site, or reduce the pressure of the strokes if it is too strong.
Q: WHY DOES MY SKIN LOOK RED OR BRUISED?
After a cupping or Gua Sha treatment, you may notice a bruise on the skin where the tiny blood vessels on the surface of the skin have broken. Moderate, temporary discomfort is expected as stagnation is removed and connective tissue and muscles are loosened. It will generally not be painful and the bruise should fade within 48 hours. Typically, the more stagnation that was present, the longer it may last which may indicate that more treatment is required.
Q: IS THE TUI NA MASSAGE RELAXING?
Tui Na is a therapeutic treatment and is not designed for relaxation as it can be quite vigorous. ‘Tui’ means to push and ‘Na’ to grasp. Tui Na treats chronic pain, especially that caused by musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. The massage is usually done using gentle to quite firm pressure using palms, thumbs, fingers, and elbows, as well as various stretches. It is designed to work in conjunction with other treatments to help you to feel calmer and more balanced.
