Tui Na : (two-we-na)

As one of the three pillars of Chinese Medicine, Bodywork (Tuina-push/grasp) is a method that utilizes soft tissue manipulation to stimulate Acupoints, activate meridians, and Qi (energy - pronounced Chee) that flow throughout the body. Tuina helps the body fall into structural realignment, and helps to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal, orthopedic, energetic, and internal organ disorders. Tuina utilizes Traditional/Ancient Chinese Medical Theory in accessing energetic and functional disorders. In many ways one could view Tuina as acupuncture without the use of needles, the same theories of treatment are learned for both professions

As with the flow of winter into spring, we spiral through life. The principle of circulation is fundamental within our own bodies as well. Both fluids, such as blood and lymph, as well as, Qi must flow without restrictions. This keep the toxins eliminated and life processes harmonized therefore reducing impairments caused by tension or injury and strengthens many of the biophysical functions of the body.

One of the reasons I use Tuina daily in my practice is the techniques are effective in the treatment of repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Tuina is also useful in bringing a persons Zhengqi (upright qi) back into alignment so that ones Ming (destiny) can be properly followed.

 

Adjunct Chinese Modalities:

Moxibustion Therapy: The incense like odor of Moxa is the scent of burning Artemisia Vulgaris – a member of the chrysanthemum family and a close relative to common wormwood. It is used to warm the cold, move damp and helps in the regulation of Qi and Blood. In clinical studies in Japan an increase of white blood cells was observed. Moxibustion is often used for menstrual disorders, cold tight muscles, and issues involving stagnation of blood.

Cupping Therapy: Cupping was used in many ancient healing traditions, and today is making its way back to a popular treatment. Chinese Medicine uses Cupping in a variety of ways. The cups I use are made of glass and use suction to move the pain causing stagnation. The main reason for using Cupping is to move long held stagnation of Qi and/or Blood which lead to pain, stiffness, and lack of circulation in a localized area. Cupping is used to treat problems the effect the Muscles, joints, and organ systems.

Gua Sha Therapy: is very similar to cupping but uses a lighter tool that scrapes the skin to move the stagnation. Guasha works more at the exterior, and cupping works more at an interior, level for healing.

Auricular Therapy: involves the use of small bb’s taped on to points on the ear. I have found that these points can often offer an amazing amount of support for the treatment which a client has just recieved.

 

Bowen Technique:

The Bowen Technique: is a powerful healing system of soft tissue therapy that affects the body structurally and energetically so that it can correct and heal itself. Bowen uses a painless procedure of gentle muscle, tendon and connective tissue “moves” located over reflex and acupuncture points which quickly and effectively release stress, muscle spasms and pain while enhancing joint mobility.

By balancing Qi (energy) flow, stimulation of the lymphatic drainage system, blood circulation and normalizing the nervous system, clients can rapidly experience a sense of well-being, clarity and relief from a wide range of acute or chronic conditions such as: back and neck pain, TMJ, headaches, frozen shoulders, sports injuries, digestive and respiratory conditions, stress and muscle tension… This technique will benefit anyone from the newborn to the elderly, from the physically challenged to the competitive athlete, and is also recommended during pregnancy.

The Bowen technique was recommended as a tried and true pain relief remedy for Fibromyalgia in the October 1999 issue of Prevention magazine