Chinese Bodyworks

Bodyworks are the manual component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that recognises the interconnectedness of the physical body and its energetic system.

At the physical level they treat disorders affecting the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems.  They are also used in abdominal and pelvic discomfort and sluggishness.  The energetic aspect uses concepts of Qi: a vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body in channels called the meridians.  When the flow of Qi becomes blocked, stagnant, excessive or deficient, it causes pain, illness, or emotional imbalance.

Working along the meridians and over specific acupressure points, our Bodyworks treatments use techniques from Tuina, cupping and gua sha.  They can be used standalone or in combination.

Using principles of TCM they:

Clear stagnation
Tonify deficiency
Sedate excess
Balance yin yang
Promote circulation, lymphatic drainage & detoxification
Stimulate the muscles, organs & nervous system
Calm the tissues, organs & nervous system
Restore homeostasis

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Tuina

Tuina is one of the four pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), along with acupuncture, herbal medicine and Qigong. It combines bodywork with energetic work to mobilise the body, clear stagnation and promote the flow of blood and Qi.

Deep, brisk and invigorating movements lift, pluck and roll the tissues to free their movement and break down adhesions in the myofascia. Articulation and joint manipulations remove structural obstructions while light touch stimulates the skin and lymphatic system for the removal of metabolic wastes. Superficial brushing, tapping and vibration relaxes the muscles, opens the meridians, dissipates stagnant energy and calms the nervous system.

 

Back detail of a young woman who just underwent an acupuncture fire cupping treatment

Cupping

Cupping is an age-old therapy with evidence for use in Ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures.  Vacuum cups are applied to the skin to create a negative pressure which lifts the tissues and draws them apart, increasing local blood flow and flushing the area with fresh blood. Stimulation of the venous and lymphatic vessels permits enhanced drainage and the removal of metabolic and toxic waste products.

The cups are either left in place or moved around as part of a massage treatment for musculoskeletal pain, myofascial restrictions and adhesions as well as conditions such as digestive disorders, constipation, period pain and respiratory complaints.  Treatment should not be significantly painful, although stronger suction may leave dark circular marks on the skin for a few days, especially in fair-skinned individuals.

Gua Sha

Meaning to ‘scrape toxins’ or ‘rub trapped energy’, Gua Sha uses a variety of a smooth, flat tools to apply compressive strokes to the oiled skin.  It increases microcirculation fourfold, bringing fresh blood for healing and flushing venous and lymphatic wastes.  Deeper techniques address the myofascia, muscles and tendons. In breaking down adhesions and scar tissue, Gua Sha provokes an inflammatory response that activates tissue remodelling and restores function. It is particularly beneficial for muscle strains, ligament sprains and tendinopathies including tennis elbow, rotator cuff dysfunction and achilles tendinitis.  Treatment can be targeted to smaller superficial areas to treat such things as plantar fasciitis.

Gua Sha should not be significantly painful, although stronger techniques can cause a characteristic rash. This indicates broken capillaries and may take a few days to dissipate, especially in fair-skinned individuals.

Physical & Energetic Chinese Bodyworks

 

Jane practices Tuina as a student of Total Therapy Training, affiliated to the British Acupuncture Federation and endorsed by Yanagi Healing Arts and Clinics, Tokyo. She is required to submit case studies and may on occasion ask permission to use your treatment for her portfolio.

Jane trained in dry vacuum, fire cupping and Gua Sha with Jong Baik Education. She uses both myofascial and TCM techniques. While trained in bloodletting, Jane is unable to offer this at present and does not practice hijama cupping.

  • Clear stagnation
  • Tonify deficiency
  • Sedate excess
  • Balance yin yang
  • Promote circulation, lymphatic drainage & detoxification
  • Stimulate the muscles, organs & nervous system
  • Calm the tissues, organs & nervous system
  • Restore homeostasis

Treatments by Jane BellRegistered Osteopath & Medical Acupuncturist

General Osteopathic Council Registration #7784

Statutory Regulation of Osteopathy
Your Consultation: what to expect
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