Traditional Chinese Bodyworks

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Traditional Chinese Bodyworks are therapeutic systems that work on both physical and energetic levels to promote holistic health. On a physical level they treat various disorders affecting the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems. They are also used in abdominal discomfort and other sources of visceral pain.

The energetic aspect of bodyworks is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and concepts of Qi. This is often translated as a vital energy or life force that flows throughout the body in channels called the meridians. These connect all parts of the body including organs, tissues, and the psyche.

TCM considers that blockages or imbalances of the flow of Qi are the root cause of pain, illness and dysfunction. Working along the meridians and over specific acupressure points, Chinese Bodyworks aim to influence the tissues and organs and restore balance in the flow of Qi.

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.

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. Having completed the practical assessment, she is required to submit case studies and may on occasion ask permission to use your treatment for her portfolio.

Cupping

Cupping is an age-old therapy with evidence for use in Ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it combines physical therapy with energetic work to mobilise the body, clear stagnation and promote the flow of blood and Qi.

Applied to the skin, vacuum cups 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 degree of suction depends on the condition being treated, age, health-status and tolerance of the patient. 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 unidirectional, compressive strokes to the oiled skin. Using principles of TCM, it addresses stagnation and alleviates pain and disease through the manual movement of blood and Qi.

Gua Sha increases microcirculation in the skin 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 such as to treat plantar fasciitis, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis and trigger finger. Gua Sha should not be significantly painful, although stronger techniques can give rise to a characteristic rash. This indicates broken capillaries and may take a few days to dissipate, especially in fair-skinned individuals.