Asian Bodywork incorporates a thorough Eastern Medicine diagnosis and differs from massage due to those diagnostics, the techniques involved, and the focus on addressing the underlying problem rather than just working on tight muscles. We utilize all the tools at our disposal in a treatment session (cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, essential oils, and medicinal liniments) depending on the client’s presentation. Being both a body worker and an acupuncturist, Jason has focused on using these two elements together in a technique we’ve developed called AcuMassage. It’s a combination that our patients seem to enjoy and I find more clinically effective than either of them alone. Feel free to contact me and ask which style of bodywork or combination may be right for your particular complaint.
TUI NA
Tui Na means “push pull”. This style of Traditional Chinese medical massage incorporates techniques similar to chiropractic, osteopathic, and physical therapies. Based on principles outlined according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this modality is used mostly for medical purposes instead of relaxation and works to correct musculoskeletal conditions as well as internal diseases. Tui Na utilizes a variety of hand techniques, such as pushing and kneading, rhythmic compression, acupressure, and passive or active stretching in order to relax muscles that are putting unwanted stress on underlying tissues, organs, and bony structures in order to restore correct anatomical relationships. Typically a more vigorous style of bodywork than Shiatsu. Usually performed with the patient fully clothed.
SHIATSU
Japanese bodywork that involves hand and finger compressions and acupressure along the energetic meridians of the body. Typically performed on floor cushions or mats with the patient dressed in loose clothing, the Shiatsu therapist employs stretching and compression in the treatment. Shiatsu uses very few techniques and can be described as very rhythmic and relaxing. This modality is perfect for stress relief and internal disharmonies.
ACUMASSAGE COMBINATION TREATMENTS
AcuMassage is a particular protocol involving massage combined with acupuncture and various other techniques used within Eastern Medicine traditions. AcuMassage utilizes some traditional TCM diagnostics in conjunction with postural analysis and muscle testing. Sessions are generally more involved than a typical acupuncture treatment, requiring PNF stretching and active and passive muscle movement with pressure point stimulation. Relaxing neck and hips are focused on as major players in most issues. More effective at relieving pain and restoring range of motion than massage alone, AcuMassage relaxes muscle tension while utilizing more nervous system involvement for longer lasting effects. Depending on the complaint a patient may be coming in for, a session will last anywhere from 45 min to 90 min and will include fascial and/or deep massage work, acupuncture, and stretching/traction. Other modalities such as cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, herbal liniments, guided meditation, and qi gong are included based on the patient’s individual needs.
Please reach out if you suffer from pain or stress and we can discuss if an AcuMassage session would be of benefit as an alternative to regular massage or acupuncture treatments.
