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CHINESE MASSAGE THERAPY FACTFILE

WHAT EXACTLY IS CHINESE MASSAGE?

Massage Therapy is the manipulation of the soft-tissues of the body.  It helps to ease stress and muscular tension, relieve pain from injuries and speed healing from certain acute and chronic conditions.  The type of treatment also improves blood and lymph circulation bringing fresh oxygen and other nutrients to the affected tissues. This process helps to flush out the body toxins and enhance recovery.

Traditional Chinese massage can be split into two forms.  The first method is called Tui na which focuses on pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle. The second form is known as Zhi ya and this method is based on pressing or pinching on certain acupressure points.  Tui na is more of a therapeutic massage that treats specific illnesses, diseases and injuries as well as typical muscular problems.  Zhi ya can be likened to acupuncture as pressure points that would normally be stimulated by needles are instead stimulated by massage. Both types of massage are based on principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The foundation of Chinese medicine is to support and sustain the body’s energy (qi), thus ensuring that blood circulates efficiently throughout the body.   The belief is that if (qi) is stagnant, this results in a dull pain or ache, which has the ability to move around the body.  Conversely if the pain is in a specific area and is sharper in nature then it is the blood, which is stagnant.

Chinese massage draws upon 24 different massage techniques, all of which have a specific effect on the flow of blood and qi within the body.

IS CHINESE MASSAGE RIGHT FOR YOU?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Chinese Massage Therapy may treat the following physical and mental conditions:

Addictions                 Allergies                 Asthma                     Anxiety                 Arthritis (& Rheumatoid)         Back Pain                 Bladder/Kidney Problems         Bronchitis                 Chemotherapy (Adverse Reactions)     Childhood Illnesses         Chronic Fatigue Syndrome     Chronic Pain             Colds/Flu             Constipation             Depression             Diarrhoea             Digestive Disorders         Dizziness             Frozen Shoulder         Headaches/Migraines

Heart problems Hypertension/Hypotension Immune System Disorders Infertility Insomnia Joint problems Menopausal Symptoms Muscle Stiffness/Spasms Neck Pain/Stiffness Paralysis/Numbness Sciatica Sinusitis Skin Disorders Sprains/Strains Stress – Emotional/Physical Tendonitis Ulcers Vision Problems Whiplash Withdrawal Symptoms

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM CHINESE MASSAGE SESSIONS

Chinese massage typically lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Within your initial session the therapist will need to ascertain information about your medical history, sleep patterns and general health and lifestyle.  Furthermore to determine a suitable course of treatment the therapist will examine your body for muscle imbalance. The environment for your massage will be relaxing and warm and it is advisable to wear loose clothing, so you can feel completely comfortable on the massage table. The primary focus for the therapist to apply massage is centered around the main areas that cause major discomfort, energy meridians, acupressure points and muscles and joints.The therapy utilises many fast paced and non-deep techniques, which are frequently alternated to continually stimulate your energy.  The therapist may use the entire hand, forearm or elbow in order to knead, grasping, rub and gently strike the body’s soft tissue.  Depending on your condition, Chinese massage practitioners may additionally use Chinese herbs to facilitate quicker healing along with tongue and pulse diagnosis.

After the session, clients often feel energised and motivated due to the fast pace and vigorous movements associated with the Chinese massage.  Depending on your specific condition you may be advised to return for additional treatments.

Chinese massage supports and compliments other holistic therapies, for example, acupuncture and herbal medicine.  Whilst in addition, Yoga and Tai Chi are wonderful exercise philosophies enabling you to gain full advantage from your Chinese massage sessions.

FINDING A QUALIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST

Most people find Chinese Massage Therapy deeply relaxing and enjoy the tension it releases throughout the body.  It is also extremely safe when carried out by a qualified therapist.  It is wise to carry out some research and select a therapist who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as the Massage Association of New Zealand (MNZ).  Chinese Massage Therapists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment.  These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.

The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified Practitioners within your region.  We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.

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