INTEGRATIVE BODYWORK & ENERGY MEDICINE
In my practice, each individual is treated holistically; every session is tailored to one's needs, combining several traditional Eastern healing modalities: Tui Na, Medical Qi Gong, and Thai bodywork. Both Chinese and Thai body-energy work, practiced for thousands of years, share similar concepts in medical theory: our vital energy -- Qi (or Prana) -- runs throughout the body along energy pathways (meridians or Sen lines). When our Qi flows properly, we experience health; when our Qi is out of balance, we may suffer illness or pain. I employ these healing modalities in order to promote the harmonization of body, mind and spirit, and offer tools for ongoing prevention and self-care.
Tui Na - Chinese Bodywork
Tui Na (literally meaning "push" and "grasp") is a style of bodywork that is integral to the practice of Chinese Medicine.
Like acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and herbal medicine, Tui Na is founded on the above-mentioned concept of vital energy, which the Chinese call Qi.
The proper flow of Qi results in overall well-being; dis-ease tends to indicate excess, depletion or stagnation of Qi. Maintaining the body's energetic balance is instrumental in promoting both physical and emotional health; the various techniques of Tui Na (rolling, traction, compression, rotation and the application of pressure to acu-points) aim to balance the flow of Qi along our meridians.
Like acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and herbal medicine, Tui Na is founded on the above-mentioned concept of vital energy, which the Chinese call Qi.
The proper flow of Qi results in overall well-being; dis-ease tends to indicate excess, depletion or stagnation of Qi. Maintaining the body's energetic balance is instrumental in promoting both physical and emotional health; the various techniques of Tui Na (rolling, traction, compression, rotation and the application of pressure to acu-points) aim to balance the flow of Qi along our meridians.
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Tui Na differs greatly from Western massage techniques in its holistic view of the body and its foundation in these concepts. It affects different parts and functions of the body, removing blockages and stimulating the body's capacity for self-healing. Like other forms of Asian bodywork, Tui Na was designed as both a preventive and corrective / restorative method. It promotes energy and blood circulation, alleviates pain and relieves common ailments such as back, neck & joint pain, sciatica, headaches, insomnia, constipation and anxiety.
Sessions are tailored to the individuals' needs and may include the use of other modalities, such as cupping and moxibustion. |
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Medical Qi Gong - Energy Medicine
Qi Gong - an ancient healing art - is rooted in Chinese medicine, martial arts and philosophy. It is effective in maintaining and restoring health and harmonizing body, mind and spirit.
I integrate medical aspects of Qi Gong into my treatments, and also offer one-on-one sessions of Qi Gong practice, coordinating rhythmic breathing, fluid movement and a calm state of mind. These exercises are highly effective in awakening our Qi (vital energy); gathering, storing and condensing Qi in our bodies; building a strong nervous system; enhancing brain function; stretching & strengthening muscles and tendons; and balancing our body systems (digestive, endocrine) and organ function.
I integrate medical aspects of Qi Gong into my treatments, and also offer one-on-one sessions of Qi Gong practice, coordinating rhythmic breathing, fluid movement and a calm state of mind. These exercises are highly effective in awakening our Qi (vital energy); gathering, storing and condensing Qi in our bodies; building a strong nervous system; enhancing brain function; stretching & strengthening muscles and tendons; and balancing our body systems (digestive, endocrine) and organ function.
Thai Bodywork
Based on traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine, this form of bodywork (called Nuad Bo-rarn) was conceived centuries ago in the Buddhist temples of Thailand as both a preventive and therapeutic healing system. Rooted in the spiritual principles of loving kindness and compassion (Metta), this dynamic technique combines acupressure, reflexology, gentle stretching and the conscious use of breath. Much like Chinese medicine, Ayurveda (Sanskrit for "science of life") views illness as an imbalance in one's physical and/or mental constitution and in the body's energy flow. It therefore seeks to gently bring the body and mind back into a healthy balance.
During the course of a treatment, I gently guide the recipient through a series of postures and stretches, using my palms, thumbs, elbows and knees to work key pressure points along the body's energy pathways. A treatment is, in effect, a holistic "workout" balancing the body, mind, and spirit; incorporating rhythmic motion - rocking, palming, compression, vibration - this system works to restore movement, calm the nervous system, adjust the skeletal structure, increase mobility and flexibility, stimulate the internal organs, improve blood and energy circulation and relieve both muscular and emotional tension and pain. |
