Traditional Chinese massage has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, both physical and mental. Many of these ailments have helped people avoid discomfort and sometimes even the dangers of modern medicine. In recent times traditional Chinese massage therapy has increased in popularity, not just in the West but as well in the East. Many Western customers who experience traditional Chinese massage therapy are able to enjoy the physical and mental benefits, like stress relief and better muscle and skeletal alignment. However, not all customers are aware of how this ancient treatment works.
Traditional Chinese massage, like many other oriental medical practices begins with the belief of the ancient Chinese medicine that there are many layers of interconnected tissues within the body. These different layers are connected to one another via energy called Qi (pronounced "chi"). This energy is usually described as a mixture of positive and negative energy. It is the result of interactions between organ systems as well as their respective wastes. Traditional Chinese medicine offers many methods to clear obstructions caused by these interactions. Examples of these treatments are Acupuncture, herbal remedies and massages that make use of pressure points.
There are four main kinds of techniques that are used in this oriental medical practice. The first two are more specialized and the final two have some common elements. One of these, referred to as joint heat therapy, is often employed for those suffering from muscle spasms and people who have suffered injuries. This involves grasping a joint with your fingers or thumbs and applying heat to increase circulation. To increase blood flow and release tension from the muscles or tendons, press a thumb or finger into a specific spot on the body.
Another method is to use creams and oils on your skin and muscles. These products soften the hard, dry areas of the body, while increasing the softness in the more smoother areas. These products are normally prepared by mixing some drops of essential oils with cold-pressed vegetable oil. One good example of such an oil is castor oil, which is extensively utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. Pressure points are the third kind of traditional chinese massage therapy. They can be used to treat specific problems or to prevent certain diseases from repeating.
Basic techniques are accompanied by actions such as kneading, rolling and tapping. These movements are intended to increase blood flow and allow nutrients to flow through the body and to strengthen the nerves. They are also meant to calm the mind. These kneading techniques are similar to yoga's. They combine gentle touch and controlled movement. A beginner's Chinese massage class could start with students rolling their knuckles and using gentle movements of shaking in order to warm the body and stimulate the neck's capillary vessels.
The promotion of relaxation through well-being is the main purpose of traditional Chinese medicine. To attain this goal, there should be a general sense of calm, and the practitioner should be able to induce a state of relaxation in the person receiving the treatment as well as within himself. The qi is able to travel through the body and benefit everyone when it is stimulated appropriately.
Chinese medicine maintains that massage therapy is not only a once-in-a-lifetime event. It is an ongoing program that provides an understanding of the body and its various systems. To stay current with the latest advances in health care, traditional Chinese massage techniques must be reviewed periodically. Many Chinese medical practitioners believe that there are massage methods that can ease back pain. They also believe that there are other benefits to stretching.
Massage techniques have developed into an entire system. They include not only kneading and squeezing but also percussions, rolling vibration, and exfoliation. Chinese massages combine the principles of gentle touch and manipulation of internal organs with stretching and strength training. Massage techniques have been proven to be effective in relieving stress, chronic tension, and promoting a healthy balance in the mental and physical realms. Tui massages are designed to promote health and well-being. Massage therapists may use plants like ginseng, wild yam, kelp, liuwei, and kelp, among other natural supplements. These remedies derived from plants and herbs aid in restoring the balance of the Qi (pronounced chee) which allows the body to fight against disease and illness more effectively.
