Oriental Bodywork
The Eastern traditions of medicine provide us with a much more hands on and preventative type of health care than our Western counterparts. Although not every form of Oriental bodywork is mentioned here, this list seeks to provide you with an overview of the many kinds of alternative treatments available, some which you need to see a specialist for and others which you can begin to try yourself in the privacy of your own home.
Fascial massage
The fascial system is a web which encompasses our bones and muscles, a spider web like sack that holds us all together. Much ignored in western preventative medicine, this type of treatment seeks to release the first layer of tightened muscles in order to relax and rejuvenate the chronic muscle pain sufferer. Treatment is a mild and relaxing form of stretching.
Deep massage
If you are more into the massage, deep tissue massage "hurts so good" A skilled therapist will not force your muscles and tissues but will work with your body layer by layer to relieve muscle injury caused by sports, headaches, low back or neck pain, and sciatica. The massage can last to an hour and a half and is usually preformed twice a week until the muscles loosen and the pain recedes.
Acupuncture has gained in popularity over the last few years. Chi is the energy force which moves through our bodies constantly, although it can not be seen, often the acupuncture client will feel as though there is a string being pulled from the point at which the needle was inserted as it is removed at the end of a session. After a lengthy interview in order to determine which Chi points need to be addressed (for instance, if the patient is a heavy drinker, the acupuncturist will know to place a needle in the livers Chi point) and then have the patient lie on their back, or if using a more traditional Eastern practice, have the patient sit. Very thin needles are then placed at certain points in the body to get the Chi moving and can help relieve pain, increase energy, and help control cravings for cigarettes or food.
Hot stone treatments
A hot stone massage is an interesting sensation. Basalt stones are heated and placed on areas of the body to increase circulation and help you relax. The treatment usually lasts around an hour and includes a light massage.
Thai massage
During a Thai massage session, you do not disrobe and no oils are used. This method combines acupressure and reflexology as well as yoga. It is an art form of healing that has been practiced for over a thousand years. It is about energy and balance and remaining flexible. The patient bends, stretches, presses and meditates to stretch shortened, tight muscles which lead to neck and back pain in the course of our busy days. You will lie on your back with your feet up, and each side is worked on-up one side and down the other. Then you will flip over onto your back and the process starts again, all the time you are being coached in proper breathing and relaxation-meditation-techniques. Most people report a powerful feeling of well being as a result of the release of endorphins during this procedure.
Chi Nei Tsang
This form of deep healing comes from China. Chi Nei Tsang is another type of massage system, which concentrates on massaging specific points that are located near a person's navel. By massaging these points, the area is freed from any kind of obstruction and an individual's healing power can then flow unencumbered to the five other areas of the body; these being the vascular, muscular, nervous, and lymphatic systems and the acupuncture points, thus bringing about complete body healing.
Reflexology is the manipulation of certain points on the feet and ones hands to better influence the functioning of organs and relieve pain. Patients traditionally have circulation problems when they begin reflexology, and learn how to relieve these using pressure points. Increasing circulation helps lessen the chance of clots by helping the blood to move through the body easily and at the appropriate rate. As long as you're concentrating on your feet and hands, get a paraffin dip for both. This warm and soothing waxy dip serves to soften the feet and hands and helps heal joint and muscle pain caused from sitting with your hands in one position all day at a keyboard.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu literally means finger pressure. The oldest of eastern medicinal tradition was that a doctor was paid to keep a person healthy, and payment stopped if the person became ill. The first form of preventative medicine, there are five types of treatment, which are acupuncture, herbs, stones, acupressure and massage. The therapist's natural body weight is used on points of the body to pressure the Chi to flow more naturally. Chi is invisible, but can be felt as the healing of a wound by itself. Often the weird sensation of energy leaving your body as an acupuncturists needle is pulled from your skin is Chi. Chi holds and carries our spirit, and when Chi is stagnant, we become sick.
Tuina
Tuina is a form of bodywork that uses the same ideas as traditional Chinese medicine that makes the aforementioned acupuncture effective, however, rather than inserting needles, the therapist massages the points of the body where the needles would have gone in order to restore harmony.
Flexibility programs such as yoga concentrate on well being through muscle flexibility and balance. These classes are a great way to learn how to self manage pain without the use of medications, which can be addictive or make you drowsy.
This is just a short overview designed to give you some choices as to what therapy may be best for you. There is a therapy for every budget!
Acupuncture can be expensive, although most acupuncturists accept insurance now. Yoga classes are available at your local gym. Whichever you choose, Alternative Medicines such as Oriental Bodywork will help you achieve and maintain a healthy balance which could prevent disease down the road. Oriental Bodywork Books |
