Chinese Massage is an ancient tradition that involves several related and overlapping treatment components. Central is the idea that massage affects the physical body with the Qi body (network of energy) and the mental body (emotions, thoughts, and spiritual senses).
Qi/Chi (pronounced ‘Chee’) represents the force or energy that controls harmony in the body. Qi is used to describe the vital breath, or energy, animating the cosmos. It is the difference we observe between a living, breathing being and a corpse. Qi has defined pathways for circulation, namely the meridians, along which lie the acupuncture and treatment points. Massage therapy works to remove any blockages along these meridians that may have developed and which cause pain or discomfort.
Chinese Massage primarily focuses on acupressure points along meridian lines where Qi gathers which can be easily manipulated. Massage techniques activate and regulate Qi and blood as well as promoting relaxation to ease spasms, increase flexibility, and straighten the joints.
Since pain is considered an inflammation arising from a blockage or lack of free flow of Qi and blood, Chinese Massage aims to create movement as a powerful treatment for pain relief.
Therapeutic or remedial massage is aimed at specific health problems and is based on treatment principles and specific techniques that are combined to treat the presenting complaint and underlying concern. Deep tissue massage is part of therapeutic massage and will require clients to uncover any affected area.
Reflexology is based on the Chinese understanding that each of the body’s organs are represented by reflex points in the feet and ears. Manipulating these points is believed to treat problems and promote healthy functioning – and it is pure bliss!