Massage is one of the main modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alongside acupuncture and herbal/dietary therapy. Matthew trained in both Tuina and Shiatsu, and combines these techniques in the clinical setting. The combination offers a simultaneously therapeutic and relaxing technique. The massage is performed on the treatment table, using a blend of oils and massage cream. It can follow an acupuncture treatment, or be scheduled as a stand-alone treatment.
Tui-na (推拿 [tʰwéi.nǎ]), literally “push and grasp” in Chinese, is the form of medical massage developed through TCM, and employed in clinical settings in China. There are dozens of manipulation techniques used in Tuina, with the goal of “removing qi and blood stagnation”, and consequently pain. Tuina has a larger scope of application in China than in Europe, often performing services that are the work of physiotherapists, osteopaths, or chiropractors here.
Depending on your condition, massage may be indicated and combined with other TCM methods.
Massage is recommended for: Muscle pain, stiffness, low-back pain, lumbar pain, neck pain, joint pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain, sciatic pain, plantar fasciitis, headaches, jaw pain, TMJD, inflammation, tendonitis, stress, anxiousness, as well as many other conditions.
Please note that massage during pregnancy can present small risks, and for that reason I prefer to refer such cases to massage therapists with specialised training in pregnancy massage.
Tui-na
A form of massage, integral to TCM, which promotes the movement of qi and blood, used in the treatment of injuries, acute, and chronic conditions, in order to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and circulation.
Shiatsu
A form of massage, utilizing the stimulation of channels and tsubos, a.k.a. meridians and acupressure points.