TUINA MASSAGE
Tuina Massage is a complete system of medicine and along with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine the main components of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
It is thought to be the oldest system of bodywork practiced today. It is a very effective therapy for stiff necks, distension of shoulder, sciatica and sore backs.
It is the preferred treatment used for children when acupuncture is inappropriate - and is then known as ‘Chinese pediatric massage therapy’.
Most of the time I combine it together with muscle taping and magnets to speed up the healing process.
MAGNET THERAPY
Is an alternative therapy using magnets that are placed on the body to relieve pain. Magnets can be worn for various period of time, depending on the condition being treated. Muscle pain, sciatica, sleeping disorders are only a few that can be mentioned.
How does it work? (Extract from a double-blind study by St Paul’s College of Veterinary Medicine USA 1995)
When a magnet is applied to the body, muscles and soft tissues lengthen and relax, waves pass through the tissue and secondary currents are induced. When those currents clash with magnetic waves, they produce impacting heat on electrons in the body cells. These impacting heats are effective in the reduction of muscle swelling and pain. Movement of hemoglobin in the blood vessels is accelerated, while calcium, cholesterol and lactic acid deposits in the blood are decreased. The fatigued blood is cleansed, and circulation is increased. There is also significant evidence of pain blocking mechanism in nerve fibers themselves when subjected to magnetic fields.
Most ancient civilizations’ used magnet therapy in one form or another
Is commonly used to improve symptoms associated with muscular-skeletal disorders. It supports and stabilizes joints, while allowing normal movement. It is useful in the acute phase and also during ongoing repair and rehabilitation. It helps to aid faster muscle recovery, prevents cramps or spasm, prevents over-stretching or over-contraction of muscles, and also enhances muscle tone and strength.
How does it work?
During injury blood and other fluids build up causing inflammation and swelling. If there is too much inflammation, the excess is unable to be removed by the lymphatic system. The lymphatic vessels become compressed which prevents oxygen and nutrients from being delivered to healing tissues. When Kinesiology tape is properly applied, the elasticity in the KT Tape gently lifts the skin from the tissues below. This gentle lifting of the skin creates a space to improve blood and lymphatic flow which then helps to alleviate pressure and thus reduce swelling. Once blood flow is restored, oxygen and nutrients are better able to reach damaged tissues to help enhance healing.