Massage as a Part of Chinese Medicine
Massage as a part of Chinese medical treatment goes back about 4,000 years. Written massage textbooks began to appear as early as the fourth century B.C., along with the earliest Chinese medical texts. Massage appears to have developed alongside both therapeutic exercise (qigong) and acupuncture, as it depends on the same understanding of the meridians and the flow of qi in the human body. The type of massage known as qi healing, or curing with external qi, was developed by master teachers of qigong.
Eastern bodywork Vs Western massage
Eastern bodywork is based in the theories of Oriental Medicine, and focuses on manipulation of the soft tissue to restore the flow of Qi in the meridian system of the body to help maintain health and relieve pain. Tui Na, Zhi Ya Shiatsu, Kiatsu, and acupressure are all forms of Eastern Bodywork.
Western massage is also based on manipulation of soft tissue, generally with the goal of relaxation or pain relief. It does not utilize the theory of the meridian system, relying instead on knowledge of local nerves, muscle, and fascia to achieve results.
Benefits
Chinese massage is not intended to be an experience of pampering or relaxation. It is a form of deep tissue, myofscial and meridian therapy that conveys the following benefits:
- speeding the healing of injuries and clearing bruises
- stimulating blood circulation and regulating the nervous system
- removing scar tissue
- easing emotional distress
- curing some conditions affecting the internal organs
- increasing flexibility in the joints and improving posture
- relieving chronic pain
- maintaining wellness and functioning as a form of preventive care
- improving athletic performance
- strengthening the body's resistance to disease
Other benefits include the fact that some forms of Chinese massage do not require extensive training and can be used at home.
Massage therapy is one of the most pleasurable ways to become healthy. An increasing number of research studies show that massage slows heart rate, lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, Enhances the immune response, increases range of motion, and simply feels terrific.
Adam Byrn Tritt, M.Ed, CHt, LMT (54881) is a massage therapist, author, teacher, acitivist, shaman and some say, a mensch. He offers Oriental bodywork and Western massage to patients at The Wellness Center in Palm Bay, Florida.