Tui Na
Tui na means "pushing grasping," and is a powerful form of Chinese medical bodywork. Based on the same Oriental medical principles as acupuncture, tui na seeks to improve the flow of qi through the meridian channels. Tui na is particularly effective for conditions involving muscles, tendons and joints, such as structural misalignment, orthopedic problems and sports injuries. It can also be used to treat internal diseases.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient technique, used in many cultures, in which a special cup is applied to the skin and held in place by suction. The suction draws superficial tissue into the cup, which may either be left in place or moved along the body. Cupping brings fresh blood to the area and helps improve circulation. Traditional cupping, sometimes referred to as “fire cupping," uses heat to create a vacuum-like suction inside of glass cups. In modern times, cups that use a small pump to create suction have also been introduced.
Effects of Suction Cupping
- Stretches muscles upwards from underlying bone and connective tissue
- Triggers profound muscle relaxation reflexes
- Pumps blood and lymphatic fluid through tight, adhered or restriction muscles, removing wastes and bringing new oxygen and nutrients to injured areas.
Active Cupping
Combines moving an affected body region with the cups in place. This innovative technique increases the therapeutic effects of cupping by actively engaging and mobilizing the underlying muscles, fascia and joints.
Active cupping can bring about rapid and lasting reduction of painful trigger points and adhesions, as well as gains in muscle-tendon flexibility and joint range-of-motion.
By decreasing pain-inhibition to movement, active cupping can play an important role in injury rehabilitation and restoring normal function.
Gua sha
Gua sha is an effective manual therapy similar to friction massage that:
- Breaks up painful myofascial trigger points and relieves myalgia
- Stretches and loosens restrictions in muscle and connective tissue, which can relieve pain at sites distal to where the gua sha is applied
- Flushes capillary beds and lymphatic ducts and increases local micro-circulation
- Stimulates tissue healing thorugh release of growth factors
- Can result in rapid restoration of injured muscle strength and function through strong stimulation of muscle/tendon reflexes
Gua sha means “to scrape away fever” (i.e., inflammation) in Chinese. Gua sha involves using the blunt edge of a specially-shaped tool capable of reducing tough, fibrous adhesions that resist thumb or finger pressure. Gua sha does not break the skin, but can result in temporary redness (petechiae) at the site of application, which fades after several hours or days.
Gua sha has a long history of usage in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but has not drawn as much interest from modern scientific researchers until recently. A clinical trial of gua sha for neck pain published in Pain Medicine in March 2011 showed significant benefit for pain severity and neck function, and called for further research. Personally I am glad to see this low-tech/low-cost technique that in my experience is very safe, well-tolerated and effective finally getting some of the attention it deserves from the academic research community.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb (known as moxa). Moxibustion stimulates circulation, counteracts cold and dampness in the body, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi. This safe, non-invasive technique may be used alone, but it is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment.
Qigong
Qigong means "life energy cultivation" and is traditionally seen as a method to cultivate and balance qi. The practice involves rhythmic movement, focused breathing, and concentrated awareness. Qigong is a safe and gentle meditative exercise that promotes healing of the mind and body.
Daniel Rola
