Traditional Oriental Medicine

The Bodywork Stuff

The Oriental Traditions I will disucss here are primarily from Chinese, Japanese & Vietnamese descent

They are BIG on longevity, which was part of the reason for the development of this form of medicine. It started some 5,000 years ago and includes a whole system of treatments including Acupuncture, Herbalism, Spinal Diagnosis, Nutrition, Exercise, Anmo Fu (Internal Organ Massage) & Chinese Physiotherapy (Tui Na).

Traditional Oriental Medicine works on the basis that everything comes from Yin/Yang. This popular concept suggests that first there was one (Tao) which divided into two- in order for it to know itself it must have an opposite. From this two everything is born the way that it is. These two form elements, which makes nature the way that it is, as well as individual being. These elements create the formations of Meridians that run along the body. These meridians correspond to internal organs, internal structures, emotional & psychological states. Each of these meridians are made up of different elements and the state of their balance determines the state of health. A thorough diagnosis based on inspection of the tongue, pulse & spine through muscle testing help determine the treatment process.

Oriental Body Balance comprises of the following integrated multidisciplinary systems:

Oriental Medicine is an ancient holistic system of healing that uses a variety of modalities. Medicinal herbs (and occasionally some animal and mineral products) in whole and natural form are used to treat and prevent mental, physical, and emotional illness. Herbs are believed to restore harmony to the mind, body, and emotions. Eastern Herbalism is frequently used in conjunction with acupuncture and the other modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture literally means, "needle piercing." Very fine needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate specific points called Acupoints. It has traditionally been taught as a preventive form of health care, but has also been found useful in the treatment of a very wide variety of acute and chronic conditions. Acupuncture has been used for over 3,000 years in China as a major part of their primary health care system. In modern times, it is used for the prevention of and treatment of diseases, for the relief of all pain, and as an anaesthetic for surgery. There are other various, non-needle methods of acupuncture administration, including electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and laser. Acupressure is based on the principles of acupuncture. This ancient Chinese technique involves the use of finger pressure (rather than needles) at specific points along the body to treat ailments such as arthritis, tension and stress, aches and pains, and menstrual cramps. This system is also used for general preventive health care.

Chinese Bodywork Therapy Tui Na is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that has been used in China for over 2,000 years. Tui Na uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians as its basic therapeutic orientation. It is used to reduce stress, improve blood circulation, enhance immune function, and treat a variety of health conditions.

Thai Bodywork therapy is an ancient system of healing with its roots in Yoga, Ayurvedic medicine and Buddhist spiritual practice. This unique and complete system of Yoga therapy combines rhythmic massage, acupressure, gentle twisting, deep stretching and meditation. Thai Massage releases tension, increases vitality and creates wholeness of mind, body and spirit.

Positional Release Therapy -comprises 2 elements, these are:

Myofascial Release Therapy is a hands-on technique that seeks to free the body from the grip of tight fascia, or connective tissue, thus restoring normal alignment and function / balance and reducing pain. Using hands, therapists apply mild, sustained pressure to gently stretch and soften the fascia. Myofascial release is used to treat neck and back pain, headaches, recurring sports injuries, scoliosis, and many other conditions.

Neuromuscular Therapy emphasises the role of the brain, spine, and nerves in muscular pain. One goal is to relieve tender, congested spots in muscle tissue and compressed nerves that may radiate pain to other areas of the body.

CranioSacral Balancing - First pioneered by the Japanese (Kenkujutsu) and further developed by osteopathic physicians. CSB is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the Cranio Sacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using soft touch practitioners release restrictions in the Cranio Sacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CSB is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

Applied Kinesiology (A.K.) is a system using muscle testing as a functional neurological evaluation. The methodology is concerned primarily with neuromuscular function as it relates to the structural, chemical and mental physiologic regulatory mechanisms. A.K., which originated within the chiropractic profession, is an approach to clinical practice, with multidisciplinary applications

Anmo Fu- Internal Organ Massage deals with everything between th rib cage and pelvc floor. Working deep massage techniques to the abdomnial area can relieve digestive disorders such as thrush, IBS and necessary detoxification. It has shown high success rates when dealing with issues related around allergies. A recent self-conducted study has shown that combined with acupuncture can completely cure symptoms of hayfever.

Cupping-Originally designed to draw poisons out of wounds- the use of heated glass cups placed on various parts of the body. The heated glass creates a suction effect when placed on areas of the body allowing stagnant blood, lymphs & toxins to rise up to the surface. Once surfaced the stagnant fluids are easily moved creating a kick start to harmony within the affected area.

Reflexology- Massage to the hands, feet and head with an emphasis in working on specific points to deal with internal imbalances. A must have treatment to keep things in check!

Food Intolerance Testing- Not necessarily just food, but supplements too. Do you remember feeling ill when you were younger? When a bowl of hot soup, a hot bath and some added nutrients to the diet helped speed up recovery? Have you reached a time in your life where you feel as though you seem to need 'more healing time' ? This intervention will help you work out what is working for you right now and how much you need to cut out or increase in your nutritional intake.

Years of living can create the digestive system to become stagnant, with stuff left inside of you various types of toxins form. This can limit how the body absorbs nutrients hence longer recovery periods. Intolerance Testing is an insightful aspect of Integrated Health Practises because in both Oriental & Ayurvedic Medicine, food is the first root of medicine. By diagnosing what puts the body under stress as well as working out what the body CAN absorb helps speed up recovery & create a more harmonious lifestyle.