Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese, non-invasive physical therapy designed to stimulate the body's inherent ability to heal itself. It is rooted in ancient Chinese healing, and is founded upon similar principles to acupuncture.
While literally meaning 'finger pressure', shiatsu involves the use of hands, thumbs and elbows to manipulate the body using various techniques. Pressure is adjusted to the client's comfort level and can range from light and gentle to strong and vigorous.
Treatments directly address the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). When we feel calm and relaxed, sleep is improved and we feel less pain. The goal of shiatsu is to improve body functions, prevent illness and promote overall health and well-being.
Swedish Massage (RMT)
Massage Therapy, "is the practice of assessing the soft tissues and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of dysfunction, injury, pain and physical disorders of the soft tissues and joints by manual and physical methods to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, to relieve pain and promote health.
Massage therapy may include other modalities or specific techniques, such as:
- Hydrotherapy (the use of heat and cold)
- Trigger point therapy
- Myofascial therapy (connective tissue work)
- Deep tissue massage
- Rhythmic mobilizations
- Manual lymphatic drainage
Remedial exercises Registered Massage Therapy can help with conditions such as:
- Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis
- Stress relief and associated conditions
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains
- Back/Leg/Neck pain
- Repetitive strain injury
- Circulatory and Respiratory problems
- Pregnancy and labor discomfort
- Post-injury and post surgical rehabilitation
- Sports injuries
- Fractures/Dislocations/Edema
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain)
- Kyphosis/Scoliosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Whiplash
- Palliative care
- Massage Therapy can be part of your Health Maintenance Plan
Tui-na
Another branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tui-na is a hands-on therapy involving more dynamic, moving pressure than is used in shiatsu. This style of pressure is very useful in helping to release tension that has built up in the body. In tui-na, which literally means 'push and grasp', the practitioner may brush, knead, roll or press the body to get blood and energy moving in the meridians and muscles.
Both of the above forms of bodywork can be used in conjunction with acupuncture to help treat a wide range of complaints, including muscular aches and pains, headaches, migraines, digestive issues and menstrual complaints.