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The power of Tui Na and Shaitsu

The other day I had a client whom I have been giving massage to for some time. She presents with headaches that stem from her occiput, lower back pain and some arm issues. Actually she is a body worker too! Her sessions are on average every 2 weeks to which I work mostly on the neck but some time on the arms and back.

One day she decided to try something new. She came in for a session of Asian Bodywork. I did a combination of Shiatsu and Tui Na, really working on loosening up the spine and pelvis. Her feedback was positive, the difference compared to massage was good and she felt stretched and open.

A few days later, I emailed to check in. She replied that her lower back pain was completely gone! Two weeks after that session she came for a session on her neck and at that point the low back was still painless.

Massage in itself can be very powerful but I have been seeing its limitations too. There are many forms of massage so I can't speak for them all, only what I do, of course. Where there are limitations for massage, I see Asian Bodywork filing that gap easily. It is always amazing to me how powerful it is and while I feel at times that I am still learning, I feel that way about LIFE! But there has become an ability to see beyond what the eye sees and calculate what needs to be done to get results and that makes a great difference in the work I do. It brings an intense direction to the bodywork which brings better results.

I am not sure if other bodyworkers get this 'ding', see the 'light'! Like my mind says "Oh, that is what the teacher has been talking about!" Maybe I am just slow. :) All I know is, I want to do more and more Asian Bodywork so Universe, bring it on!

Tui Na vs. Shiatsu

Tui Na defined by the AOBTA states the following:

"Tuina is a method of Chinese bodywork characterized by the smooth gliding or rolling movements of the hands and arms. Through Tui (push) and na (grasp), kneading, pressing, rolling, shaking, and stretching of the body, acupoints are opened and qi flow is realigned in the musculo-tendon meridians. Tuina techniques are used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and internal organ disorders by opening stagnant meridian channels and encouraging the flow of qi into deficient areas. Tuina utilizes TCM theory in assessing energetic and functional disorders. In addition, the use of external herbal medicines and therapeutic exercise is also included."

Shiatsu defined by the AOBTA states:

"The primary emphasis of Five Element Shiatsu is to identify a pattern of disharmony through use of the four pillars of examinations and to harmonize that pattern with an appropriate treatment plan. Hands-on techniques and preferences for assessment varies with the practitioner, depending on their individual background and training. The radial pulse usually provides the most critical and detailed information. Palpation of the back and/or abdomen and a detailed verbal history serve to confirm the assessment. Considerations of the client's lifestyle, emotional, and psychological factors are all considered important. Although this approach uses the paradigm of the five elements to tonify, sedate, or control patterns of disharmony, practitioners of this style also consider hot or cold and internal or external symptoms and signs."

Actually the AOBTA defines a few styles of Shiatsu so I am sharing Five Element with you. My studies included Zen shiatsu, and theories of TCM and 5 Element. Combining all I was taught, I should just call it The Therapist Shiatsu. :)

In my Shiastu training, we did learn many of the same hand techniques that I have learnt in my future studies in Tui Na. So I am finding it hard to define my sessions with clients. Some Shiatsu clients have noticed a slight difference in my work and really enjoy it but all I have done is included some of the protocol I am learning in Tui Na class. They ask me, what are you doing, Shiastu or Tui Na? Well, definitely both. They ask, is one better then the other? Hell no, they are both excellent modalities.

Now I am left wondering what to say the session is and I think Asian Bodywork is ok but still very extensive in possibilities. It has become obvious that it is impossible for me to say..... This session is shiatsu or this session is tui na.

So you want to try Shiatsu.....

or maybe another form of Asian Bodywork Therapy!

Awesome!

But where to find a qualified practitioner?

Let me help you out. American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia The AOBTA has a search engine to locate practitioners in your area.

Another great place to search qualified therapists is the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Lastly if you looking in the UK I suggest the Shiatsu Society

Shiatsu..... dog or bodywork?

Shiatsu is becoming more and more common place in the United States but still when people hear it, I often get asked, “Isn’t that a dog?”

What is shiatsu then? Briefly put:

Shiatsu is based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Similar to Acupressure and using the same theories, Shiatsu can bring balance to the flow of Qi or energy. Over the centuries, Chinese health practitioners developed a system based on the premise that good health is dependent on the balanced flow of vitality in the body and in particular on the energy that flows through a specific system of channels or meridians.

Shiatsu can be very helpful for postural and muscular-skeletal problems and stress related conditions. Recipients report Shiatsu has helped with headaches, PMS, chronic pain and injuries. It has also been shown to promote improved sleep, relief of anxiety, and reduced muscle tension.

So what exactly happens during a Shiatsu session? To start, the client arrives in the office dressed in comfortable, stretchy clothes. No undressing necessary for this bodywork. A health screen will be filled out and we will begin by asking some questions. The client may be confused as to the reasoning behind the questions but that all comes to light soon enough. The pulse will be assessed, the tongue will be analyzed. All this leads to setting up a session for each specific individual. The assessment process is similar to being treated by an acupuncturist, as the principles are the same. But in Shiatsu, no needles are used, only finger pressure.

The session starts with the client on a padded mat, lying on the floor. Stretching the limbs, doing acupressure, mobilizing the body and increasing range of motion. All these things are done to improve the flow of Qi in the meridans. The therapist will use finger pressure, elbows, arms and even feet to get the desired effect. The work is done in a rhythmic way to induce relaxation, the setting very calming.

Adjunct therapies in Asian Bodywork are often used during a session, such as cupping, gua sha and moxibustion. Dietary advice may be offered in help in the healing process. Qi gong exercises are also a vital part of Asian Bodywork.

My next article will explore the how’s and why’s concerning cupping, gua sha and moxibustion.

Who is getting Asian Bodywork Therapies?

Today I had a massage therapy client ask me what type of people get ABT and for what sort of complaints? I haven't found a certain type of individual gets one type of bodywork versus another but I have found that a few clients who get ABT are receiving it for some of the same reasons.

First, they have received massage therapy in various forms (ex. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, NMT) and still aren't satisfied with the results. Everyone can agree that it all feels GREAT to receive, I myself am a bit of a bodywork junkie, I like it ALL! But when you are dealing with a specific issue such as a frozen shoulder or headaches or tendonitis, you want that issue to be resolved. It would be foolish to say that one form of bodywork is better then another. Everyone resonates with forms and therapists based on their own needs. During treatments, the client may find that the results don't last long or even stop getting results. The reasons for this are so vast I won't begin to get into that today. These clients will search out different modalities for relief and some will try ABT.

Second, many clients are just attracted to Eastern culture and so will receive ABT and Acupuncture because it is second nature to them. They have studied the philosophy and agree with it. They want a bodywork session that is well rounded and will encompass their emotional, mental and physical being.

Third, some clients of ABT don't feel comfortable having skin on skin contact and prefer to have the session done while they remain dressed. This may also be due to skin conditions or allergies that don't allow for use of oils or lotions.

Last, I have had some clients come to me because they heard Shiatsu and Tui Na were really DEEP. That isn't always the case. When making an assessment prior to the session, the therapist may find the best treatment is a lighter touch. Any session can be tailored to meet specific needs so nothing needs to end up hurting in the end. Besides the thinking that it will be deep, many clients come for the stretching. During shiatsu, stretching is incorporated and my clients love how it will open up their joints in ways they can not do on their own.

To sum it up, everyone is getting ABT! So be cool and schedule your appointment today. For a therapist in your area, click here for a list of qualified therapists all over the country.