Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture - Traditional Thai Massage
SERVICES
Welcome to Traditional Thai Massage
What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese Medicine is the oldest, continually practiced, professional and literate medicine in the world. The written literature of this medical system stretches back 2500 years. Currently, one quarter of the world's population makes use of it; therefore one can say that modern Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are the two dominant medical systems in the world today.
How does Chinese Medicine work?
The basis of Chinese Medicine is the re-establishment of balance and harmony within the body. This balance is re-established by supporting the body's healthy energy and attacking any unhealthy energy.
What methods are used to re-establish balance within one's body?
The main professionally applied methods of re-establishing balance are Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Chinese herbal medicine may be prescribed for internal use or applied externally. Acupuncture seeks to regulate the flow of Qi, or natural healing energy, and blood within the body. In addition, Chinese medical practitioners may use Chinese massage and prescribe some remedial or preventive exercises, and they frequently counsel their patients on diet and lifestyle.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of a hair-fine needle into specific points on the body called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi. It has been practised in China for thousands of years. In essence, acupuncture therapy aims at the improvement of the overall wellbeing of the patient rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms. Sometimes, instead of inserting a needle into an acupoint, a TCM doctor or an acupuncturist may choose to apply heat to the point, or stimulate it with very low voltage electricity (no more than is generated by a flashlight battery). These techniques are called Moxibustion and Electro-Stimulation. They can be regarded as variations of acupuncture and may be used to further stimulate the natural healing power of the body.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture needles used in the UK are all sterile and disposable. They come in sterile packets, are used once, and then disposed of. Acupuncture treatment is drug-free, and avoids side effects and dependency. However, you should always give information about all pre-existing conditions, the names of all medications you are taking, whether you are or could be pregnant, and if you have a cardiac pacemaker or cosmetic implants. The TCM doctor will then be able to evaluate your specific situation to ensure the best results for your treatment.
Does acupuncture hurt?
We hardly notice when a mosquito bites us. This is because mosquitoes have a very thin sucking tube. Similarly, an acupuncture needle is very thin and it hardly hurts when the needle is inserted into the acupoints. It takes ten to fifteen acupuncture needles to fit into one conventional hypodermic needle. In addition, an experienced TCM doctor can attain a high level of skill in gently inserting these tiny needles into the skin with minimum discomfort to patients.
Can acupuncture be effective when other treatments have failed?
Absolutely! Each medical system has its own areas of greatest effectiveness. Acupuncture excels in those areas in which conventional Western medicine comes up short. For example the treatment of chronic diseases, pain control, and the treatment of stress-related disorders are three areas in which acupuncture is most effective.
How many treatments will be needed?
This depends on the duration, severity and nature of the complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of 5-10 treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require multiple treatments, dietary modifications, specific exercise regimes, relaxation techniques, self-massage, perhaps in combination with Chinese herbal medicines, all of which may help to increase the effectiveness of acupuncture.
According to the clinical studies conducted by the World Health Organisation, conditions successfully treated with TCM include:
Neurological Disorders
Headache
Migraines
Insomnia
Post-operative pain
Trigeminal neuralgia
Intercostal neuralgia
Dizziness
Tinnitus
Stroke residuals, post stroke paralysis
Parkinson's disease
Bladder dysfunction
Nerve paralysis
Musculo-skeletal Disorders
Muscle pain and weakness
TMJ
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tennis elbow
Frozen shoulder
Sciatica
Backache or pain
Muscle cramping
Arthritis
Disc problems
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Abdominal pain
Food allergies
Nausea
Hyperacidity
Colitis
Ulcers
Chronic diarrhoea
Indigestion
Constipation
Eye, Dental, and Ear Nose and Throat Disorders
Poor vision, central retinitis | Cataract (without complication)
Tinnitus, nervous deafness
Toothache
Earache
Sinusitis
Laryngitis
Post extraction pain
Gum problems
Dermatological Disorders
Eczema
Psoriasis
Dermatitis
Acne
Other skin diseases
Respiratory Disorders
Sinusitis
Common cold & ÔFlu
Tonsillitis
Bronchitis
Allergies
Emphysema
Asthma
Circulatory Disorders
Hypertension
High cholesterol
Arteriosclerosis
Angina pectoris
Gynaecological Disorders
Menstrual irregularities
Endometriosis
Infertility
PMS, cramps
Menopausal symptoms
Obstetric Disorders and Pregnancy Related Complaints
Foetal malposition | Morning sickness
Oedema
Fatigue
Urogenital Disorders
Cystitis
Stress incontinence
Neurogenic bladder
Prostatitis
Prostatic hypertrophy
Sexual dysfunctions
Psychoemotional and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Insomnia
Depression
Anxiety
Nervousness
Neurosis
Drug addiction
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder
Other Benefits
Increased vitality and energy
Stress reduction and deep relaxation
Skin rejuvenation
Weight control
Stop smoking, alcohol, or drug addictions, and other drug withdrawal
Pain control
Immune system tonification
Regulated blood pressure
Supportive therapy for many other chronic and debilitating disorders, such as systemic disorders (Multiple sclerosis, Arthritis, Lupus, HIV/AIDS, Chronic Fatigue, Endocrines disorders, Autoimmune disorders.)
Preventive medicine (enhance immune function, strengthen organs, improve athletic performance) |
Traditional Thai Massage
Traditional Thai medicine has its roots in the ancient Indian medicine known as Ayurveda and is believed to have arrived in Thailand with the transmission of Buddhism from India and Sri Lanka 700-1000 year ago. Thai Massage is one of the four disciplines of traditional Thai medicine, the others being herbalism, meditation and dietary control.
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. Related to oriental practices such as Chinese acupuncture, Indian Ayurveda and Hatha Yoga, Thai massage works on the principle of maintaining the condition and the flow of the body's vital energy through a network of channels known as Sen. In acupressure this energy is called Chi while in Yoga it is referred to as Prana.
Thai massage focuses on the musculoskeletal system (the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue) and the way in which it interrelates with the body as a whole. It combines modern scientific knowledge of anatomy and physiology with oriental medical disciplines. Thai massage treatments generally fall into one of two categories; full body routines, which can last from between 30 minutes to 2 hours, and localised therapy. Traditional Thai Massage is carried out on a mat on the floor and, because there are no oils used, the patient may be dressed in any suitable comfortable clothes. A number of gentle techniques using the feet, elbows and thumbs are applied to release tension and allow energy to flow freely. Thai massage is the traditional treatment for relieving stress and tension, and for the treatment of back pain, stiff neck, shoulder pain, and sports injuries, including muscle and tendon strain.
Like other styles of massage, traditional Thai massage increases vascular activity, which breaks up and moves trapped toxins, but Thai massage is unique because it directs all the toxins out, both energetically and physiologically. Consequently, people do not feel sedated after a session. On the contrary, clients feel centred and grounded when the massage is over. Another unique aspect of this form of massage is that the stretches and acupressure are administered to the client's limits.
Benefits of full body massage include:- Alleviation of physical and emotional tension
- Deep relaxation
- Release and relaxation of muscles and improved flexibility
- Muscles are helped to rid themselves of toxic chemicals (release of lactic acid and other toxins from areas of accumulation)
- Relief from general muscular aches, pains and stiffness
- Good muscle tone is preserved; improved range of motion
- Musculoskeletal realignment
- Better resistance to injury
- Improves circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system
- The mind can be stimulated to a naturally mild euphoric state
- The body receives more oxygen and nutrients and the immune system becomes more efficient in fending off disease agents, thus lessening the chances of becoming ill
- Internal organs are stimulated to function to their best capacity
- Improvement occurs in digestion, absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste
In summary, traditional Thai massage is characterized by its holistic approach to health. Its goal is to enhance not only one's physical and emotional state but also to allow one to grow spiritually. The ultimate goal of traditional Thai massage is for both the giver and the receiver to reach a state of enlightenment. Often, this massage heals a person not only physically and emotionally but also spiritually.
For more information on Thai massage or to consult a practitioner come to the Qi Clinic
Service Categories
Acupuncture, Herbalists, Thai Massage, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
|
|
 |
