Asian Bodywork Systems

Ø      Acupressure/Tui'na

Ø     Shiatsu

Ø      Marma Therapy

Ø      Tai Chi/Qigong

Acupressure/Tui' na 

One of the ancient healing arts of Traditional Chinese Medicine is called Acupressure along with another traditional term Tui'na.  The basic concepts governing Asian bodywork are the same as in Acupuncture.  It is an energy based system, which has flourished in China since at least 400 B.C., and is a complicated system of scientific thought based on revitalizing a type of energy called qi (pronounced chee).  Traditional Chinese practitioners maintain that this energy flows through the body in defined pathways, called meridians.  Illness results when qi isn't flowing smoothly or when it gets stuck, the theory goes.

Tui'na and Acupressure applies pressure to the Meridians and specific points on them, affecting the flow of qi so that it moves freely and evenly through the body.  The distribution of qi within your body has profound effects on all aspects of your well-being - the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual, as well as the physical - freeing you from stiffness or aches and pains, and filling you with vigour and energy.

Proponents of acupressure assert that it can be effective in the treatment of almost any condition, and it (or its counterpart, acupuncture) is integral to Chinese medicine, a complete system of healing.  It is said to be especially effective for pain relief, especially of headaches, muscle cramps, spasms, sinus pain, arthritis, and menstrual cramps, as well as for overall stress reduction.

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Shiatsu

The word "shiatsu" means thumb or finger pressure, but if you visit a shiatsu practitioner for a treatment, you may find that the therapist uses his or her palms, knuckles, elbows, fists, and even feet.  This is the Japanese version of acupressure, which is probably brought to Japan by Buddhist monks in the sixth century.  The principle of energy, meridians, and points are essentially the same in shiatsu as in acupressure but with different names.

In Japan, the life energy is called Ki (pronounced Key) instead of qi.  The points, known as tsubos (pronounced soo-bows), are seen as vortexes of energy, places where the energy gathers.  They are sometimes compared to volcanoes, where energy from within the earth's core rises to the surface.  These are the points at which energy is particularly active and can be most easily influenced for release or balance.  The main difference between the two, is that in shiatsu, pressure is generally applied more vigorously than in acupressure.  Shiatsu practitioners use their thumbs whenever possible in order to apply firmer, stronger, rhythmic pressure.  In addition, some shiatsu practitioners place more emphasis on meridians than pressure points.  Their rationale is that if you learn the location of the meridians, you will have a sense for the flow of the energy in the body and will instinctly feel the position of the points.

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Marma Therapy

Marma therapy is a science of touch little known in the West until the last 10 to 20 years.  It is part of ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of natural medicine.  Like its Chinese and Japanese counterparts, marma therapy stimulates sensitive, vital points on the body that govern the flow of life energy (known in ayurveda as prana) and the functioning of organ systems.  The traditional tests describe numerous channels that resembel the meridians of acupressure and list 107 major points.  According to Sushruta, one of the ancient ayurvedic sages, these pressure points are areas of high concentration of life energy and junction points linking our consciousness with our body.

The classical texts state that the three most important marma points are at the crown of the head, the heart (in the center of the chest), and the pelvic area.  The way to enliven the marma points is through touch, which is considered the most powerful of the five senses when it comes to healing.  Practitioners also use therapeutic marma oils, applying specific oils at specific points to treat specific symptoms.  Practitioners maintain that the heightened awareness triggers a spontaneous natural healing response.

It is not yet easy to find an expert in marma therapy, but it is a growing field in the West.  Consult a center that offers ayurvedic medicine for referrals.

Tai Chi and Qigong

If you travel to China and look our your window early in the morning, you may be captivated by visions or men and women of all ages performing slow, graceful rhythmic exercises.  They are practicing tai chi or qigong, ancient martial arts techniques that combine movement with breathing and mental awareness to energize and balance the body's qi or life force.  These asian practices offer a kind of meditation in motion that integrates mind, body, and spirit for health and balance.

• Tai Chi (also known as tai chi ch'uan and taiji) is a non-combative martial art that enhances balance and body awareness through slow, graceful, and precise bodymovements.  These movements are combined with breathing techniques to improve the flow of qi, achieve spiritual and mental clarity, focus the body and mind in harmony, promote flexibility, and straighten out poor posture.
• Qigong (also known as chi kung and pronounce chee-gunug) is a 5,000 year old system of Chinese energy exercises for the body, mind and spirit.  It consists of movements, breathing techniques, and meditation, all designed to develop and improve the circulation of qi.  It is a system for improving and maintaining health, as well as helping cure disease.  Much like Tai Chi in its theories, it's primary importance is to harmonize the human body with nature, as the human body and nature exist as an interrelated and inseparable unity.  It is believed that imbalance in this unity are a key cause of illness.  Therefore, people should strive for the conscious awareness of their relationship with nature.

Studies have shown that both Tai Chi and Qigong help with conditions of old age: balance problems, falls, and stiff muscles; depression; fatigue; high blood pressure; heart disease; lack of mental clarity; poor vitality; poor circulation; stress-related conditions, such as anxiety and tension.  Additionally, individual practitioners have claimed to have helped conditions of allergies; arthritis; asthma; back pain; cold and flu; depression; low self-esteem; menstrual problems and other female disorders; multiple sclerosis; paralysis; Parkinson's disease; sexual dysfunction; and stroke.

Although instructional videotapes are available for both tai chi and qigong, it's better to learn these disciplines from a qualified teacher who can explain the philosophy of tai chi and qigong and make sure you are doing the poses correctly.  It's easy to think you're doing the poses exactly as you should, but still have aspects of the poses that need correction.  Once you've attedned classes, however, videotapes can help you maintain what you've learned.  Classes are available throughout the country in colleges, community centers, and holistic health centers.

Be true to yourself.  If you're feeling uncomfortable or threatened in any way, you should leave immediately and look elsewhere.  Watch out for any therapies that don't respect your value system or where you feel that your autonomy isn't respected.  Even though you're going to an expert or practitioner for their guidance, you should always feel safe and that the process involves a free exchange of ideas.