Chinese Culture >> Chinese Medicine Health >> Oriental Therapies
Oriental Therapies
Oriental therapy finds its genesis in the concept of the flow of
'Chi' or energy through the body. Working simultaneously on the body, mind and
spirit, it believes that this universal energy pervades within all living
beings. A body is said to have ailed when the free flow of this energy is
blocked within the body for some reason. Oriental therapy uses conventional
techniques to release the obstruction in the flow of chi with the help of muscle
treatment, finger and palm pressure, and a range of stretch exercises. The
oriental techniques first flush out the toxins, and then build up and maintain
the energy flow of the body. At the same time, diet and lifestyle modifications
are necessary to enjoy complete benefits of this therapy.
Oriental therapies can be broadly classified into acupuncture, acupressure,
massages, Chinese herbal formulations, exercises and lifestyle alteration.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is puncturing of specific points in
the body with thin, solid needles to stimulate body's immune system to a point
of self healing. It can be performed with or without moxibustion and electro
stimulation. Moxibustion is the burning of specific herbs and special
acupuncture points or along specific meridians. Performed with or without
needles, it helps in bringing the therapeutic goodness of the herbs into the
body. Electro stimulation, as the name suggests, uses micro or milli ampere
power to stimulate specific points and meridians of the body. The latent
electromagnetic nature of the body is aroused through electro stimulation to
cure ailments, lessen pain and induce healing of tissues.
Acupressure
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture except for the fact that instead of
puncturing specific points of the body, pressure is applied on them or along
meridians, which sets in the healing process. Cupping and oriental massages are
also a part of acupressure. Open ended glass balls applied with suction to the
body comprise cupping, which improves blood circulation and, in turn, healing.
Massages such as shiatsu and tui na are also popular oriental therapies.
Chinese herbal formulations
An assortment of Chinese herbs are combined in a particular proportion according
to individual requirement, and are made into pills, capsules, dissolvable
powders, tinctures, or boiled decoctions. Creams and other applications for the
skin can also be made from these herbs.
Massage therapy
Among the abovementioned, oriental massage is one of the most popular techniques
to maintain good health. Massage improves blood circulation, activates the
hormonal and immune systems, flushes out toxins and releases tension from the
muscles. Not to mention the effect it has on the emotional and mental well being
of the recipient. Touch is the medium of communication between the recipient and
the practitioner of massage, and it is up to the practitioner to determine the
right amount of pressure required for a particular body through his experience
and intuition. Expert in massage techniques, the practitioner establishes a bond
of care through touch which marks the beginning of the healing process.
Tui Na
Choosing Tui na to relax and pamper yourself would prove to be a wrong choice
because of its vigorous nature. It is a comprehensive and serious healing
therapy. The first session of Tui Na
often leaves the body aching or sore, but subsequent sessions are increasingly
less painful and more advantageous. Tui Na
gives you a feeling of lightness and energy so much so that it becomes easily
addictive after initial sessions. The success of the Chinese Olympic teams can
be attributed to Tui na bodyworks.
Shiatsu
The shiatsu massage originated in China and revolves round the hara diagnosis.
Located in the abdomen, hara is considered to be the energy centre of the body,
and reflects the condition of the body on a whole. Original shiatsu comprised of
fewer methods which led to the borrowing of some stretches from Thai massage.
Apart from pressure application, stretches and joint rotations are involved in
this massage. A hyperbolic sense of touch is required on the part of the
practitioner to read the body's clues guiding the course of massage. A
thoroughly relaxant massage, it is more effective in treating stress and
emotional ailments than physical ones.
Thai massage
With one movement seamlessly and rhythmically merging into another, the Thai
massage pressures all energy channels known as 'Sen' and the muscles through
which they pass. Sustained pressure relaxes the muscles allowing free flow of
energy and setting ground for the impending stretches. Treatment of injuries is
enhanced by this massage. An advanced yoga type workout is then given to the
patient, after which a feeling of being lifted in the air is common. For truly
discovering the real meaning of flexibility, it is necessary that everybody try
the Thai massage at least once in a lifetime.
Indonesian massage
Centered on the spine, the Indonesian massage is oil based one. A bit more brisk
than a characteristic Thai massage, it typically comprises of spinal twists. It
is particularly effective in treating abdominal ailments including constipation,
indigestion, bloating, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome.
About the Author:
Ashish Bhattacharya is an exponent of oriental and alternative medicine. Armed with a degree in East Asian Therapies from China, he is a proponent of alternative healing techniques, which aim at holistic well being.