Tuina massage originated in ancient China and is believed to be the oldest system of bodywork. It’s one of the four main branches of traditional Chinese medicine, along with acupuncture, qi gong, and Chinese herbal medicine.
What are Meridians?
Meridians are channels through which qi (energy) and the other fundamental substances of life flow. Think of them like a network or highway – a vast network of invisible energy pathways connecting to each other and every cell, bone, organ and tissue in your body. Meridians are similar to the cardiovascular system and lymphatic system, and act as a third circulatory system called the primo-vascular system which conducts bio-electrical and vibrational energy.
What do they Do?
While the collective system of meridians in your body is large, there are 12 primary meridian points that are considered to be the most important in acupuncture. These meridians run on each side of the body, mirroring each other and each meridian corresponds to an internal organ, forming a yin and yang pair. Energy and blood flow through these meridians as well as information that sends signals that help regulate body temperature, when to release water, emotion, etc. to help coordinate organ function.
As long as qi (energy) flows freely, your body remains balanced and healthy. However, illness, injury, trauma, stress, or poor living habits (diet, addictions, lack of exercise) can cause your body’s meridians to become clogged or blocked. This will affect the function of the corresponding organ, and ultimately the whole body-mind-spirit.
How does Functional Medicine Help?
This is where Traditional Chinese Medicine comes in. Andi has been trained to recognize and stimulate energy points in these meridians to stimulate healing through a variety of treatment modalities. Food, herbs, acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, laser therapy and more can help unblock the meridians so qi (energy) can flow freely again.
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It’s based on the theory that imbalances of qi, which is the body’s vital life force or energy, can cause blockages or imbalances that lead to symptoms such as pain and illness.
Tuina massage stimulates the flow of qi to promote balance and harmony within the body using many of the same principles of acupuncture. It’s similar to acupuncture in the way it targets specific accupoints, but practitioners use fingers instead of needles to apply pressure to stimulate these points.
