Eastern Modalities

In just these past few years, Western practitioners of medicine, both traditional and alternative, have started taking a good look at the practices and medicines that have always existed the East.

Although at first glance many of these Eastern modalities were dismissed out of hand as superstitions and quackery, but a closer look showed that these methods could bring about reliable and effective results.

People who prefer to think of themselves as scientifically minded tend to be doubtful of discussions of meridians or qi, which play a large part in many different forms of traditional Chinese treatments, but the truth is, it's hard to argue with results.

In traditional Eastern modalities, which range from the manipulative Chinese massage therapy of tui na and cupping to something that westerners would recognize as reflexology, to the Japanese shiatsu massage, there is a lot of focus placed on the lines of energy, or meridians that run through the body.

The general belief, though this varies from technique to technique and place to place, is that there are channels of energy that run through the body and that there are key points where this energy (often called qi) can be manipulated.

There is a belief that many of the problems that we encounter from day to day are caused by problems with our energy not being able to flow properly through our bodies.
For instance, we can have problems with our energy flowing too fast, or being congested in places.
According to this belief, when our energy is blocked, our bodies and our spirits will suffer for it in a variety of ways. Some of the things that massage therapy using this philosophy addresses include back aches, migraines, depression, and stomach problems, just to name a few.

In the Asian practice of acupuncture, you'll find that very thin needles are inserted into these key points in order to channel the energy in a more effective fashion, while in shiatsu and acupressure, those same key points are pressed and manipulated through pressure.
In tui na, which is Chinese, the various points on the body can be pressed, rolled or vigorously rubbed.
Conversely in Thai massage, which is often referred to as assisted yoga, your body is moved through a series of movements in order to facilitate the flow of your energy.

When looking at the various types of Asian treatments available, you'll find that to one extent or another, they all involve the location of the key points in your body where the energy can be manipulated.
Even people who are more skeptical when it comes to the channels of energy, or meridians, cannot deny the effectiveness of a deep tissue massage or manipulation that will result from this process.
The use of the energy and the lines that it travels on can provide your massage therapist with a great deal of good information when it comes to knowing where to press and with what kind of force; it cannot be denied in the least that the end result of a massage, no matter what the philosophy behind it is, tends to be a relaxed and invigorated state.

You'll find that there are practically as many different Eastern modalities as there are therapists. Every therapist will have his or her own point of view on the massage they are giving you, so you should feel free to ask why something is being done.
For instance, in Zen shiatsu massage, which is also called Masunaga therapy after its founder, there is a strong component of meditation involved. This school of therapy believes in maintaining a calm but alert presence during the massage, feeling that this will aid in the massage's effectiveness.

To learn a bit more about some of the many Eastern modalities available click on the following links:

Acupressure
Cupping
Reflexology
Shiatsu
Thai massage
Tui Na
Watsu

Trying some of the Eastern modalities listed above is a great way to open yourself up to new experiences, so make sure that if the opportunity presents itself that you take the plunge.
The techniques that are used in some of these massages go back literally hundreds of years, perhaps even thousands, and you'll soon see that this reputation for longevity is quite deserved.

As more and more massage therapists are taking instruction in these Eastern arts, you'll find that there are plenty of new techniques to try and new ways to really care for yourself and your body.
Speak with your therapist or spa and find out what is available; chances are, you'll be very happy that you did so!

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