Bodywork not only increases circulation, invigorates your lymphatic system, and detoxifies you and your tissues at a cellular level, it also increases endorphins which reduce stress and alleviate pain.
As one of the eight branches of Chinese medicine, bodywork is an essential aspect to any holistic healthcare treatment plan. Bodywork not only increases circulation, invigorates your lymphatic system, and detoxifies you and your tissues at a cellular level, it also increases endorphins which reduce stress and alleviate pain. And in our Western world where we have record low levels of human contact, bodywork can fill that void by giving us the contact–and consequential oxytocin–that our bodies and minds need to feel healthy.
At Inner Ocean Center for Healing, we offer numerous styles of bodywork including cupping, shiatsu, tuina, gua sha, acupressure, zero balancing, and massage. Some form of bodywork is always included with your acupuncture treatment however you can always add more to your sessions or book bodywork-only sessions.
Cupping: Using either glass or silicone cups, cupping allows for suction all along the meridians and/or muscles to release tension, increase circulation, and detoxify the body. When performed properly, cupping feels like a deep tissue massage and supports the body in releasing endorphins, our natural painkillers.
Shiatsu: A Japanese technique our clinicians are trained in, shiatsu uses the meridians and acupuncture points to release stagnant energy and provide relaxation. With strokes similar to massage, combined with holding pressure on specific acupuncture points, shiatsu support body, mind, and spirit concerns.
Tuina: Using the meridians and musculoskeletal system as a guide, tuina is a form of bodywork that targets movement along the primary energy channels of the body. As such, it can be used to treat musculoskeletal concerns as well as emotional or spiritual challenges. Techniques used in tuina can feel similar to massage such as kneading, rocking, pulling, and gliding. Tuina tends to be more invigorating than shiatsu.
Our integrated approach to health and healing means incorporating aspects of Five Element Psychology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Women’s Health, Bodywork, and Herbal Medicine into how we practice.
Gua Sha: Using stones such as jade or rose quartz, gua sha is a technique your practitioner may use to move stagnant qi and/or blood as well as to release pathogens (such as if you are feeling like you might be catching a cold or flu). With herbal oil on the skin, gua sha feels like gentle scraping.
Acupressure: Using the same points and meridians treated in acupuncture, acupressure is useful for clearing entire channels or for treating a person who cannot tolerate needle sensation. Our practitioners will use acupressure by holding certain points with their hands or fingers, or gliding their hands along meridians.
Zero Balancing: Understanding the currents of energy that flow throughout the skeletal system, our practitioners use the gentle but effective techniques of Zero Balancing to accompany acupuncture treatments. Practitioners of Zero Balancing use fulcrums, places where energy can collect, stagnate, and hold tension in the body, by holding and releasing them with their hands. This technique feels like a light touch massage and helps to ground acupuncture treatments where a significant amount of energy has moved.
Massage: Probably the most common of all the forms of bodywork, massage uses a multitude of techniques to release tension, alleviate stress, increase circulation, and promote physical health in our patients. From rolling to deep pressing and therapeutic stretching, massage can leave you feeling deeply relaxed and even altered. Some form of massage is included with each acupuncture treatment however, we have partnered with a massage clinic where you can schedule appointments for massage only.
To get started on your healing journey, we highly recommend speaking with a senior practitioner about your healing needs. The best provider for you and your current health challenges will be recommended along with an opportunity for you to ask questions about our healing center and how we practice. If you already have a provider who you know you would like to work with, click here.
To get started on your healing journey, we highly recommend speaking with a senior practitioner about your healing needs. The best provider for you and your current health challenges will be recommended along with an opportunity for you to ask questions about our healing center and how we practice. If you already have a provider who you know you would like to work with, click here.
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