Most of us have seen the Yin & Yang symbol, it has become a fundamental signature of “hippy spirituality”, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it represents a fundamental duality used to understand life and aid in healing the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine integrates nature and the seasons into its concept of healing and the body. It has a much more holistic picture of the universe and the interconnected dance of life. The seasons influence elements, which influence our meridian systems and organs. Everything is connected.
Diaphragmatic breathing has a myriad of positive affects on many different systems in the body.
For example, Stimulation of the diaphragm actually increases venous return to the heart. Increasing parasympathetic nervous activity and vagal tone. Helping to calm the body and create a sense of relaxation.
Massage is beneficial as it increases flexibility and mobility. It also decreases pain and inflammation, relieves aches and stiffness and promotes a feeling of overall relaxation.
This study is one of many outlining the many positive physiological effects of massage therapy. Here, we see not only how it aids soft tissue, but also the nervous system. Massage can be an incredible tool for healing, affecting a range of the bodie’s systems and functions
Historically, the field of anatomical research has very much favoured the investigation of nerves and muscles. Fascia, has been relatively overlooked in its composition and importance. I realised this through discussions with clients and my own lack of knowledge, before studying. To put it simply, I had never heard of “fascia”.
Prenatal or Pregnancy Massage is a fantastic way to increase the health and well-being of an expectant mum, during one of the most physically transformative phases of her life.
When we exercise more than usual tiny tears (“ruptures”) form in our muscle fibres, they are actually classified as “grade 1 muscle tears”. After this “trauma” the muscle acts to adapt to the new stress we have placed on the muscle to prevent muscle injury when the same load is placed on that muscle again.
Apart from hot stone therapy being incredibly pleasurable, it actually has some amazing Medicinal Benefits when combined with Remedial Massage.
Muscles contract by sliding filaments called “sarcomeres” gliding over the top of each other. When muscle turns fibrous, the sliding is restricted.
Trigger points and deep tissue massage create a vacum/suction scenario within the circulation system of the muscle belly. This vacuum and suction flushes the muscle of old circulatory fluid such as inflammatory chemicals,
When the centre of gravity changes as the head tilts forward, there is an unequal distribution of weight on the muscles, soft tissues (e.g. muscles) and bones that have to take up the extra load and support more than what they were made for.
Massage Increases the activity/ numbers of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight diseases.
Acupuncture points are areas of heightened electrical conductivity and are considered to be connected to the energetic pathways (known as meridians), according totraditional chinese medicine theory. Meridians are where the body’s vital energy “Qi”flows.