“Tui Na” [twee-nah] combines Chinese medical theory with several specific massage techniques.

• It is a very effective system for treating musculo-skeletal disorders & pain, children’s illness and digestive complaints in adults.
• Tuina involves a much deeper level of strategy & protocol than does traditional massage therapy.
• Tui Na uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, as well as a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints. Like acupressure, Tui Na directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points.
• Tui Na is particularly effective in treating pain of the muscles and joints resulting from sports injury, wear and tear, chronic stress, or any other cause.
• It is also excellent for treating stress-related disorders. In addition to relaxing the muscles, Tui Na also manipulates “Qi -flow” to balance the underlying energy problems which are associated with stress.
• Many chronic conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, are aggravated by stress and can be greatly relieved by the deep massage techniques of Tui Na applied to specific areas of the body and acupuncture points.
• Tui Na also boosts vitality and well being, which in turn stimulates the immune system and improves general health.
• Tui Na provides complete stimulation of the body’s entire musculo-skeletal system, as well as, all the internal organs. Since it rebalances Qi-flow, the mind and the emotions will also be affected. In most cases, a Tui Na treatment leaves the recipient feeling enlivened, happy, and renewed with energy.
• However, in common with other forms of deep massage, Tui Na can sometimes release blocked emotional energy, with the effect that the receiver may feel “weepy” or emotional following the treatment.
• Tui Na may also leave the patient with some mild to moderate muscle soreness due to the depth of the massage, which is completely normal and due to toxins being released from the muscles and tissues.

Shiatsu is a non-intrusive precursor to acupuncture that is a widely practiced Japanese form of acupressure.

• Shiatsu stimulates the flow of energy or qi circulating along the body’s meridians and influences the function of certain internal organs.
• Shiatsu therapists use finger and palm pressure to energetic pathways, called meridians to improve the flow of qi.
• A scientific explanation is that shiatsu calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stress.
• The pressure feels more localized, because unlike other types of massage, the finger pads are used to apply pressure for most of the treatment instead of the entire palm. Certain pressure points may feel tender, which some people describe it as “good pain.”
• If you feel any discomfort or pain during the treatment, tell your therapist and he or she will adjust the pressure so that it is comfortable to you.