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[H128]Healing Arts Massage Therapy

by John Smith, Joh

Chi Kung, which is also sometimes written Qigong, is an ancient Chinese practice for harmonizing the subtle energies through balancing the breath within the body. Chi means breath and/or energy, and Kung means ability or process of development. So Chi Kung can be loosely translated as "breath and/or energy development". And, though there are countless styles and variations of Chi Kung practices, the main categories are lying, sitting, standing or moving Chi Kung. The practices vary from very passive and internal meditative styles in a lying or sitting position, to very dynamic and active movement.

Martial Arts and Massage?

Tai Chi Chuan is one of the most well known styles of moving Chi Kung. The word "chuan" denotes a fighting art and Tai Chi Chuan is a martial style where the principles of Chi Kung have been applied to martial movements and the developing of fighting ability.

However, there is much Chi Kung that is not connected to martial arts. In Buddhist and Taoist circles Chi Kung was used to help attune the adept to the subtle energies, and thus support their spiritual development.

Chi Kung was also used by traditional Chinese doctors for healing and rehabilitation. And this is what Chi Kung is mostly known for today.

Some of China's most ancient medical texts refer to breath and movement exercises. And, in recent times, studies have been done in universities and hospitals, as well as by independent doctors, validating and exploring the healing qualities of various Chi Kung principles. These studies have documented the profound effects that Chi Kung can have on balancing, harmonizing, and energizing every system of the body: the circulatory system, endocrine system, immune system, and so on.

The Chi Kung that I study comes from a traditional martial arts context, with a strong emphasis on building bodily health and vitality as the foundation for further practice. The classes that I teach are based on a process of structural rebalancing. Using various exercises, from lying down to moving, students learn to soften the tissues and loosen the joints, freeing up the breath wave. Through an increasing proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness one becomes more conscious of what is going on in ones own body. This is a powerful neuromuscular reeducation. And when a person gets the "knack", it becomes an ongoing activity. Going through this process while standing and moving within the gravitational field makes it a very real experience that is directly applicable to everything one does.

Another aspect of the structural rebalancing is based on "softening the tissue". With a focus on relaxation and rhythmic movement, the student is able to release tensions and restrictions within the soft tissues. This helps to develop a fluid quality to ones movements, which literally "flushes" the tissue, having a profound effect on the immune system.

I feel that this is the basis for the healing qualities of Chi Kung. This flushing process can affect the entire body, all the organs and tissues, with a profound physiological effect. And, when the body is vitalized, the subtle energies become free flowing, allowing the whole body-mind being to experience a sense of freedom and harmony.

Massage has been practiced for thousands of years dating back to the ancient Greece. In fact, the word “massage” is Greek in origin meaning “to touch”. Today, massage is one of the most popular spa services and therapy that include stroking of the skin or kneading and manipulation of the muscles or applying pressure on some areas of the body. Asian massage therapy are massage techniques that originated and deveopled in India and the Far East. Through the course of centuries, Asian massage therapy which are ancient healing rituals aim to work with the body's energetic system for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health.

Several forms of Asian massage therapy are still being utilized today such as the Thai massage, Shiatsu, Ayurvedic massage, acupressure and Amma massage therapy to name a few. Thai massage as an Asian massage therapy is a hot “new” massage offered by most modern spas. But this Asian massage therapy actually originated in India and was developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand 2,500 years ago. Thai massage uses guided stretching and Meridian pressure point therapy in combination with the “Pranayama” which is an ancient breathing method. Thai massage as an Asian massage therapy increases flexibility, relieves muscle and joint tension and balances the body's energy systems.

As this Asian massage therapy is accompanied by breathing techniques, Thai massage is said to be a little like doing yoga only the therapist is the one instigating the body to assume various positions. Thai massage is both relaxing and energizing as well as helpful in cleansing the body and strengthening the nervous system. Another Asian massage therapy is the Ayurvedic massage. This Asian massage therapy has its roots from an ancient Indian medical tradition. Ayurvedic massage aids the individual in receiving nutrient material from the body and is helpful in expelling toxins. Certain ailments related to the muscles, ligaments and the nervous system can be completely healed through good Ayurvedic massage.

This form of Asian massage therapy is also an ideal remedy for pain. Chinese acupressure or “tui-na” is a 5,000-year-old Asian massage therapy which aids in the body's activation of its own self-healing abilities by applying pressure on specific key points in the body. Acupressure has been a centuries-old remedy for back pain, migraines and headaches as well as for stress and anxiety. Furthermore, it can assist in weight management. Shiatsu are two Japanese words compounded, “shi” meaning finger and “atsu” meaning pressure. This Asian massage therapy originally developed in Japan. Shiatsu is similar to acupuncture, but the therapist uses finger pressure instead of needles.

Using the thumbs, palms and hands to apply pressure in key point areas of the body, this Asian massage therapy aims to promote energy balance and physical well-being. Another Asian massage therapy is the Indonesian-Javanese massage system in which all parts of the hand including the knuckles, are used to knead and massage the muscles and is usually facilitated with massage oil. This Asian massage therapy is effective on the muscles and the nerves and it aids in relieving back pain and tension as well as in hastening the healing of fractures. This form of Asian massage therapy is often the most robust and painful yet beneficial in the long run.

Asian massage therapy has its roots in a spiritual tradition and almost always, these treatments are holistic. The purpose of Asian massage therapy is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Article Source : Massage DVD

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Both John Smith & Dr. Rose Windale are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

John Smith has sinced written about articles on various topics from Programming, Health Insurance and Site Promotion. Malik Lawrence is a teacher at the and is working on integrating Chi Kung with. John Smith's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.

Dr. Rose Windale has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vitamin and Mineral Supplement, Fitness and Gym. . Dr. Rose Windale's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.