Frequently Asked Questions
When did Massage originate?
Rubbing an aching part of the body is a natural response, making massage the oldest and the most natural therapy. A well documented system of ancient medicine is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which has been practiced for thousands of years on many millions of people. TCM is a wholistic system of health which includes Acupunture, Herbs, Tui Na (Massage) and exercises such as Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan. The whole focus of TCM is about the maintenance of balanced healthy Qi or life force.
There probably never was a time when humans didn’t rub their aches and pains.
What causes stress?
Many things cause stress but really we create our own. Believing how life “should” be is fine when it works out but frustrating when it doesn’t. Living up to the expectations of others can be both diminishing and stressful.
Other contributing factors to high stress levels may include low self esteem, negative internal dialogue, or a predisposition to stress as a result of genetic coding or family patterns.
These can all result in various forms of disfunctionality, including poor posture, bad diet, substance abuse, working too hard, self hate and dislocation from our ideals. These are all quite treatable although in different ways.
We stress because we care and this can simply be a call to action. It becomes a problem when the level of stress reaches a point where it imprints itself into the cellular memory of the physical body as excessive tension, pain and restricted movement.
In TCM this is known as stuck or stagnant Qi. Various mind / body therapies and rituals have developed around the need to release and discharge this “stuckness”.
Embracing these hidden parts of ourselves is a significant initiation into the exciting journey to wholeness.
Receiving a massage can be a starting point in this process and is an excellent way to reduce your level of stress, and to get in touch with more of your being.
What is Qi?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there are many types of Qi. In the human body one form of Qi is the vital energy which flows through the network of meridians (pathways) and connects with the energy of the universe. Qi is the energy that drives; it is also what is being driven and the medium through which it is driven. It is both the body (denser energy) and the energy that enables the body to function (subtle energy). It is both the light bulb and the electricity. It is the hose and the water flowing through it and like the hose when it gets kinked the result is increased tension upstream and reduced flow downstream. Massage therapy involves the identification and the reduction of tension areas (denseness) in your body. This allows for a better flow of Qi.
The feeling of lightness experienced after a massage is due to the improved flow of Qi through the body.
What Exercise will help me to be more vital?
There are many exercises to choose from, and the desired level of activity is determined by where you are in your life, and what is inside you that is wanting to come out.
The most sustainable exercises long term are those which are both non-jarring and bi-lateral. These include walking, swimming, yoga, qigong or tai chi. Qigong is particularly good as it reduces stress, increasing health and vitality as well as developing spiritual perception, serenity and awareness.
It is important to get some form of regular exercise, whatever calls you and long term the best exercises are the ones that don’t unduly stress your body and that you really enjoy.
What is Qi Gong?
The word Qi means energy or life force and Gong translates to work mastery and training. Literally Qigong is a way of working with the energy of the body, to master the energy of life. When the flow of Qi in the body, is reduced or blocked it causes illness, disease and shortness of life. As well as helping to remove these blocks, regular practice of Qigong exercises also stimulates and strengthens this powerful energy flow through the body.
Qigong is also a term used to describe all the Chinese energy healing techniques including Massage.
Qigong (pronounced Chee-gong) is the ancient Chinese art of longevity.
Can I afford regular massage?
Only you know the answer to that and it may be a question of priorities. Certainly regular massage is an excellent investment in your well being and a monthly massage can cost as little as $2 a day, even less with health fund rebates.
It is possible that the increased sense of well being that having regular massage affords you could result in reduced comfort-spending elsewhere. Treating yourself to a regular Massage could well become your most economical and beneficial habit.
There is really no better long term investment than in your own health and well-being.