Jan. 20, 2021, 11 a.m.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are energy pathways or channels that run through our bodies; they are known as Meridians – the Chinese term for Jing Luo. Along these meridians, our vital source of life or ‘Chi’ is thought to be flowing. Meridians are like a network of energy points which facilitate ‘Chi’ to flow freely.
When there is an obstruction or blockage in this flow, it leads to imbalance and is said to cause illness. Factors that can lead to this imbalance include a lousy diet, injury, alcohol abuse, adverse mental health etc. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine believe that our overall existence is affected by the energy that flows inside us, hence it is essential to look after yourself and work on balancing your energy.
There are said to be 12 regular and eight extra-ordinary meridians in TCM. Each of the meridians is believed to correspond and run along with an organ to either the hands or the feet. Organs that don’t have an empty cavity like the liver, heart, spleen, kidneys and lungs etc. are called Yin organs linked with Yin Meridians. On the other hand, organs like the stomach, gallbladder and the intestines with a cavity in them are called Yang organs and are linked to Yang Meridians. ‘Chi’ flows from all of these meridians to maintain a sense of harmony and balance in the body.
Therapies like acupuncture and acupressure both work on the principles of stimulating the energy points that lie on these meridians. Needles in acupuncture, moxibustion, all of these treatments are aimed at restoring the balance inflow of energy. Tui-Na or meridian massage is a well-known remedial therapy performed by professionals after injury or trauma, sprains, strains, bruising etc., or as a preventive measure.
Qualified therapists will use kneading, tapping, stretching, etc. to apply pressure on the soft tissues. They use the rhythmic movement of hands in the way the energy flows around the meridians – it aims to bring the harmony back in one’s body by way of relaxation. This type of therapy has helped manage symptoms of tendinitis, cartilage damage, whiplash, hamstring injuries, adhesions, shin splints etc. More common benefits of this massage include:
In today’s chaotic world, most of us look for a way to slow things down and bring back the balance and harmony in ourself that has been lost. A balanced body is a healthy body, so opting for therapies like meridian massage, Shiatsu massage, Thai massage and acupuncture is an excellent way of taking time out from your busy schedule to work on your well-being.
All of these will help you maintain your body’s equilibrium and keep your ‘Chi’ flowing smoothly through all the Meridians.
Yours in self-care,
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