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Oriental Medicine In A Modern World
By Liz Galloway

Though we may not know for certain where the currently used word of "massage" originated, we can still appreciate its benefits. "Massage" possibly originating from the ancient Greek word "massin", meaning to knead, or from the Hebrew word "mashesh" meaning to press. Whatever the origin we now widely enjoy the healing power of touch. Among some of the earliest recorded touch therapies, come from Egypt, Persia, India, Japan, and China, and can be traced back 2500 years. They all had oriental influences, which modern practitioners have used to create their own versions, including acupressure, sports massage, deep tissue,and lymphatic drainage.

Many of us enjoy the benefits of traditional Chinese therapy in the western world, and among other countries outside of Asia, including Costa Rica, where I provided spa business advice and spa seminar training in several locations. Most commonly known oriental therapies include shiatsu, acupressure, and Thai massage. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been around since 2000 B.C., and I'm sure even before that. The theoretical practice of oriental medicine focuses on the prevention of disease, and treating the balance of the body, mind and spirit, as a whole. Looked upon with more than our conventional view, it is more energy based, using the 5 elements of water, fire, wood, metal and earth to fight disease. It is generally a Taoist belief, that everything is interconnected, and we have the power toaffect them.

Though widely different from Western techniques, many of the therapies we use today have roots in these ancient therapies. The founder of modern physiotherapy was a student of Anma, and studied traditional Chinese medicine. Anma is an ancient Chinese practice of massage, to balance the body. Used in the time of Emperor Huang, over 2000 years ago. Now more commonly know as Tuina, this form utilizes the push/pull method, to align and balance the body. Anma can be broken into two parts, "an" meaning "press" and "mo" meaning "rub", while Tuina translates to "tui" meaning "push" and "na" meaning grasp", hence the push/pull method. Our modern chiropractic and osteopathic studies were influenced by Seitai, a Japanese body correction therapy from the Meijiperiod (1800's).

Other examples include Amatsu, to align the posture and enhance movement, originating in Japan, a 5000 year old history, with applications still appropriate today. Jin Shin Jyutsu, the ancient art of harmonizing the body with gentle touch, Su Jok, and Jin Shin Do. The majority of these therapies combine similar philosophies, focusing on energy pathways (meridians), and dispelling the three causes of disease, deficiency, excess,and stagnation.

Today many oriental therapies have been inundated into our common uses in the modern world. Shiatsu and Nuad Bo'rarn (Thai) are now used at the Stanford Cancer Center. There is an innate calming response to being touched and using touch as a healing therapy. The Stanford Cancer Center has incorporated these alternative therapies to aid in the physical and emotional well being of their patients, with a high level of efficacy. Of course these are with a doctor's approval, and not in place of medical cancer therapy. Discuss more options with your doctor if necessary, as many medical practitioners now react positively to a combination of massage withtraditional cancer therapy.

In my years as a body worker and trainer I have utilized the wisdom of many therapies to develop my own style and connection with my clients. Whether they are a passing tourist, or regular patron of body work. It is our responsibility as therapists in the field to continue educating ourselves, so we can pass that knowledge on to our clients, and better help them to reach whatever goal they are pursuing with us.

I have been drawn to the mystery and theory of eastern lifestyle and massage practices. I spent what time I could in Southeast Asia, learning traditional Thai, from long time healers and teachers of this ancient art. Since then, I have researched, experimented with, and tested different theories and protocols of the oriental therapy. I have combined many of these therapies to develop a system called Ki Shen Heiken Yogic Massage, loosely translated to mean "energy of spirit and balance". This combines pushing, pulling, stretching, acupressure, rocking, deep compression, and Swedish style massage. The protocol I have developed, uses the aid of balancing bars or rope rooted above the massage table. Allowing the therapist to do manipulations while balancing above the body, and on thebody.

While there are other therapies that utilize an oriental bar system. I have been specific to detail this therapy to include the Thai stretching techniques, and rocking compression along with real therapeutic result and holistic relaxation of so many separate therapies. Each client I have worked with, has highly complimented the treatment, and received more benefit than they had originally expected from an alternative therapy. I have also added in the enhancement of thermal therapy with traditional Thai Herbal ball compressions, to increase relaxation and healing. I always love to have clients try new therapies and expand both their spa experience and massage knowledge, creating a more sophisticated and long term client. Some of the physical benefits to this type of therapy are body alignment, released physical and emotional tension, increased flexibility, and open wind channels. The theory of opening wind channels is to expel wind invasion in the meridians, which can cause headaches, sinus problems, colds, and imbalance in the harmonious body, amongother problems.

With my international work and travel it has been difficult to put together regular training sessions to my associates and other interested body workers. I have finally put together a precision training team to help me with this and developed specific topics to deliver with Spa College International. For further information or to attend a seminar or retreat, let me know your specific goals, and we can develop a system for you. I hope to encourage you to strengthen you body-mind connection, find your Qi (chi) and a therapy that works for you.

Lotus Effects and Spa College International was founded by Liz Galloway. Liz Galloway is a professional wellness advisor, speaker and spa industry trainer. With locations and teams in both the US and Costa Rica she continues to provide precision seminars, workshops and business solutions for spa start up's and turn arounds, along with bringing new levels of training options to the healing arts industry.In addition to running her business she shares her experience in teaching spa courses, image, management, well being, personal growth and empowerment for industry and other consumeraudiences.

Now setting one on one appointment times for the Day Spa Expo 2008 at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas. Book now for free consultation or interview times. Purchase one of the essential spa books now available in a paperback manual with workbook and forms. "What Makes You So Special? Spa Career Success" From fundamentals to management. $45.00 http://www.thelotuseffects.com/lotussourcelive.html

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