In conjunction with acupuncture, a variety of therapeutic bodywork techniques may be integrated into an individualized treatment plan.
Tuina (“push-grasp”) is a Chinese medical massage system based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Through the application of specialized massage and manipulation techniques, Tuina aims to bring the body into balance by stimulating the flow of energy and blood, helping remove blockages, and harmonizing the entire system to allow the body to naturally heal itself. Tuina incorporates techniques that range from light stroking to deep-tissue work that may be considered too vigorous or painful for a recreational or relaxing massage. It is often used to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many other disorders related to the digestive, respiratory, reproductive, and various other body systems.
Sotai is a Japanese movement/alignment therapy that may be used to help with the untwisting of out-of-balance muscular holding patterns and with neuromuscular reeducation. Sotai treatment is based on working with the breath and moving the body toward comfort rather than adjusting toward pain to return natural body alignment. Sotai is a very gentle therapeutic technique that actively involves the patient in the treatment process and can be extremely effective in treating musculoskeletal and other imbalances.