Swedish massage is the best known and most widely used form of western-style massage. It is the foundation of a variety of other forms of massage, such as aromatherapy, deep tissue, and even sports massage. This form consists mainly of long strokes and working the outer muscle layers of the body. Read More
Tui-Na is the oldest form of massage, dating back to about the time of the Yellow Emperor (2700 BC). Traditionally, it is used by acupuncturists in conjunction with their sessions. More recently, we have seen more patients ask about this form of massage as a service on it’s own. Eastern medicine and ancient traditions have become more popular in San Francisco as locals explore and expand for alternative options towards healing. In recent years, Tui-Na massage has been gaining traction in the Bay Area.
Many patients are familiar with the more common forms of western massage such as Swedish or Deep Tissue. However, eastern techniques such as Tui-Na can facilitate ones own deep healing. This technique taps into the energy channels in the body to direct the flow of qi to the areas that need it most. Our therapists often describe it as a hybrid of soft form of acupressure and shiatsu massage techniques.
Tui-Na translates to essentially “pushing” and “grasping” two motions in perfect harmony. It utilizes rocking motions and various hand techniques that encourage the body to drop into a deep state of relaxation. While in this state of deep relaxation, the body is able to unlock blocked energy and allows tense muscle tissue relax. Some of the motions include brushing of the skin, grasping of muscles away from bones, pressing for the blood and lymphatic systems, and polishing of the bones. These are some of the fundamental techniques of Tui-Na massage. In addition, the massage therapist uses limb and body stretching and integrates energetic techniques. These utilize the same meridian channels used in acupuncture. In holding these meridian points, Tui-Na often promotes relaxation as well as invigorates the body.
A Tui-Na session does not require patients to undress. The movements and stretching techniques facilitate a flow throughout the entire body. However, it can be done unclothed with oils as well depending on what the individual patient is looking to have treated. It’s always best to consult with your massage therapist prior to the actual massage to determine what the best course of action is.
Many of the benefits of acupuncture can be expressed in this form of bodywork as well. A Tui-Na session can be beneficial for anyone to not only elevate ones’ mood but also re-balance one’s body’s ability to self-heal. In addition, it releases the stagnation in the body. For example, tension often caused by stress and repetitive motion. These are common symptoms many of our patients who work in the hectic world of tech in San Francisco have. However, this is just one example of the many ways Tui-Na can be beneficial to your healing. It’s best to consult with your massage therapist to determine the best strategy for your wellness.
Hot stone massage is a technique that dates back thousands of years, yet has only had a resurgence over the past few decades. Yet, even with it’s long history it has solid science behind hot stone massage. It’s an amazing solution to reduce stress, anxiety, and melt away pain. To their surprise, many of our San Francisco patients find that such a low-tech solution can help them alleviate the stresses of their high-tech world. In 2003 scientists studied one of the largest samples of cancer patients receiving massage therapy. They discovered that, even with patients experiencing high levels of discomfort before their treatment, massage therapy and hot stone massage led to significant reduction in anxiety, pain, nausea, and depression. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management PDF of study.
Having the flexibility of many different services at one location offers a convenience when it comes to wellness care. With more services comes more questions, however. If I’m having services performed on the same day, which should come first? It’s a “chicken or the egg” kind of situation. The truth is, it depends wholly on you. In general, it’s best to get a back massage after your chiropractic care for minor stiffness and aches. Additionally, it’s better to have your massage before your chiropractic care when you have a lot of muscle tightness. Still, there’s an even more ideal solution. Read More
Generally speaking, it is okay to exercise after an adjustment with your chiropractor, but there are some factors to take into consideration. The intention of chiropractic adjustments and of the chiropractic profession in general is to enhance and improve movement in the body. As a matter of fact, in many offices that are evidence-informed, such as our office in San Francisco, your chiropractor will demonstrate and observe you as you perform exercise specifically designed to help you with your condition. It’s the goal of every chiropractor here to not only take care of your immediate pain, but to look at all of your daily activities including exercise.
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Back pain is the number one cause of disability among working adults, and neck pain is number four. There is no greater effect on your quality of life than pain and stiffness coming from your neck and back. It’s difficult to focus and be productive when these injuries are at the forefront of your mind, so maintaining your back health is imperative. As we will see, healthcare costs are far exceeding the rate of inflation and wages. Reducing health care premium costs are the number one priority for companies. Followed by improving productivity and absence of work, often due to sick time. Read More
Your Feet Take Care of You From The Ground Up
On your next visit in our office, kick off your shoes. Our chiropractors are going to work on your feet as well as your back.
Your feet work harder than you do, and with 26 bones in each foot, they are engineered extremely well for walking and running. You usually do this without having to think much about it, walking around San Francisco on your commute to work, or jogging casually along the Embarcadero. However, when things are off kilter in your hips, you have back pain, neck strain, and shoulder tension the secret solution may just rely on having your feet corrected by a Chiropractor.
Have you ever been at work and you’ve noticed that your neck or back pain is starting to become more and more intense? You might be doing more harm than good by coming in.
That’s the summary from several different articles I read this month on the topic of presenteeism. You might know what absenteeism is: when you call in sick to work because you are ill. However, if you are physically at work but you can’t concentrate on your work because you are in pain, have a Crohn’s disease flare up, or have a migraine headache, then you are an employee who is present but checked out. You are contributing to your company’s presenteeism. Read More
In 2017, The American College of Physicians (ACP) updated their guidelines for their doctors who have patients with acute or chronic low back pain. In these guidelines they recognize the harmful and addictive effects of long term drug use, especially with the opioid drugs that you have been hearing so much about in the news these days.
What do they recommend instead of drugs? Physical treatments. Non-invasive treatments. Since most back and neck pain is from mechanical functional problems, they recommend a physical and functional approach to caring for the back pain. Read More
As we get older many of us continue to enjoy active sports, dance, and yoga. However, the bodies of aging athletes are not as forgiving as they once were and it takes more mindfulness and maintenance to keep them in peak condition. Here are some tips to consider from my extensive experience practicing physical therapy, massage therapy, and my 40 years of dance and martial arts. Read More
