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About
Amber Huang R.M.T:
Amber is
the registered massage therapist at the BodyMind Synergy
Health Centre. She is trained in Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic
Massage) She earned her certificate in Reflexology and Swedish
Relaxation Massage at the College of Swedish
Massage.
What
are Tui Na, Reflexology and Swedish massage?
Tui
Na(Chinese Therapeutic Massage) uses physical
manipulations to stimulate points or other parts of the body
surface to correct imbalances of yin/yang, Qi (the bodies
vital energy) and
meridians(
the network of bioenergetic pathways that flow through the
body connecting the body’s interior with it’s exterior
energy.)
In western terms Tui Na regulates and restores functions of
blood, organs, tendons, bones and joints. Tui Na is a safe,
non-invasive way to treat many health problems such as
headache, neck and back pain, frozen shoulder, sciatic pain,
and tennis elbow.
Reflexology
is a non-invasive therapy, which stimulates the reflexes in
the hands, feet and ears through touch, which correspond to
every part, gland and organ of the body. A reflexology
treatment helps reduce stress so that the body’s natural
healing processes can function more efficiently as well as
improves circulation throughout the body. Many patients report
relief of stress and an increase of mental and physical
well-being after treatments. Reflexology
is beneficial as a regular treatment for all ages and is
entirely safe to receive during pregnancy and
labour.
The
term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques
specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to
them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same
direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish
massage includes long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping,
and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments,
because massaging the skin, the body's largest organ, sets up
a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers
and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles,
glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well
being.
The
main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow
in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Swedish
massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by
flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other
metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing
heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping
them supple and pliable. Swedish Massage also stimulates the
skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at
the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical,
and is suggested in a regular program for stress management.
It also has many specific medical uses
All
of these massage techniques are beneficial for treating
headaches, joint pain, muscular stiffness, stress relief and
to promote overall wellbeing. Anyone can benefit from regular
massage as part of living a healthy lifestyle.
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Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Women’s Health
Birth
control pills, hormone replacement, antibiotics, painkillers
and surgery are commonly used in conventional medicine for
gynaecological treatment. If you are interested in an
alternative approach, you might consider TCM.
Traditional
Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine) has
a long history of treating women’s diseases. As early as 200
BC, Bian Que was recorded as being the first gynaecologist in
Chinese history. For generations, TCM has played a very
important role in improving and maintaining women’s health in
China and around the world. TCM is not only rich in knowledge
for treating women’s illness; it also emphasizes education to
prevent disease.
According
to TCM, many women’s health problems are caused by poor diet,
emotional disorders, stress, overwork, multiple childbirths
and abortion. TCM practitioners will tell you how the
above-mentioned causes play a role in gynaecological
disorders. Commonly given advice includes avoiding cold food
or drinks to prevent menstrual cramps, and proper rest and
nutrition or taking herbs if necessary after delivery for
faster recovery, prevention or treatment of post-partum
illnesses such as depression, arthritic pain, prolonged
vaginal discharge and prolapse of the uterus. If you have
heavy periods, acne, or hot flashes, avoiding hot spicy food
will be recommended. At all times, keeping a balanced diet and
emotional level, and minimizing stress are the keys to
maintaining health and wellness.
Menstrual
disorders can manifest as abnormally heavy periods, early or
delayed periods, prolonged periods, menstrual cramping and
missed periods. In TCM, each one may have different causes.
For example, heavy periods can be caused by “excessive heat”
in the blood, which happens most often in young girls with
raging hormones or in TCM terms strong body constitutions,
people who like to eat hot spicy food, or people with
emotional disorders. It can also happen because of “empty
heat” which happens often in pre-menopause or menopause, or
because of “deficient spleen Qi” after a severe illness,
miscarriage, abortion, overworking or other stressful life
events. In TCM, the treatment may differ for each individual;
however, the objective will be the same; regulating and
balancing the hormone system to restore a normal
period.
Chinese
herbs are used for many disorders of pregnancy, such as
morning sickness, threatened miscarriage, as well as abdominal
pain, uterine bleeding, edema, and hypertension during
pregnancy. Herbs used for pregnancy are safe for both the
mother and the baby. You should be aware of the fact that
there are herbs that are contra-indicated in pregnancy. Also,
if your pregnancy is healthy, there is no need to take herbs.
So find an experienced and well-educated practitioner to give
you advice when you need it.
Breast-feeding
is very important for the newborn. After delivery, if your
breasts are congested, are tender to touch, release very
little milk, or are very soft and lacking lactation, Chinese
herbs can help. If you have mastitis (breast infection), and
you still wish to breast-feed, there is help from Chinese
medicine. There are many Chinese herbs that treat infections
that are safe for the baby.
Some
women can get through menopause without any discomfort.
However, many women will experience a period of time with the
following symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings,
depression, insomnia, fatigue, vaginal dryness, decreased
sexual drive, menstrual disorder, memory loss, osteoporosis
and osteoarthritis. According to TCM theory, all these
symptoms are related to “Kidney deficiency” because the Kidney
is the organ from which our primary energy comes. It stores
essence, which is closely related to our hormone system. It
dominates the bones and is in charge of development and
reproduction. Therefore, the main treatment for menopause in
TCM is to “boost the Kidney.” Boosting the Kidney clears the
menopause symptoms, and at the same time, slows down the aging
process.
In
TCM theory, the Liver “stores blood.” The Liver is the organ
most closely related to our emotions. Good emotional balance
comes from the “smooth flow of liver Qi" (energy), and the
normal flow of liver Qi depends on sufficient blood
nourishment. New mothers commonly lose blood during and after
delivery; post-partum depression is related to blood
deficiency in the body and stagnation of the liver Qi due to
lack of nourishment. Therefore, soothing the liver Qi,
boosting the blood and boosting Qi to generate blood with
acupuncture and Chinese herbs are the general principles of
treatment for post-partum depression.
The
formation of cancer in the body is a complicated process. In
TCM, we think the major cause is that the body’s vital energy
is low; the pathogen has stagnated and blocked the normal flow
of energy. Qi, phlegm and blood stagnation lead to the
formation of nodules and masses. Therefore, the treatment
principle is to boost vital energy, soothe Qi, move blood, and
resolve phlegm. According to research, acupuncture and Chinese
herbs help to enhance our immune system and improve blood
count, boost body energy, stop nausea, promote hair growth,
improve appetite and protect the body from radiation injury.
Some Chinese herbs also have anti-cancer effects. The
application of acupuncture and Chinese herbs depends on the
different stages of the cancer and the symptoms of each
individual. TCM therapy helps to prevent cancer recurrence as
well as to improve or maintain a good quality of
life.
In
summary, TCM has been used for all kinds of women’s health
problems. However, self-medication or buying herbs over the
counter is not recommended. TCM diagnosis and treatment are
very individualized and herbs are often used in combinations
to enhance their effects and overcome side effects, and are
modified to suit the needs of each individual. An assessment
by a knowledgeable practitioner is absolutely necessary for a
safe and effective treatment.
Dr.
Xia Cheng, M.D. (China), Ph.D., Registered Acupuncturist
&Chinese Medicine Physician is the director of BodyMind
Synergy Health Centre. Her major focus is women and children’s
health.
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