Massage Therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues, fascia and joints of the body to augment physical function, reduce tension and relieve pain. Massage Therapy is an effective approach to pain management and rehabilitation.
Registered Massage Therapists are effective in treating and providing relief for a wide range of conditions such as headaches, tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, as well as many other conditions related to soft tissue and joint dysfunction. All therapists at Equilibrium Massage Therapy are Registered Health Care professionals. Massage Therapy at Equilibrium Massage Therapy is evidence based, educational, and therapeutic. Our therapists come with extensive experience and knowledge. Each therapist has a vast knowledge of anatomy, and has taken many hours of continuing education beyond their licence requirements. We strive to provide the best and fastest way to get back to the things you enjoy.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the principal branches of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM is a complete, holistic and non-invasive medical system that has evolved over 3000 years to diagnose, treat and prevent illness. Acupuncture is a procedure which promotes health and alleviates pain.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (chee) and blood through energetic pathways in the body referred to as meridians. Qi is the animating force that gives us our capacity to move, think, and feel, in other words, our “vital force”. Meridians circulate life-giving nourishment in the form of Qi and blood to every part of the body.
In acupuncture, certain points on the body act as gateways to access and regulate the Qi in the meridians via the insertion of very fine needles. Qi regulates the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual harmony of the body by keeping the energetic flows in balance. Imbalances and blockages of the body’s Qi are the root of disease processes. These imbalances may be caused by physical and emotional trauma, lack of excercise, poor nutrition, and chronic stress. Acupuncture works by rebalancing the energetic system of the body and supporting the body’s capacity to heal itself. By alleviating symptoms and treating the underlying cause of disease, acupuncture returns the body, mind and spirit to a balanced state.
Fees are covered by most extended health insurance plans. For those with MSP Premium Assistance, a portion of the fee will be reimbursed. Members of Veterans Affairs, RCMP, and the Canadian Forces get Acupuncture treatments covered.
Prepare for your appointment just as if you were going for a massage.
Tui Na
Tui Na is a highly effective treatment used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is often referred to as “acupressure massage”, but it is so much more than that! Tui Na is often covered by extended health insurance under your acupuncture benefits, as Tui Na is part of the scope of practice of Reg. Acupuncturists.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na is the manual manipulation of acupuncture points and meridians. It is a technique that has been used for thousands of years to restore health and balance to the individual. It is similar to what most people think of as traditional massage, but it differs in many ways.
Tui Na sessions usually involve multiple different hand techniques that are used to manipulate the flow of Qi and blood in the body. In TCM, most pain and illness results from “stagnation of Qi”. In other words, when the body’s flow of energy and blood become stuck or sluggish, illness and pain result.
During a Tui Na session, your practitioner will use varying massage-like hand techniques to break up stagnation, and promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood through out the body. While most massage treatments involve constant movement of the practitioners hands across the patient’s body, in Tui Na the practitioner may press specific points, use the side of their hand to ‘scrub’ meridians, use their fingertips to tap and ‘peck’ tight muscles, and so on. So, while certain movements in Tui Na resemble the movements used during classic massage, there are many unique techniques that are specific to Tui Na.
What is Tui Na used to treat?
Since Tui Na is used to manipulate and rebalance the flow of Qi in the body, it can be used to treat any number of illnesses, just like acupuncture and acupressure. Tui Na can be used to treat illnesses such as:
- Muscle pain & tension - High Blood Pressure
- Digestive complaints - Headaches & Migraines
- Tennis Elbow - Carpal Tunnel
- Insomnia - Painful Periods
- Inflammation - Edema
- Stress - Anxiety
- Sinus Congestion - Low Blood Pressure
Who should avoid Tui Na?
While Tui Na is a generally safe technique for most people, some caution should be used for those who bruise easily, take blood thinning medication, have a bleeding disorder, or are sensitive to massage-like techniques. Tui Na is usually safe for pregnant women, but you should inform you practitioner of your condition so that deep abdominal Tui Na can be avoided during early stages of pregnancy.
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