Acupuncture & therapeutic massage can help to maintain optimal health.
As a therapy it works best as part of a healthy lifestyle. Treatments should be regular, part of a health regime that creates self understanding and healthy habits. Regular exercise is a pillar of good health and Chinese Therapeutic Exercises are an integral part of the therapy.
My name is Craig Thorn & I was born in Hong Kong, and educated in Cheltenham, & Bristol University (UK), where I obtained an honours degree in biological science. I first studied oriental exercises in 1986 and Chinese acupressure massage in 1993.
I have worked in clinics all over the world including London, Cheltenham (where I am now based), and for four and half years, in a clinic in Taipei, Taiwan.
Understanding western anatomy underpins my knowledge of oriental medicine, I have taught this subject since 1996 and currently run courses at a local centre- Body Harmonics.
Over the years, I have studied many different styles of oriental healing including:
- Acupressure - uses Chinese energy meridians
- Shiatsu - finger pressure massage
- Tui na - chinese medical massage
- Thai - stretches and kneads muscles
- Taiwanese - muscle, meridian & bone alignment technique (Jing luo tiao zheng shi)
- Hot stone therapy - applies heat to specific points
- Acupuncture - using needles to stimulate energy & relieve pain
When treating I use techniques from all of the above. Deep tissue kneading from Tui na or light touch for energy change in shiatsu. The guiding principles of the treatment are aligning structure, balancing tendons (fascia) and establishing strong energy flow. These principles were taught to me whilst studying and working in Taiwan.
Chinese Therapeutic Exercise
The importance of exercise cannot be over emphasized and giving exercises for the client to practice is an important part of the treatment and ongoing process of creating optimal health.
Qi Gong (Breathing Exercises)
These calm the breath and focus the mind. Good
breathing energises the whole body and a clear mind
can help you cope with stresses and strains.
Nei Gong (Structure and Posture Exercise)
As a well as strengthening the back and stabilising the
core muscles in the body, these exercises help you to
move in line with gravity. Perfecting your posture and
poise ensures that your organs are upright and aligned,
enabling them to function efficiently.
Tong zi Gong (Strength and Flexibility)
When the legs are strong and the joints are supple you
can move well and perform daily functions with ease.
The shoulders and arms need to be strong but also
relaxed. Exercises are targeted to release upper body
tension as well increase flexibility and strength.
An ideal daily routine should involve exercises. Good structure and posture should be held in all activities. The above exercises build strength, structure and flexibility which can carry you through your day.
Chinese Therapeutic Exercise Classes are scheduled to start January 20 at 6:30pm at the Stanton rooms, Charlton Kings Library
For more information contact:
Tel: 01242 576906 Mob: 078 51004679
More Details About Therapeutic Massage
Acupressure
Using Chinese points to improve musculo-skeletal system and the organs systems within the body. The acupressure energy points are keys that unlock health in the body. A holistic system that can treat root cause of a problem and helps to relieve symptoms.
Shiatsu
A finger pressure technique evolved in Japan which uses the chinese energy meridians to address the root cause of imbalances. The practice supports the energy within the body and enables gentle release of tension and improved flow of energy. The mind/ body balance is also integral to this treatment which incorporates aspects of buddhist meditation and common sense psychology.
Tui na
Direct translation means push and pull, but is the term used to describe medical massage in China. It has a vast number of methods and techniques. Often involving deep tissue kneading pressure and manipulations. This massage is widely used throughout China and Asia to treat many conditions.
Thai
A great tradition of bodywork has evolved over millennia, typically sessions involve lots of stretches and pressing. The Thai systems uses energy meridians similar but not identical to the Chinese acupuncture energy lines.
Taiwanese
Strongly influenced by Chinese and Japanese massage traditions. This technique combines stretching, pressing, movement and the acupuncture meridian. Known as tendon and meridian alignment (Jing luo tiao zheng shi) it attempts to correct structural imbalance reflected in the connective tissue and skeleton, as well as improving the flow within the energy meridians. ideally combined with hot stones this treatment can restore balance to the body on every level.
Hot Stone
Specially selected for their healing qualities, these stones add heat energy to specific areas in the body. They can be combined with any of the treatments above.
More Details about Acupuncture
Using needles to stimulate the energy meridians. Tried and tested for helping specific medical problems and also great for addressing general well being. A gift from Chinese culture we in the West are only beginning to see the many benefits of this treatment.
Diagnosis
Everybody is diagnosed individually and treatments are tailored accordingly. Questions are asked, posture is analysed, the tongue is observed and the pulse taken. A full Chinese diagnosis is made and the points are selected which take into consideration the symptoms presented, the underlying conditions and the personality and disposition of the client.
Benefits
Treats conditions such as :-
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Stress
- Back problems:lumbar pain, slipped discs, tension patterns, abnormal spinal curvature,spasms
- Neck tension
- Headaches
- Low fertility
- Support when trying to get pregnant
- Digestive disorders
- Joint problems: ankles, knees, hips, wrist, elbows, shoulders
- Fatigue
- Immunity disorders
- Circulatory problems
- Growth and development
- Arthritis
- Recovery from medical procedures
- Eye, ear, nose and throat
- Muscular aches and pains
- Recovery from strokes
Chinese Diagnosis
The foundation of these treatments is Chinese diagnosis. With this you do not attempt to identify specific diseases but to assess the whole person, mind and body, attempting to find a way for that person to improve their strength, health and resistance to the diseases and stresses of modern life.
It analyses an individual using different methods:-
- Questioning
- Overall observation of complexion, body types, posture.
- Listening to the tone of voice
- Observation of the tongue
- Detailed pulse diagnosis
- Abdominal diagnosis (hara)
Price list 2010
- Acupuncture session- £15
- Therapeutic massage( 40 mins)- £20
- Acupuncture with massage- £25
- Extended Therapeutic (1hr 15min) - £30
- Extended therapeutic massage with Acupuncture - £35
