Therapies

TOK SEN MASSAGE

There are dozens of massage techniques out there, each with their unique health benefits. Today we’ll be looking at one of these techniques unique to Thai Massage—Tok Sen. Tok Sen massage involves a wooden hammer being tapped along your Sen energy line, relaxing the muscles, healing chronic pains, and improving the pathways of the nervous system. This isn’t just any old hammer—the Tok Sen hammer is made from auspicious wood, often blessed by a Buddhist monk, and is commonly made from tamarind trees. The deep vibrations of this special hammer striking against the Sen energy line has incredible healing effects, and the massage is often tailored to your specific needs.

But where did Tok Sen come from? Though there is no concrete history, many believe that Tok Sen originated from Thai farmers , who needed work done on their bodies after long, rigorous days in the fields. Tok Sen massages may have been performed by their wives or fellow workers, and, due to the auspicious wood and monk’s blessing, the Thai workers believed that the tapping was not only healing their external ailments, but also their internal energy disfunctions. Tok Sen quite literally heals from the inside out!

Tok Sen can be combined with other massage techniques to enhance the healing effects and provide a highly individualized massage.

After a consulation we can tailor the treatment to your needs.
Traditional Thai massage can loosen up the body ,
followed by Tok Sen to help circulation, align the body’s energy, remove blockages, stretch tendons and ligaments.

Nervous about booking a Tok Sen massage? Don’t be! Tok Sen is wonderful for your body, and usually has no pain or bruising. If you’re looking for a safe, trusted place to have a Tok Sen massage. Booking online at www.Nrchi.com.au or call 07 3366 8595

CUPPING THERAPY

Ever thought about getting cupping therapy, and you’re on the Northside of Brisbane?

Acupuncture Brisbane North has been operating on the Northside of Brisbane for the past 20 years performing cupping and acupuncture services for Brisbane north residents.

Cupping Therapy is part of the wide variety of Traditional Chinese Medical Therapies, available to Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners, and is commonly performed on its own, as well as part of a full acupuncture session with Tui-na (Chinese trigger point and tissue massage) or other styles of massage in general.

Traditional Cupping Therapy takes advantage of the natural vacuum pressure formed, when a large flame is inserted into an open mouthed bulb shaped cup of varying material, heating and expanding the air inside. The Flame is then just as rapidly drawn away from inside and before the expanded air rushes back in the cup is placed quickly on the skin region requiring therapy, to take advantage of the moving and drawing effect that the internal vacuum creates.

Cupping is also applied through versions other than the fire Glass cupping method.  Pump action plastic are a very popular variety of this. Other less common styles available are suction rubber and a more traditional form using the cut of ends of bamboo sections and then using the fire method mentioned previously.

Cuppings relative effect surprisingly, is actually just that, the colour and fullness of colour drawn to the surface, reveals much about the congestion and damage that is contained within the tissue (muscle connective tissue tendons and ligaments) close to the surface of skin the cup is applied to.

This suction will over the period of time applied, concentrate these damaged cells and other rubbish built up from the process of metabolism and movement in the surface of the skin, this accumulated debris can then be more easily disposed of by our immune system, leaving the muscle and tissue clearer and softer as a result of the cupping being applied.

Clients describe their first experience of the therapy of cupping as a very unusual feeling, with a common comment being, “I’ve just been attacked by a silent vacuum cleaner”.  Or their children marvel at the fact that it seems their parent of grandparent has been in an altercation with an Octopus”.

It is quite revealing to those observing someone else receiving the cupping therapy method, just how much of the skin seems to be drawn into the cup, but this is an optical illusion.

Acupuncture Brisbane North finds that utilising cupping therapy, on the large population of sporting and athletic clients that it sees on a weekly basis, helps these clients to keep the dreaded spectre of injury at bay.  Cupping also allows them to train harder, perform better on race day and ward off the inevitable muscle build up that comes from the continual exercise they perform on a daily/weekly basis.

Cupping therapy isn’t just for athletes by no means, everyday stiffness also responds to the vacuum effect of cupping very well and the likely hood of pulled and strained muscles is reduced in the future due to its clearing effect.

Cuppings ability to ease the crippling contraction of the spasms and knots in muscles is one of the hallmarks that make cupping so affective, these symptoms often drive clients to distraction and stop them thinking clearly.  Cupping eases these frustrations and the tension that causes productivity reductions that inevitably come from living with pain on a constant basis.

Many questions about the marks that cupping brings to the surface, start with “are they toxins coming up?”  It is our position at Acupuncture Brisbane North that this word holds little relevance to what outcome cupping is trying to achieve.

Both muscle and tissue texture, health and softness are very important to allow you to move and act freely to live your life with ease.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture can sometimes produce dramatic results & does more than take away symptoms in the way a paracetamol removes a headache. It corrects the true cause of the problem, encouraging the body’s innate wisdom to return it to its natural state of balance.

What is Acupuncture?

This long-established Chinese medical practice involves the insertion of needles to stimulate the healing process. It assists in releasing hormones that help with pain or inflammation and to relieve the specific symptoms of many diseases. It is highly effective in treating an array of conditions ranging from stress related symptoms to muscular skeletal problems for any age group. Its’ success in pain management has been well researched, and it was for this reason acupuncture was initially introduced to the West.

According to theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected via pathways, or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced “chee”) that flow freely through the body when we are in a healthy state. If there is a problem, energy stagnates or flows incorrectly. The stimulation of appropriate acupuncture points corrects this.

What does Acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture is performed with surgical stainless steel, ultra fine needles. Patients report different feelings associated with acupuncture, but most feel minimal pain or discomfort during the treatment. Some people feel energized by acupuncture, while others say they feel relaxed, and in most cases there is always a reported lifting of mood.

What can you expect during your treatment?

Your first appointment will take about one hour. We’ll take a detailed account of your symptoms, medical and family history and major life events, so we can establish a complete picture of you. Some questions about bodily functions may surprise you, but all information regarding your life is relevant to making a diagnosis in TCM terms. A TCM framework often connects seemingly unrelated complaints. For example, people with lung problems may also complain of bowel disturbances like constipation; similarly two people complaining of ‘fatigue’ may receive different treatments. This can be a huge relief for people baffling doctors with unusual or vague of symptoms that do not fit into a Western diagnosis.

Next we’ll feel the pulses on both wrists, these indicate how well specific internal organs are functioning, and give a general indication of your current energy level. We’ll inspect your tongue to gain more information from the appearance, such as its’ shape, colour and coating. It is advisable to bring along any test results, x-rays etc. that you think may be relevant.

Generally speaking we use a combination of acupuncture, massage, cupping (glass suction cups, which are applied painlessly to the skin) and moxabustion (where a warming herb is burnt and held close to the skin). In some instances we will use laser therapy rather than needles; in particular when dealing with a delicate area such as the face, when patients are apprehensive about needles, or on younger children & babies.

At the end of your treatment you may be prescribed Chinese Herbal Formulas, be given recommended lifestyle or dietary changes according to TCM theory and when appropriate, some simple stretches or exercises to assist in your recovery or mobility.

The number of treatments you need will depend on the severity of the problem and how long it has been there. While you may feel improvement after one treatment, some symptoms need repetitive treatments to resolve or significantly improve. We are open to your individual needs, however we find that many of our clients are proactive in their health management by choosing to have regular preventative or maintenance appointments. It is our philosophy to give you results to balance your health as quickly as possible.

 

CHINESE HERBS

Chinese Herbs have been used in the treatment and support of human health for thousands of years. During that time much has been learned about what herbs can do, how to prepare them and which herbs are to be used for what purposes.

In the hands of an experienced and qualified professional, and when used according to longstanding chinese traditions herbs can work wonders, either independently or in conjunction with western medicine! Herbs however, do contain complex chemicals that, when used improperly, can have contradictions, therefore it is always advisable to discuss all herbs, supplements or medicines you are taking (or considering taking) with your health care practitioner.

No doubt, western medicine has attained great success in treating different diseases and rescuing many people’s lives from sickness-related death. The practice of medicine is now however at an interesting crossroads where there are countless patients being treated simultaneously with both Western and Oriental medicine, with great success.

For more information in relation to Chinese Herbs please get in touch with one of our practitioners on info@nrchi.com.au

A Very Brief History

The oldest medical book that mentions herbs is the The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, dating back to approx. 800 BC. It’s a compendium of medical theory and practice attributed to the Yellow Emperor who is thought to have lived c.4700 BC. The 28 substances and 12 prescriptions listed in the book are the first mention of the Chinese herbal medicine which continues to be practiced today.

Chinese Herb Categories

There are three major categories of herbs:

  • Superior herbs – those which nourish life
  • Middle Herbs – those which correct constitution
  • Inferior herbs – those which expel disease

Why is a combination of herbs used?

Chinese herbs are selected and combined in formulas based on principles that have no relation whatsoever to bio-chemistry. The vast majority of herbal treatments use formulas containing four or more herbs. Only a few herbs are used by themselves alone. There are several reasons for this.

  • To affect related secondary aspects of the illness.
  • To prevent the formula from causing side effects or illness by balancing it’s effects.
  • To strengthen the effect on the pathology.

What Chinese herbs do NRCHI provide?

We dispense a variety of Chinese herbal formulas in our clinic, from tablets through to powdered teas to suit a myriad of symptoms based on these traditional theories. Suitable for both children and adults, they are an inexpensive and extremely effective method of correcting any imbalance you may be experiencing.

SCAR RESTORATION ACUPUNCTURE

Scar restoration Acupuncture is an acupuncture field of application, used to naturally soften and lessen the scarring formation . The combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ruri Face Diagnosis are used determine your individual needs with the application of ultra fine acupuncture needles being part of the method.  Scar restoration acupuncture is a safe, natural, relatively painless and more affordable treatment.

What will the Scar Restoration Acupuncture feel like?

Most of the needles are not felt when they are inserted. Some needles sting for a moment when being inserted, this sensation does not last long. Most people report a feeling of tingling warmth and relaxation during their treatment, some even fall asleep.

When should I start Scar Restoration Acupuncture?

You can start treatment on a scar with in weeks of the initial event, but it is never too late to start treatment.

Are there any side effects?

Due to Scar Restoration Acupuncture being a holistic therapy, not only do you start to notice changes to the eternal appearance of the scar, but you start to feel great on the inside too.

As with any acupuncture treatment there is a small risk of slight bruising at the sight of the needle insertion, we go to great lengths to reduce the likely hood of subcutaneous bruising  happening and it is quite rare

When do you need to be more cautious about having Scar Restoration Acupuncture?

If you have or are taking any of the following:*

  • Blood disorders e.g. Hemophilia, Anemia
  • Blood thinners e.g. Warfarin, Aspirin
  • Bruise very easily
  • Severe High Blood Pressure
  • Pregnancy
  • Dizziness or Vertigo
  • Severe Headaches or Migraines
  • Recent cosmetic surgery (must wait at least 3 weeks)

*In these circumstances, regular acupuncture and herbal treatment may help to enable you to achieve a condition that is acceptable to apply to the scar treatments

What can I do at home to enhance my treatments?

  • Drink plenty of fresh water (Min 2L a day)
  • Eat lots of fresh veggies and fruit
  • Keep salt and unrefined sugars to a minimum
  • Consider supplements:
    • Super B (one in the morning)
    • Vitamin C powder (3x day)
    • Omega 3 (Fish/ flaxseed oil, or Chia seeds as directed)
  • Don’t smoke
  • Keep alcohol consumption to a minimun
  • Protect your skin from the sun (Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen)
  • Get adequate sleep (7hrs min)
  • Sleep on your back
  • Use a dermal hammer or Derma Roller twice a week

 

REMEDIAL MASSAGE

At NRCHI Bodywork we use a number of different massage techniques, including remedial, sports and trigger point methods. In some instances discomfort may be experienced during the massage to ensure we achieve a positive outcome, however, the combination of styles results in a highly balanced and thorough massage. Over and above any acute or chronic conditions, most patients find they benefit from an increase in circulation, relaxed muscles and a calmer disposition.

NRCHI's Holistic Approach

Using a holistic model our treatment plans focus on identifying the primary cause of your dysfunction, work with you to reduce the pain and increase your range of motion. Clients experience an improvement in quality of life as a result of our proactive treatment & education, which has an underlying focus on prevention. Massage can benefit most people providing there are no contraindications present, all of which will be discussed with you prior to your treatment.

Conditions which can be relieved by massage

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Back conditions
  • Headaches
  • Long term illness
  • Lower limb problems
  • Musculo-skeletal (muscle and bone) disorders
  • Neck problems
  • Neurological conditions
  • Plastic surgery
  • Respiratory disorders
  • Sports injury
  • Sports preparation
  • Sports recovery
  • Stress
  • Terminal illness
  • Upper limb problems
  • and many more.

 

TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE

HEALTH FUND REBATES AVAILABLE FROM OUR REMEDIAL MASSAGE QUALIFIED THAI NATIONAL THERAPIST

 

What is known in the West as Thai massage is more than just massage as we normally know it, it is rather an ancient energy-based healing system that combines acupressure, reflexology, and assisted yoga postures. Treatment effects are enhanced when the patient is fully relaxed and breathing deeply. This traditional healing practice, called Nuad or Nuad Boran in the Thai language, stands in sharp contrast to western massage therapies.

Traditional Thai massage uses  compression, pulling, stretching and rocking in order to clear energy blockages and relieve tension. The practitioner uses thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to create a dance of movement on the body of the recipient. In this process, joints are opened, muscles and tendons are stretched, internal organs are toned, and energy is balanced. The overall effect is one of deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and physical and mental well being.