Massage Therapy
Therapeutic, Relaxation and Tuina Massages
Although not a registered massage therapist herself, Dr. Lu employs qualified relaxation and therapeutic massage therapists who are registered in Alberta and who offer a variety of therapeutic massages, relaxation massages and specialty Chinese styles of massages for a complete relaxation and therapeutic experience.
Massage Treatments
Depending on your needs, some massage types may be more appropriate than others. Here are some of the most common massage treatments:
· Swedish Massages: Perfect for those looking for a relaxing yet invigorating massage. Swedish massages affect the nerves, glands, muscles and circulation through various techniques known as effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, percussion, passive and active movements. By increasing oxygen flow in the blood, toxins are released from the muscles.
· Japanese Massages: These massages are ideal for those with pain or those looking for increased vitality and relaxation. Similar to the Chinese massages described below, Japanese massages aim at unblocking the flow of Qi. Shiatsu and Ashiatsu are two popular Japanese massages that involve the use of finger, palm, knee, elbow and/or foot pressure to unblock the Meridians.
- Thai Massages: These massages offer physical, mental and psychological benefits through stretching, meditation and reflexology. These massages include a deep, full-body treatment from head to toe and involve a sequence of gentle yoga-like stretching of the joints and muscles, with acupressure to rebalance and energize the body. These massages are normally given on a floor mat.
- Chinese Massages: Several types of traditional Chinese massages exist and offer pain relief, relaxation and additional benefits.See below for more information.
What Are Traditional Chinese Massages?
To understand the purpose of a traditional Chinese massage, you must understand the concept of Qi, your vital energy. Qi flows to various parts of your body in invisible and immaterial channels called Meridians. When the flow of Qi becomes blocked, obstructed or imbalanced, you feel symptoms such as pain. It may start with feeling uncomfortable, having a stiff neck, or feeling lower back pain.
In our competitive and fast-paced environment, elevated stress levels often result in a Qi imbalance, which can be rectified with Chinese massages. These massages are also very beneficial to those who spend long hours in front of computers and who often suffer from neck pain, back pain and even carpal tunnel syndrome.
Chinese massages are also used to treat certain diseases and illnesses, and can be used to protect health and build up body immunity as a preventative medical measure. Here are some common traditional Chinese massages:
· Tuina Massages: The Tui (push) Na (grasp) massage is a traditional Chinese massage that is recognized for its medical and relaxation properties. It is part of the very broad and effective healing system known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is mostly used when treating sports injuries, internal disorders or other conditions or injuries involving joint or muscle pain.
· Anmo Massages: The An (press) Mo (rub) massage was developed more than 2,000 years ago for medicinal purposes but it is mostly used for relaxation purposes. It provides a rejuvenating and relaxing feeling while helping to maintain optimum health. Several Chinese coaches, martial art specialists and trainers regularly use Anmo massages.
· Infant Tuina Massages: This version of the Tuina massage therapy was developed especially for infants. The points and channels used in the infant version differ from the general Tuina massage but this massage still relieves joint and muscle pain.
· Dian Xue or Acupressure: Dr. Lu often uses this type of massage when acupuncture needles are not suitable for a particular patient or for certain conditions where the combination of acupuncture and acupressure would bring better results. During acupressure sessions, specific acupuncture points are energized using finger pressure instead of needles. Acupressure massages bring pain relief and improve health and wellness by stimulating the Meridians in order to rebalance Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood.
· Wai Qi Liao Fa or Qigong Massages: In this type of massage, external vital energy, Qi, is added to your internal Qi to fix imbalances and cure a specific condition. Qigong Masters require years of rigorous training and discipline to learn these techniques.
What Should You Expect from Chinese Massages?
Massages are given on standard massage tables, in a private room in our clinic. Because they are given to relieve energy blockages, Chinese massages require the use of the massage therapist’s arms, hands, fingers, elbows and/or knees, depending on the area treated and the type of massage being given.
If you are familiar with other types of relaxation or therapeutic massages, you won’t be surprised by the sensations you will experience during a Chinese massage. In addition to these regular sensations, you may also feel a tingling sensation within your body when Qi blockages are cleared. Similarly, because acupuncture points are often targeted, you may feel relief in an area not physically related to the area being massaged.
Why Get Massage Therapy at Dr. Lu’s Clinic?
After discussing your problem(s) during your initial consultation, Dr. Lu will perform a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and determine which treatments are best suited to your condition. Our massages often integrate the benefits of herbal medicine. If your diagnosis suggests that herbal therapy be used to improve your condition, you may be given herbal remedies that you will dilute in hot water and drink as tea or you may be given a cream or ointment made especially for you with specific herbs, which you will need to massage onto a specific area of your body.
How Much Do Massages Cost?
The costs are based on the duration of the massage and can normally be reimbursed through your corporate healthcare plan (if applicable):
60 minutes: $65
45 minutes: $50
30 minutes: $40
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
Each person is different and everyone has a different reason for needing a massage. We normally suggest a monthly relaxation massage for healthy individuals looking for general wellbeing. If you suffer from a chronic pain condition, you should receive regular massages and possibly acupuncture treatments. If you have an acute pain condition, a few treatments could be enough to take care of your pain.
Contact Dr. Lu to book a massage.