Chinese Relaxation Massage
Chinese relaxation massage involves the entire body: the neck, back, buttocks, arms, legs, head, and face, and is based on stimulating active points. During the massage, the body relaxes and calms down, allowing you to sense blockages and release them. After this relaxation, the body feels energized, light, and full of vitality. The techniques used in Chinese relaxation massage are rooted in Tuina massage.
For a Chinese relaxation massage, please book at least a 1-hour session. If you have a specific concern and would like focused attention on it, I recommend booking a 1.5-hour session. It would be very helpful if you mention your concern in the comments when making the appointment so I can better prepare for the massage. Before the session, we can discuss whether any particular area of the body needs extra attention.
I use a natural warming oil for the massage.
Contraindications:
Massage is contraindicated in cases of bone fractures or joint dislocations, open wounds, skin diseases, hemophilia, menstruation, and pregnancy (strong manipulations on the lower abdomen and lower back are not recommended), as well as for psychiatric issues and acute internal organ diseases.
Tuina Massage
Tuina is a traditional Chinese therapeutic massage that applies pressure to the channels or meridians and the points located on them, promoting the free and balanced flow of qi throughout the body. When the flow of qi is balanced, a person feels simultaneously relaxed, calm, eager, energetic, and centered. We all experience this feeling at times, but more often, we rely too heavily on willpower to achieve our goals.
For a Tuina massage, please book at least a 1-hour session. If you have a specific concern and would like focused attention on it, I recommend booking a 1.5-hour session. It would be very helpful if you mention your concern in the comments when making the appointment so I can better prepare for the massage. Before the session, we can discuss whether any particular area of the body needs extra attention.
Contraindications:
Massage is contraindicated in cases of bone fractures or joint dislocations, open wounds, skin diseases, hemophilia, menstruation, and pregnancy (strong manipulations on the lower abdomen and lower back are not recommended), as well as for psychiatric issues and acute internal organ diseases.
Foot Massage
The actual benefits of a foot massage extend far beyond the feet, encompassing the entire body. In addition to soothing and relaxing the feet, it supports digestion and alleviates constipation. According to Chinese medicine, stimulating points on the feet and hands can help restore balance in the body and allow energy to flow freely, as the start and end points of all meridians are located at the tips of the toes and fingers. This is why, in acupuncture, the most significant points are those from the fingers to the elbows and from the toes to the knees. In my massage, I use techniques from both Chinese and Thai foot massage. According to Chinese medicine, it is best to address issues from the body's most distant points, which makes it clear why gentle and meditative foot massage can calm the mind and ground a person.
For a foot massage, please book a 1-hour session. You may choose a 1.5-hour appointment if you would like me to also include a hand massage, where the start and end points of the meridians are also located, or to address the lower back, which often requires attention. It is also possible to have a 30-minute foot massage followed by a back or facial massage, or vice versa.
Kidney Massage
In Chinese medicine, the kidneys hold a very important place as they are considered the custodians of our life energy. We deplete kidney energy through irregular eating, lack of movement, and ignoring the balance between work and rest, which often happens in our daily routines. Kidney massage strengthens kidney energy, promotes free energy flow, and revitalizes the body. This, in turn, reduces susceptibility to illnesses. I massage the lower back, abdomen, and buttocks using natural warming oil, and during the session, I also stimulate acupuncture points that support the kidneys. This massage is suitable for both disease prevention and body revitalization, and it is especially beneficial during the autumn and winter seasons. Additionally, I recommend taking some time to review your lifestyle to make the most of the energy you have been given.
For a kidney massage, please book a 1-hour session. You may opt for a 1.5-hour appointment if you would like me to also include a hand and foot massage, as the start and end points of the meridians are located at the tips of the fingers and toes, or to work on the shoulders and upper back, which almost always require attention.
Indications:
Massage helps relieve lower back and knee pain (non-acute), fatigue, night sweats, painful menstruation, apathy, lack of motivation, issues related to urination, recovery from lingering viral infections, and warms cold feet.
Facial Gua Sha Therapy with Decollete and Shoulder Area Massage
Gua Sha is an ancient Eastern therapy that enhances the tone of the face and neck, reduces acne and wrinkles, and provides a more youthful contour to the skin. This technique also helps diminish age spots and boosts lymphatic activity by activating qi energy. For the Gua Sha facial massage, I use a special heart-shaped jade tool.
For a facial Gua Sha massage, I recommend booking a one-hour session. If you book a 1.5-hour session, I can also include a massage of the hands and feet—where the start and end points of the meridians are located. After the massage, you'll have the opportunity to take some time to relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
Back Gua Sha Therapy with Back Massage
The massage consists of a warming back massage and Gua Sha therapy. Gua Sha is an ancient Eastern technique effective for diagnosis, prevention of complaints, and relieving muscle tension. I use a heart-shaped jade tool in the therapy, which acts as an extension of the hand, making the massage more intense yet less painful than without the tool. The Gua Sha stone enhances the results of the massage.
For a back Gua Sha massage, please book a 1-hour session. If you book a 1.5-hour appointment, I can also include a hand and foot massage, as the start and end points of the meridians are located at the tips of the fingers and toes. After the massage, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
Moxibustion Therapy
Moxibustion is beneficial for a weakened and exhausted body and can be used prophylactically to prevent diseases. It is not a standalone therapy but can be incorporated into a massage session if needed. Moxibustion involves heating specific areas of the body, meridians, or acupuncture points to improve the flow of qi and local blood circulation.
The moxa stick is made from mugwort. I use both smokeless moxa and small moxa cones, which are applied to specific acupuncture points on the skin. Moxibustion can be performed prophylactically to prevent illness.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy is effective for relieving neck and back pain, as well as for treating colds and tension headaches. During a cupping session, I apply the cups for about 5 minutes, followed by a back massage. The cups help disperse stagnant energy and improve the flow of blood and qi in the meridians.
Cupping is particularly useful for addressing pain localized in a specific area, which indicates that energy is not flowing properly. It is also beneficial for chronic pain, such as a recurring spot of discomfort on the back every autumn. Since cupping therapy relies on the body's own energy, it is not suitable for weak or exhausted patients.
Auriculotherapy, or Ear Acupuncture
Auriculotherapy is a Chinese therapeutic method that was refined for better use by French physician Paul Nogier. The basis of auriculotherapy is the understanding that areas on the outer ear correspond to different parts of the body. The ear contains around 100 different points, which can be used individually or in combination to address a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional issues.
Ear needles are effective for alleviating acute pain, such as heel or back pain, and for diagnostic purposes.