Brief History:
Massage has been used as a healing tool since time immemorial and likely predates acupuncture. One of the earliest records of a doctor using massage in China dates back to the third millennium BCE when Yu Fu used ancient massage techniques now known as tuina in his clinical practice. After the introduction of Chinese Medicine to Japan in the sixth century AD, a style was created which refined techniques down to a detailed and subtle form that became known as Shiatsu. Cupping is a therapy that has been used for centuries in China as well as Egypt and Greece. It utilizes a glass jar placed on the skin with a vacuum seal to promote the free flow of qi and blood in the channels. Moxibustion has been used for centuries. It is the application of heat and smoke from the herb Ai Ye (Artemisia vulgaris, commonly know as mugwort) to move energy and warm the channels. Qi gong is one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (along with theory, acupuncture, herbs, and bodywork) and its roots trace back the farthest . It is a system of movement similar to tai chi that directs the flow of energy by directing the mind and controlling the breath. Archeological data indicates its earliest forms are linked to ancient shamanic meditative practices. Today millions of people all over the world practice qigong.
How It Works:
Working with the fascia and channels to break up stagnation and improve circulation will benefit a variety of ailments. Tunia and shiatsu are forms of massage that correct imbalances in the facsia or connective tissue. Cupping is used to free stuck blood and congestion in the fascia. Moxa is compressed into a pole and held a couple inches from the skin. It warms the channels, smooths the flow of energy and blood and strengthens the yang energy. Qigong improves the flow of the energetic components of the mind and body through electrical channels.
The Clinic:
Tuina, Shiatsu, Cupping, Moxibustion and Qigong were elements of Kristi’s Masters program at the Oregon College Of Oriental Medicine where she took advanced courses in Shiatsu and Qigong. She considers herself fortunate to have learn Zen Shiatsu from Lindy Ferrigno. Lindy is a leader in the field and was a close student of Dr. Shizuto Masunaga the author of Zen Shiatsu and Zen Imagery Exercises. Kristi’s study and practice of qigong led her to become a certified qigong instructor and she enjoys incorporating energy work into her treatments. Acupuncturists are the only licensed energy workers in the US and Kristi’s background in Shiatsu, Tuina and Qigong have proven to be essential tools in the clinic. Kristi has developed her own style of bodywork and relies on its clinical application as one of many tools to relieve stress and anxiety, improve sleep, manage pain, improve joint function, restore immunity, and benefit reproductive health. She considers it an invaluable part of the treatment of patients recovering from surgeries, accidents, and injuries and those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.