Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Chinese Massage? And how does it differ from other types of massage?
Chinese massage is a type of bodywork that is rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and based on the 2,000 year old system of Chinese medicine. Simply put, this modality differs from other types of massage in that the Chinese system considers all aspects of a person (mental, emotional and spiritual, as well as the physical) in the healing process. A main component of this therapy is determining where the Qi (pronounced "chee"), or life force energy, is out of balance and using the appropriate technique to re-balance the Qi in that part of the body. Many different techniques may be used during a Chinese massage session, including: tuina, gua sha, cupping and acupressure. These techniques work with the meridian pathways and acupoints in the body (very similar to how acupuncture works) in order to align, balance and encourage the innate healing process of the whole person. |
Have questions?
Here are some common questions that often come up about Chinese Massage and related techniques as well as bodywork in general. If there is anything you are curious about that is not addressed here, please feel free to get in touch with me directly. 
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How do I know if my Qi is out of balance?
Have you ever experienced any of the following: Chronic or acute pain (achiness, sore muscles, tightness or tension), low back pain, digestive discomfort, swelling, inflammation, joint pain, headaches, respiratory discomfort (cold, flu, chronic cough, asthma), disrupted sleep, fatigue...? These are just a few of the many signs of Qi imbalance. Chinese massage and the various techniques mentioned above can assist in relieving these symptoms and bring harmony back to the body.
Have you ever experienced any of the following: Chronic or acute pain (achiness, sore muscles, tightness or tension), low back pain, digestive discomfort, swelling, inflammation, joint pain, headaches, respiratory discomfort (cold, flu, chronic cough, asthma), disrupted sleep, fatigue...? These are just a few of the many signs of Qi imbalance. Chinese massage and the various techniques mentioned above can assist in relieving these symptoms and bring harmony back to the body.
Tuina, GuaSha, Cupping, Acupressure. I don't know these words, what do they mean?
These are all different techniques that fall under the umbrella of Chinese massage and may be mentioned, suggested or used in your bodywork session.
Tuina is the manual massage technique (using arms, hands and fingers) and literally means "push or grasp". This modality uses pressing, rolling, jostling, shaking and stretching to relax muscles, enhance and encourage optimum functioning of the joints, tendons, and ligaments and restore balance to the internal organs.
GuaSha is a technique that uses a porcelain chinese soup spoon (traditionally), or other curved smooth edged object, to scrape along the surface of the skin in areas where tension, scar tissue, adhesions or other types of congestion exist in order to unblock and allow for unrestricted circulatory flow in the area. GuaSha is particularly helpful for easing acute muscle tension and facilitating release.
Cupping is a technique that involves using suction on the surface of the skin. The cups are placed on specific areas of the body (usually the back, shoulders, arms and legs) and can be stationary or moved across the skin. The purpose is to draw up congestion and stagnation from deeper in the body and release locked tension. Cupping is particularly useful in helping to alleviate and reduce chronic pain, respiratory or sinus congestion, scar tissue from previous injury and creating a sense of overall balance and relaxation in the body.
Acupressure is a technique very similar to acupuncture but uses finger pressure on specific points along the meridians in the body (called, acupoints) instead of needles to encourage and enhance overall Qi flow, balance and well being. Because only finger pressure is being used, the focus is on stimulating one or two acupoints at a time, as opposed to acupuncture, where many are stimulated simultaneously.
These are all different techniques that fall under the umbrella of Chinese massage and may be mentioned, suggested or used in your bodywork session.
Tuina is the manual massage technique (using arms, hands and fingers) and literally means "push or grasp". This modality uses pressing, rolling, jostling, shaking and stretching to relax muscles, enhance and encourage optimum functioning of the joints, tendons, and ligaments and restore balance to the internal organs.
GuaSha is a technique that uses a porcelain chinese soup spoon (traditionally), or other curved smooth edged object, to scrape along the surface of the skin in areas where tension, scar tissue, adhesions or other types of congestion exist in order to unblock and allow for unrestricted circulatory flow in the area. GuaSha is particularly helpful for easing acute muscle tension and facilitating release.
Cupping is a technique that involves using suction on the surface of the skin. The cups are placed on specific areas of the body (usually the back, shoulders, arms and legs) and can be stationary or moved across the skin. The purpose is to draw up congestion and stagnation from deeper in the body and release locked tension. Cupping is particularly useful in helping to alleviate and reduce chronic pain, respiratory or sinus congestion, scar tissue from previous injury and creating a sense of overall balance and relaxation in the body.
Acupressure is a technique very similar to acupuncture but uses finger pressure on specific points along the meridians in the body (called, acupoints) instead of needles to encourage and enhance overall Qi flow, balance and well being. Because only finger pressure is being used, the focus is on stimulating one or two acupoints at a time, as opposed to acupuncture, where many are stimulated simultaneously.
What should I expect for my first session?
Upon your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a short intake and health history form. Afterwards we will have a brief conversation and you will be asked a few questions to establish what your areas of concern are, what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you and which techniques will be used during your session. Your session will be catered to your specific body and needs.
Upon your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a short intake and health history form. Afterwards we will have a brief conversation and you will be asked a few questions to establish what your areas of concern are, what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you and which techniques will be used during your session. Your session will be catered to your specific body and needs.
What does "dress to my level of comfort" mean? Do I have to completely undress?
The short answer to the latter question is: No. You do not ever have to completely undress if you don't want to.
Prior to every session you have, we will discuss which techniques and modalities are most appropriate for you for that day.
Some techniques do require access to unclothed skin (ie. cupping, guasha and swedish massage), while others can be done
fully clothed (ie. tuina, acupressure, trigger point therapy and many forms of deep tissue massage). This is your massage.
It is up to you to decide how much clothing is comfortable for you during your session and the appropriate techniques will be chosen accordingly. You will have full privacy to undress, and ample time to get on the table before your session starts. You will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times during your session, except for the specific area being worked on at the time.
The short answer to the latter question is: No. You do not ever have to completely undress if you don't want to.
Prior to every session you have, we will discuss which techniques and modalities are most appropriate for you for that day.
Some techniques do require access to unclothed skin (ie. cupping, guasha and swedish massage), while others can be done
fully clothed (ie. tuina, acupressure, trigger point therapy and many forms of deep tissue massage). This is your massage.
It is up to you to decide how much clothing is comfortable for you during your session and the appropriate techniques will be chosen accordingly. You will have full privacy to undress, and ample time to get on the table before your session starts. You will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times during your session, except for the specific area being worked on at the time.
Meagen Alm-Lunan, LMT (OBMT #19902) • [email protected]
4645 SE 67th Avenue, Suite 205, Portland, OR 97206
503-345-5195
4645 SE 67th Avenue, Suite 205, Portland, OR 97206
503-345-5195
