By manually stimulating acupuncture points and leading joints and musculature through certain movements, I can support organ systems or alleviate a problem in the musculoskeletal system. Some examples where a symptom-oriented massage alone or in combination with acupuncture can be helpful:

• Headache
• Stuffy nose
• Chronic pain syndromes: shoulder, back, knee
• Thick legs / leg edema
• Polyneuropathy due to diabetes, chemotherapy, or other causes

Note that I specifically use massage for “chronic pain.” In my experience, other therapies are more helpful for acute pain – especially if it has only appeared in the last few days – in particular acupuncture, sometimes in combination with Chinese medicinal therapy, sometimes also massage after the initial inflammation has been relieved. For chronic pain, I can use the entire spectrum of therapy – including massage, acupuncture, moxibustion, etc.

Tui Na and Shiatsu are not necessarily applied directly to the areas of the body where chronic pain occurs. For example, for headaches, I prefer to massage the points related to the relevant channels on the legs and feet rather than the head itself – especially during the headache. This is because the meridians connect different areas of the body and also because sometimes it is better to direct energy away from or down an area of the body that is currently strained. In between times of acute pain, I might apply massage directly the previously affected area to prevent another attack in a chronic pain situation.

During a 60-minute acupuncture treatment, I use Tui Na or Shiatsu in addition to acupuncture if it is helpful for the patient. For those who prefer just a massage, I offer a 30-minute symptom-focused massage.

With Tui Na and Shiatsu it is best to just wear comfortable clothing; there is no need to disrobe.