What is Meridian Massage?

Meridian massage is a form of massage based on Chinese Medicine practice and theory. Chinese medicine is a practice of energy medicine, (I liken it to a plumber or sparky but for the body) utilising massage or Tui-Na, as well as acupuncture, cupping, herbal prescriptions, Qi Gong exercises, moxibustion, Gua Sha, as well as diet and lifestyle adjustments. The origin and development of this medicine which is inclusive of all these techniques and more can be traced back several thousands of years. Massage and East Asian medicine have been widely practiced and accepted around the world.

Meridians are major pathways in the body in which Qi energy and blood flows. The 12 main channels branch out into smaller channels that innervate every muscle, bone, organ and cell of the body. When there is a stagnation or obstruction in the meridian/channel, disease arises, leading to tight and weak muscles, pain, limited range of motion, fluctuations in energy levels, organ dysfunction, psyche-emotional-spiritual maladies, general ill health and poor vitality. To restore the proper functioning of the body’s systems and restore a state of homeostasis one option is to utilise meridian massage and other Chinese medicine applications such as acupuncture.

‘We have literally just “touched” the surface of meridian research, but the meridian
system appears to be an important communication link between myofascial tissue
and the nervous system. This traditional communication system appears to link
biochemical, electrical, and physiologic changes in the myofascial tissue with
subcortical neurologic activity and changes in cognitive experience’. [7]

Meridian massage is best performed by a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner. Using Chinese Medicine theory of meridians which connect to the internal organs and other structures and tissues of your body, your practitioner establishes a working diagnosis based on your presentation to perform a treatment tailored just for you, which will be of most help to your symptoms/issues. Your practitioner will guide the flow of Qi and in turn the lymph, and blood coursing the channels using various physical manipulative massage techniques such as pushing, pulling, stretching, and rolling. This type of massage helps to restore the free flow of Qi and blood to your joints, tendons, muscles, fascia and internal organs, to initiate the healing process.

‘On the other hand, by manipulating acupuncture points that lie on meridians, … massage may
initially activate subthalamic nuclei that can reduce pain and combat other symptoms through both
subcortical gating and modulation of the limbic system’.

What symptoms does Meridian Massage treat?

Meridian massage treats everything on the other side of feeling good! Clinical experience shows meridian massage to be of help to pain conditions of all types, mental-emotional disturbance or disease, digestive function, sleep, stress. In addition to these, some meta-analysis and trials suggest evidence supporting the use of massage in post-stroke patients – improving motor function (particularly in the lower limbs), balance, stability and quality of life [1] improving cognitive function in older adults and those at risk of Alzheimer’s [2] clinical improvements in low back pain [6], reduce morbidity of obesity related diseases [4]. And more!

‘The authors concluded that … massage therapy reduced
delayed assessment of pain and that reductions of trait anxiety and depression are
massage therapy’s largest effects, with a course of treatment providing benefits
similar in magnitude to those of psychotherapy… late effects include neuroplasticity
and remodeling.’ [7]

What can I expect from a Meridian Massage consult with a qualified Chinese
Medicine Practitioner?

An initial consultation will include questions relating to your current state of health, previous health and medical history, symptoms you are experiencing, diet, lifestyle. An assessment of the radial pulse on the wrist and observation of the tongue will be included to determine the best course of treatment for you. Treatment can be performed over your clothes and a towel, directly to the skin, or both! It depends on your comfort level and the nature of the complaint.

Pressure may be light or firm depending on the technique used, the nature of the complaint and your comfort level. Depending on how long you have been experiencing your issue/symptom, it may take more than one treatment to resolve. One may expect relief after the first treatment, with client reported benefits including increased range of motion, improved sleep, less pain, and improved mental- emotional quality of life. However, if you have been suffering from disease and chronic pain for years it may take a while to get back on track! A friend once said, ‘If we don’t change anything, nothing will change’.

If we want our future self to feel good in vital wellness, we can reach out for a little help now!! To achieve a functioning and pain free body and healthy mind, take the reins in both hands and book in for a meridian massage with a qualified practitioner today!

Dr. Caspian Helm is our Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and
Remedial Meridian Massage Therapist

References

1. Xie, Yunhui; Gu Hao; Zhoa Qing; Li Dejie; Gong Ying; Xie, Junxing; Shi Guofeng. Efficacy of meridian massage for motor function after a stroke: a systematic review and Meta-analysis[J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2022, 42(3): 321-331.
2. Fang Liu, Cuiling Shen, Liqun, Yao and Zhuangmiao, Li. Acupoint Massage for Managing Cognitive Alterations in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Jun 2018.532- 540.http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0142
3. You-Hua LIU, Luo YANG, Shao-Hua GONG, Xiao-Ping YI, Hong GUO. Effect of Acupoint Massage on Cognitive Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis[J].Journal of Integrative Nursing, 2019, 1(2): 107-114.
4. Bo-hua YAN, Qu-si PENG, Qi-hua WEI, Fen FENG, The effect of meridian massage on BM, BMI, WC and HC in simple obesity patients: a randomized controlled trial, World Journal of Acupuncture – Moxibustion, Volume 24, Issue 1, 2014,Pages 6-50,ISSN 1003-5257,https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-5257(14)60034-9. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1003525714600349)
5. Jung GS, Choi IR, Kang HY, Choi EY. Effects of Meridian Acupressure Massage on Body Composition, Edema, Stress, and Fatigue in Postpartum Women. J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Oct;23(10):787-793. doi: 10.1089/acm.2016.0362. Epub 2017 Jul 17. PMID: 28714769.
6. Li, T., Li, X., Huang, F., Tian, Q., Fan, Z. Y., & Wu, S. (2021). Clinical efficacy and safety of acupressure on low back pain: A systematic review and meta- analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 1-15.
7. Sagar, S. M., Dryden, T., & Wong, R. K. (2007). Massage therapy for cancer patients: a reciprocal relationship between body and mind. Current oncology, 14(2), 45-56.
8. Zhang, Yueyue MSN a,b ; Wang, Shaotong MSN a ; Ma, Xiaomin MSN c ; Yuan, Yang MSN a ; Cheng, Hui MSN a ; Lin, Lu PhD b,a ; Tian, Li PhD a,b,*  Massage therapy can effectively relieve cancer pain: A meta-analysis. Medicine 102(27):pe33939, July 07, 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033939

This article was prepared by our Acupuncturist and Remedial Massage therapist, Dr Caspian Helm. Discover more about his services here.