Self Care Series #14
Massage as a medicine

Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing, dating about 4,000 years old and is incorporated into the Traditional Chinese Medicine system of healing.

Like acupuncture, TCM uses massage to help balance the Chi — harmonizing the yin and yang in the body by manipulating the Qi in the acupuncture channels. It attempts to open the body's defensive chi (wei qi) and get the energy moving in the meridians and the muscles.

Massage also works as a form of emotional release and healing is widely recognized in the massage community and often taught at massage schools. The belief that the tissues hold emotional pain and trauma is accepted in many religious circles.

TCM practitioners will frequently encourage and instruct patients to do self massage at home as they are considered important aspects of self healthcare.

It is especially important during the winter because it helps prevent your body from succumbing to the harsh effects of cold weather.

BENEFITS OF WINTER MASSAGES:
1. Improves circulation
2. Prevents sickness
3. Maintains fitness
4. Prevents weight gain
5. Moisturizes your skin
6. Improves mental health

Here are some key acupressure points to look out for when you are doing a self massage:

You can always refer to these points for many other issues besides stress - headaches, insomnia, indigestion and fatigue. 

GingerChi Natural Stone Tools like the Guasha, the original 'scraping' tool, or the mushroom disc can also be implemented to boost the acupressure benefits.

We hope you enjoyed this article. Please let us know if you have any questions or if there's a specific piece of article you would like to read.

Enjoy your Sunday!

♥
GingerChi