TuiNa ‒ Foot Reflexology
TuiNa is a physical medicine specialty from the integrative system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which uses a group of acupressure and joint mobilization techniques. Pediatric applications of TuiNa, aimed at improving digestive and respiratory system functions of young children and neonates, remain relatively unknown in the United States. Another application of this toolkit, developed for adults afraid of needles, is foot reflexology. We are connected to the Earth ‒ the source of our Essence (Jing) ‒ through our feet.
TuiNa therapies use the 2,000+ year old ideas of meridian bioenergetics to diagnose metabolic disorders presenting in the feet. They move energy and blood through swollen and aching feet to reduce pain and increase mobility. These specialized deep tissue techniques, which may extend to the muscles of the shins and the thigh, improve blood circulation through the lower extremity and will reduce edema (swelling) and chronic pain in the feet. TuiNa offers powerful non-drug treatments for elders who are having difficulty walking due to pain. Being able to walk improves confidence and general health, with regard to both Body and Mind. These applications are particularly useful for those who are troubled by chronic gastrointestinal and gynecological or urogenital health concerns and are not getting benefits from pharmacological interventions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides an integrative traditional medicine framework and a natural perspective on health and wellness ‒ a perspective that does not require us to talk about molecules, atoms, photons, enzymes, and hormones. It helps us develop a sense of confidence (power) and integrity (wholeness) based on the ecosystem thinking of Daoist (Taoist) healers who started writing about correspondences between their body and the world they lived in, over 2,500 years ago. Understanding common health concerns, e.g., Aging, is easier if we think about human bodies as a system, a connected system that exists in a deep relationship with the forces that surround it ‒ the forces of Earth and Nature ‒ the Environment.
Combining TCM therapies with anatomic and biophysics principles makes them very powerful in promoting health and reducing pain without using drugs. Having worked with elderly and fragile patients, my TCM based integrative techniques are gentle and effective for pain relief due to soft tissue injuries or chronic conditions, including aging.
Long term clinical objectives
Increase client confidence and accountability by helping each learn more about their health and unique challenges, and empower them to take better care of themselves.