Massage also has conducted with acupuncture historically in Japan, and meridian and acupuncture points can be stimulated by massage as well to some extent if the therapists are qualified and trained for both massage and acupuncture. Because in Japanese history, the occupation of massage had been reserved for the population of visually impaired practitioners, massage was developed with their higher sensitivities. By practicing acupuncture and massage together, this approaches with higher sensitivities influenced greatly acupuncture practices, and introduced the tactile methods of feeling bodies from skin to diagnose and treat. Massage, moxibustion, cupping, metal massage and other therapies are selected and combined with acupuncture, as therapist see the needs.
Cupping
Cups are applied to the certain parts of body with tensions or weakness. By the application of the cups suck the muscles and release the tensions there, resulting in improving stagnation in the area. If the area of the muscles are weak, brings energy (ki, qi, chi) to recover the area faster. If there is more stagnated blood in that area, marks will be left on skin but it will disappear longest two weeks (If body conditions are well, the mark will NOT be left or it takes much shorter time to dissapear). In the Eastern Therapies, often cupping therapy is added to acupuncture/massage to add extra effects.
Massage with Metal – Facial and Scalp
Metal has higher Transmitting Capability. Therefore the touches of metal to the skin influences the flow of ki (qi, chi, vital energy, pneuma, spirit). Each kind of metal also has different characteristics, which match symptoms and conditions of patients. Facial and scalp massage with metal is also a kind of non-inserting needling techniques (called “Sensory Therapy “or “Touch-based Therapy”), and it has a result of balancing electronic imbalances of ions in muscles which produce:
- the sensation of pain,
- tightness of muscles,
- skin discoloration,
- wrinkles on the skin.
Balancing electronic imbalances of ions in muscles results in:
- better body and organ functions
- flexibility of muscles
- lightness of muscles resulting from having less stagnation
- a higher circulation of ki
- Improves: blood, water, nerve, hormone, and lymph circulation
- Relax physiologically (physically and psychologically)
In general, the facial and scalp massage contributes to reduce tension around shoulder and neck, eye strain, produce better flow of lymph and serotonin, prevent depression, vertigo, ear-related problems (prevent cataract), nose-related problems and headache, soften jaw joint, produce more saliva, improve digestion, sounds in jaw joint, allergy and sinus, reduce wrinkles, lift skin up, sharpen jaw area, reduce tooth pain and facial paralysis, and improve blood and water circulation.
