Massage Therapy

​For many, massage therapy is a well known modality. It is sought out to assist with symptoms ranging from acute muscle pain that flares up with increasing running mileage to nagging muscle aches at the end of the work day. Others seek massage for the relaxing quiet that allows their body and mind to restore, replenish and rebuild.

Andrea has prior training and years of work experience as a bodyworker (Rolfing and massage therapy). For this reason, often acupuncture appointments will incorporate a variety of massage techniques, as needed based on each individual. Massage is an effective way to energetically move qi and blood, lift the spirits, increase circulation, calm the nervous system, reduce muscle tension and resolve pain.

When it’s called for, massage, tui na, or shiatsu may be used in an acupuncture treatment to enhance the work of the needles or cupping therapy. Acupressure (aka shiatsu) is a great way to stimulate points that weren’t needled, adding benefit to the treatment. When woven into a course of acupuncture in this way, the effects of each modality, massage and acupuncture, are mutually enhanced

Biomedicine recognizes the effects of massage in many modern research studies. It has been shown to help with reducing cortisol levels, stimulating the parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system and improving recovery time for athletic events.

In Chinese Medicine, massage has been used for centuries to support the wellbeing of the whole body. TCM practitioners learn two styles: Tuina and Shiatsu. Both are done over clothing. Tuina originates from China and involves a lot of rocking, pinching, grasping and rolling techniques meant to encourage the movement of Qi along energetic channels. Very often, these energetic channels mimic where the client feels referral pain. Shiatsu is a more static form of energetic body work. Often, the practitioner will hold pressure points and use techniques to balance the flow of energy which frequently helps with symptoms involving both mind and body. Both Tuina and Shiatsu are easily and often incorporated into an acupuncture session.

​At The Missoula Meridian, if massage techniques are being added into your acupuncture treatment, there is no additional charge to the acupuncture fee. 

Please don’t hesitate to call or email if you have any questions about what services we can provide for you. We consider bodywork to be a vital piece to living fully and functionally.