What is Qigong Tuina & Shiatsu

Qigong Tuina & Shiatsu can be understood within the framework of Chinese medicine and its emphasis on Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, as well as the system of meridians and acupressure points. Furthermore, it is used in conjunction with Chinese observation techniques and questioning that are designed to give a holistic impression of the patient’s condition.

When you ask what conditions can be treated I can respond that I have patients that come for back pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, menstrual disorders, migraine, constipation, nervousness, stress, insomnia, tendinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, soft tissue conditions, and other conditions.

In Qigong Tuina and Shiatsu there is no separation of the mind, the body, or the emotions; you’re treating the whole person. This requires a high degree of knowledge and sensitivity.

This philosophy has evolved experientially over many hundreds of years as a result of study, practice, and observation. It embraces the concept of the meridian system and of acupuncture points along the meridian lines that through stimulation will improve the free flow of Qi moving along these pathways.

The five elements of earth, water, fire, metal and wood translate into factors such as dampness, wind, heat, cold, and stagnation. To what degree these are present in the body informs the practitioner’s understanding of the overall condition of the person, along with its exact causes.

Traditional Chinese medicine says  that to  understand the healing techniques of the East  you must understand Qi or Ki (in Japanese). Qigong Tuina & Shiatsu require the sensing of Qi and Qi is the essence of Chinese thinking. So, if Tuina /Shiatsu are  the techniques, then Qi is the essence, which fuels the engine of the technique and enables it to be used to good effect.

Due to physical and emotional strain, repetitive movements, habitual patterns and habits of standing, sitting, and moving, our bodies & minds develop dysfunctional and characteristic patterns of strain. Shortness or tightness in tissues and related muscles, and asymmetries within the body as a whole create a disruption in the flow of the meridians (Qi pathways) and are, therefore, tensional forces. These may ultimately lead to sub-optimal choices in movement and for the function of the organs. This dynamic is among the root causes of pain, pathologies, discomfort and other types of dysfunction including emotional and behavioral issues. Over time, with repetition, these patterns can worsen, which lead to further limitations. With Qigong Tuina & Shiatsu we can reverse this process.

During a series of treatments, one can connect with these seemingly unrelated restrictions that lie hidden in different parts of your body and mind. As one feels and understands them, one releases the pain and a transformation occurs. As the restrictions are released, you become more present in your life and are more likely to make conscious life choices that will benefit you.

What happens if I have a  Western medical treatment?

It is important to inform the Qigong Tuina & Shiatsu practitioner about Western medical treatments you are receiving.
Qigong Tuina & Shiatsu  don’t interfere with other medical treatments.
On the contrary it speeds up the healing process, improves the allover energy level in the body, the circulation, as well as the lymphatic system and diminishes stress related symptoms.

What is Qigong, Moxibustion & Sotai ?

Qigong is a system for harmonizing body and mind. It operates on a profound level to bring about health and well being. It cultivates body and mind simultaneously. Originally called taoyin, which means ‘guiding the flow of internal energy (Qi), it has been practiced for over two thousand years in China. Laozi, the founder of Taoism, was said to have been the first to practice techniques of conserving, gathering, cultivating, nourishing, and transforming energies that are the source of a healthy body and a clear mind. One of the first steps in Qigong is to develop your yi (mind). A strong yi is a combination of calmness and intention. It is said, use your yi (mind) to lead your qi or, “where mind goes, energy follows.”
Qi is the Chinese character describing energy and Gong stands for work; Qigong is working with energy.
Qiqong exercises are tools for external & internal strengthening. The resulting deep relaxation furthers harmonious breathing.
There are many different styles of Qigong that suit different situations: maintaining or restoring health, sensing Qi in others as a practitioner, or preparing to perform in Tai Chi or a Martial Art.
According to each individual condition, I also teach a few simple yet very efficient Qigong movements. They will stimulate the circulation of your internal energy, promote self healing, and develop your vitality.
The Chinese system of organs,meridians, and their interrelations presents a fascinating perspective and efficient approach to your well-being.

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion (or “moxa”) involves burning dried mugwort leaves on or over acupuncture points. It can be done as an adjunct to Qigong Tuina or Shiatsu or as a stand-alone therapy. Warming and pleasant to receive, its penetrating healing effects reach deep within the body.
The many benefits of moxibustion include boosting immunity, improving energy, and enhancing mood. Among its other effects, scientific research has found that it:
  • Increases white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets
  • Changes the chemical composition of blood to more alkaline (anti-inflammatory)
  • Helps regulate blood sugar
  • Increases the activity of the adrenal gland.

SOTAI

Sotai means handling or movement of the body to restore good health. Sotai balances the body, relieves pain, and improves general mobility.
It is a Japanese technique for postural correction that nicely complements Qigong Tuina & Shiatsu. It is based on the philosophical theory of Kenzo Hashimoto, who considered the human body as a dynamic architecture whose operation is not defective when the living standard is healthy.
The SOTAI method consists of gentle exercises facilitated by the practitioner
combined with the patient’s breathing and movement.
As a therapeutic method, it is soft and relaxing. Practicing and performing SOTAI exercises , you can retrieve the correct alignment of the spine and achieve an optimal state of physical and mental health.

about Ana Fuchs

Diploma in Qigong Tuina from Institut Chuzhen,
Diploma from Boston Shiatsu School includes Sotai and Moxibustion.

My upbringing was unconventional. It provided me with incredible, colorful, vivid experiences and deep insights at an early age, which I am truly grateful for. Most of my childhood and adolescence happened in politically and socially engaged communities – it was during the 70’s and my parents were looking for a better society.

We traveled in a VW bus to the East: Afghanistan, India, Nepal.

In Nepal I fell seriously ill, and I was treated successfully with Tibetan medicine and later Traditional Chinese Medicine, which sparked my curiosity and admiration of the wisdom and kindness of these doctors. This became a key motivator for why I was so attracted to natural remedies and holistic approaches.

I came to realize that it was people’s sanity and physical health that I was most passionate about.

I enrolled at the Dao Institute, Marburg, under the auspices of Kiku Zutrau-Miyasaki, the head of the Boston Shiatsu School. After graduation, I completed the post-graduate training at the Norwich Shiatsu College, England under Clifford Andrews, Paul Lundberg and Carola Beresford-Cooke.

Thereafter I went to Paris, France and enrolled at Institut Chuzhen to deepen my knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine. On the faculty were some of the most respected Chinese TCM professors.

I got accepted in the class of Professor Bai Yunqiao, a renowned Qigong Tuina master. Bai Yunqiao grew up in Beijing. He started to practice Martial Arts and studied traditional herbal medicine from an early age. At age 14 he became a close disciple of Master Li Mo Lin, who trained him in orthopedic Tuina.

After many years of learning and exploration Bai Yunqiao teaches Bai Juyi Qigong Tuina techniques with orthopedic methods and treats illnesses without using medicine or needles. The process is safe, comfortable and has no side-effects. Since 1996 he is dividing his time between China and Europe, teaching theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and his Bai Juyi Qigong Tuina technique. At the TCM Institute Chuzhen in Paris, France, he taught a graduate class presenting his technique in depth to a small group of advanced students.

Today, Bai Yunqiao has instructed thousands of students all over the world: in China, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America.

I trained with Bai Yunqiao for eight years and his treatment approach became my method of choice. Along with Qigong Tuina treatments, I instruct personalized medical Qigong exercises, suitable to the person’s condition.

Its a real pleasure and honor to be able offer my expertise to others, and nurture your own capacity to healing.

  • Since 2018 in regular Qigong Training programs with the Taoist Master and Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor, Nan Lu, OMD, with the Tao of Healing school in New York City.
  • Further Qigong Training under the supervision of Eva Wong in the Limitless Gate school.
  • 2002-10 studied Qigong-Tuina with Bai Yunqiao
  • 2000-07, continued studies at Institut Chuzhen, Paris de Traditionnel Chinese Medicin.
  • 1997, post-graduate diploma at the Norwich Shiatsu College, England.
  • 1995 Graduate Boston Shiatsu School, USA. the diploma includes Sotai and Moxibustion.

What happens in a Qigong Tuina & Shiatsu treatment?

In Oriental Medicine, all disease is caused by an imbalance in the flow of Qi in the body. This blockage of Qi can manifest as pain, weakness, organ dysfunction, or mental symptoms. By harmonizing the flow of Qi, your body will enact its innate healing abilities.
The Qigong Tuina practitioner has developed the Qi in his hands. When they touch your body, you will feel a warm, dry hand that produces a relaxing effect.

We use acupuncture points on the body to adjust the flow of Qi in specific meridians or to release a specific point that is blocked. The Qi harmonizing techniques can properly balance the more subtle flow of energy in your body and relax your mind and body. The results will leave you feeling energized and stronger.