Alan Baker
BSc PGCE(FE) Cert. Chinese Massage (Zheijing)

Alan has been involved in the study of Chinese Internal Arts for over twenty years. He first became acquainted with Chinese Massage whilst studying at Nanjing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1996. Since then, as well as studying in England, he has made two further trips to China, successfully completing advanced study programmes (Zhejing College of TCM, Hangzhou, 2001 and 2003). He has full membership of the UK register of Tui Na Massage (MRTCM). Alan also teaches Taijiquan and Qigong in and around Oxford and is a member of the Chinese Internal Arts Association.

Treatments
Chinese Massage is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine along with acupuncture and herbalism. Written records of Chinese Massage date back over 2500 years. Chinese Massage uses a combination of massage, acupressure and joint manipulation to achieve a more balanced physical and emotional state. It can either be used for general health maintenance, helping to prevent illness and enhance feelings of well being, or to alleviate a variety of ailments. It is particularly recommended for the following conditions: Pain relief All muscular/skeletal problems Arthritis Muscle tension/muscle tone problems Sciatica Nervous tension Emotional/nervous disorders All stress related conditions Chinese Massage is an holistic therapy in which body, mind and spirit are seen as interrelated. Although treatment is focused on problem areas, the whole body is treated in order to counteract underlying physical and emotional factors, that can impede the flow of Qi (vital energy), and create the optimal conditions for healing to take place.

What's Involved?
Clients will be consulted regarding problems they may be experiencing before treatments begin. Treatments vary in terms of emphasis, depending on the nature of the complaint, but generally follow the same pattern. The first thirty minutes or so involves massage of the body with problem areas been given most attention. The massage is practiced through clothing and without the use of oils. Massage will not be applied to areas of broken skin, eczema, psoriasis, shingles etc. The purpose of the massage, which utilises a range of sustained and penetrating manipulations, is to relax the muscles and begin the process of restoring the flow of Qi. Acupressure is then be applied to specific points along the energy pathways (called meridians), depending upon the nature of the condition, and to general points elsewhere to promote a continuous flow of Qi throughout the whole body. Finally the joints will be manipulated, using safe and comfortable techniques, to address skeletal problems and as another means of restoring the flow of Qi. The treatment will usually last 45 to 50 minutes. Find out more at www.threetreasurestaiji.co.uk