Meridian massage therapy is an integrative medicine approach based on Chinese traditional medicine. Meridian massage is similar to acupuncture and uses your body’s interconnected meridian system to help restore balance and treat various issues like musculoskeletal pain, insomnia, and digestive problems. Complementary approaches like meridian massage offer you an alternative way to address health concerns and supplement traditional Western medicine treatments. Learn more about what is meridian massage therapy and how the practice can help you improve your overall health and well-being.
What is Meridian Massage Therapy?
Meridian massage or meridian massage therapy is a complementary treatment that realigns your energy or qi (pronounced “chi”) through stimulating various meridians on your body. Meridians are believed to be channels through which your life energy flows. They are located on specific parts of your body and, when blocked, can cause an array of health issues because your energy isn’t flowing properly. According to ancient Chinese medicine, the body has 12 major meridians that direct energy through various organs. Your major meridian points run through the following:
- Stomach
- Heart
- Spleen
- Lungs
- Large intestine
- Small intestine
- Kidneys
- Bladder
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Metabolism
Meridian massage is similar to acupuncture, which uses heated, electric, or dry needles inserted into your meridians to direct your qi and promote healing. However, during a meridian massage, your practitioner uses massage techniques to stimulate your meridians rather than needles. Both acupuncture and meridian massage is based on Chinese traditional medicine, which is thought to have originated nearly 2,000 years ago.
Why You Should Book a Meridian Massage
Meridian massage can help address various health issues as a complementary treatment. You may book a meridian massage to help treat ailments like:
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Insomnia
- Poor circulation
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Muscle tension
- Nausea (post-surgery or due to pregnancy)
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Menstrual pain and cramping
How is Meridian Massage Therapy Performed?
Many people who try meridian massage therapy for the first time wonder what is the meridian massage therapy procedure like. At Wayne Massage, meridian massage therapy begins with a short consultation with your highly trained massage therapist. 
- Firm or light pressure on your arms, legs, hands, feet, or back
- Various massage strokes like kneading, pinching, stretching, tapping, and pushing
- Consistent, firm pressure to one meridian for several minutes
Wayne Zheng, the owner of Wayne Massage, supervises the training of all massage therapists who perform meridian massage therapy at the practice. All massage therapists at Wayne Massage hold a Bachelor’s Degree or Australian Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine Massage.
Benefits of Meridian Massage Therapy
When exploring what is meridian massage therapy, you may also wonder what benefits you can receive from the practice. Meridian massage therapy offers multiple benefits, including treating specific health concerns and improving your overall well-being. With a professional meridian massage from Wayne Massage, you may see the following improvements:
- Better lymph flow, which can improve your immune system function
- Improved cardiovascular health through increased circulation
- Improved hormonal regulation, which benefits weight management, mood, and fertility
- Overall improved organ function
- Boosted energy and focus
- Reduced digestive discomfort
- Improved mental wellness
A 2022 meta-analysis on the efficacy of meridian massage on motor function found that the treatment improved short-term motor mobility, quality of life, and balance in those who suffered a stroke. In 2021, a Korean study showed that meridian acupressure helped shift work nurses reduce fatigue, anxiety, and stress and improved their efficacy on the job. A controlled clinical trial found that meridian massage and aromatherapy massage helped participants relieve constipation and avoid harsh treatments like suppositories, enemas, and stool softeners. According to a 2017 study on the efficacy of meridian massage on postpartum women, women who underwent meridian massage therapy were able to restore their original body composition after the treatment. It also showed that they experienced reduced psychological stress and fatigue. These study results highlight the potential benefits offered by a customised meridian massage.
What to Expect After Your Meridian Massage Appointment
Knowing what to expect after your meridian massage can help you manage uncomfortable side effects. Releasing blocked energy and stimulating your meridians can have long-lasting beneficial effects, but immediately after your appointment, you may experience the following:
- Heightened emotions or emotional release
- Mild fatigue
- Mild soreness
- Slight dizziness or lightheadedness
These mild reactions are completely normal after any type of massage or acupuncture procedure. Make sure to drink plenty of water after your meridian massage and allow yourself to rest if you feel tired or dizzy. You should feel better within 24 hours of your appointment.
Schedule a Meridian Massage Today
If you are experiencing digestive issues, menstrual pain, chronic muscle tension or musculoskeletal pain, make a meridian massage appointment with Wayne Massage today. We offer several complementary treatments, including meridian massage, deep tissue massage, dry needle acupuncture, and Chinese cupping therapy. Contact us today at (02) 8073 9376 or send us a message online to schedule your meridian massage to help you restore balance and wellness to your body.
References:
Chinese traditional medicine https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chinese-traditional-medicine Acupuncture https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/acupuncture Defining Meridians: A Modern Basis of Understanding https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2005-2901(10)60014-3 Efficacy of meridian massage for motor function after a stroke: a systematic review and Meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35610001/ A comparison between effects of aroma massage and meridian massage on constipation and stress in women college students https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21515997/ Effects of Meridian Acupressure Massage on Body Composition, Edema, Stress, and Fatigue in Postpartum Women https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28714769/ Effects of Meridian Acupressure on Stress, Fatigue, Anxiety, and Self-Efficacy of Shiftwork Nurses in South Korea https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8071356/
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