Those familiar with Thai massage can immediately recognise a strong Indian Yogic character in its impressive range of manipulations. Energy channels called 'Sen' that are effectively massaged as if they were classical meridians of TCM betray the Chinese influence. Indonesian massage has a history dating back 4000 years linking it firmly with Ayurvedic massage. Only the precise manner in which the massage follows the Chinese meridians suggests any relationship with Tui Na or Shiatsu. Oriental Holistic Approach Western medicine seeks to identify the organic cause of any health problem and to treat those parts of the body that are affected.
Chinese medicine pays little regard to the physiological causes of ill-health.
Treatments aim at restoring balance and harmony. The Chinese view is that any imbalance of Qi within and between the main organs spells pain and sickness. It affects not only the physical body but also the mind and emotions. Correcting Qi flow so that balance and harmony are restored, provides the right conditions for the body to heal itself. For the Western doctor the body is the sum of its individual parts but for the TCM doctor it is a single functioning whole.