* Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient and vast system of the inner workings of the body, mind and spirit that is more than 4,000 years old. TCM is not a separate entity of Chinese culture but integration of it's history, philosophy, and spirituality which is reflective of Chinese way of thinking, everything is part of the whole including it's medicine.

Chinese Medicine is based upon energy lines that flow through the body called meridians as opposed to western medicine that is based upon anatomy and physiology. Meridians are not typically seen but with practice can be felt and traced. Because meridians are pathways of energy that reflect the level of our vitality, they are not able to be observed or studied on someone who has passed away. (i.e. a cadaver), so Chinese medicine measures the level of our vitality, specifically the vitality of the organs and the organs have a much broader and richer meanings than that of a westerner's view of the organs. Not only do they have a physiological job to do but also they are a part of our mental, emotional and spiritual makeup!

Take the gallbladder for an example, an organ that is commonly removed here in the west, not only does it store and secrete bile to aid our digestion but gives us clear thinking so we can make decisions easier. And when we have a tough decision to make the gallbladder gives us the courage to do so. On some level we are aware of this, you have heard the saying "Boy that person has a lot of gall" or "That took a lot of gall." Have you ever had a time when you could not make a decision when it came to anything even small things, such as "What do I wear?", "What do I have for breakfast?" The list can go on and on, and this is an example of a Gallbladder disharmony or when decisions are coming easy it can be example of the Gallbladder being in balance or harmony.

Because we are dealing with energy, the medicine becomes much subtler than that of Western medicine. While everyone, no matter how healthy one is, could use increased energy in one way or another, It is also a medicine of prevention. Regular visits to a practitioner of Chinese Medicine such as Zen Shiatsu, Amma, Tuina, Acupuncture, Chinese medicinals (herbs), Qigong etc., keeps the body at a high level of physical, emotional and mental vitality therefore reducing the chances of becoming ill and recovering quicker when one does become ill.

* Asian Bodywork

Accupuncture has been around for thousands of years. Tatoos of the points used by acupuncturists have been observed to be in existance as far back as the bronze age. It is believed that bodywork predates even that discovery.

Asian bodywork is incorporates the physical manipulation of muscles, skin, etc as well as the energetic/chi of the body to enhance the overall well being of the client.

* Zen Shiatsu

Zen Shiatsu is a Japanese healing modality that is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a comprehensive health-care system that incorporates nutrition, diet, exercise and lifestyle into this hands-on bodywork. The practice and movements of Zen Shiatsu are derived from the martial arts Aikido, Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qigong with the emphasis on cleansing, moving, dispersing and strengthening the â€œKiâ€ (chi or energy).

Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, Five Element theory, and Zen Shiatsu Theory are the foundational theories that are taught with the emphasis on person-centered awareness. What this means is learning how to be present with the client and developing the of intuition which enables the practitioner to tune in to the client's deeper needs and to work more effectively with subtle energies.

Zen Shiatsu is different from other modalities in that stretches are incorporated and the meridian system is more extensive than the Traditional Chinese meridians (more than twice the meridian pathways). The Practitioner uses his/her thumbs, hands, forearms, elbows, feet and knees to manipulate the energy flows (meridians) that run throughout the body. Opening and connecting with Life Giving Energy called Ki that circulates throughout the meridians brings healing on all levels of being: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

This form of Zen Shiatsu incorporates Ampuku, an ancient abdominal massage that works with the hara or center of our being, focusing on the organs and releasing the stress they hold produces a healing effect throughout the meridians that feed the rest of our body. This area also holds a lot of emotions from past hurts and by releasing these stuck energies we are free to live more joyfully in the present.

Bringing balance and well-being to the tissues, sinews, bones and organs raises the level of vitality, promoting and facilitating the full expression of joy, passion and purpose in oneâ€™s life. Signs and symptoms of blockages and stagnation of this ki flow are many, including physical pain and injury, illness, emotional duress, depression, anxiety, isolation, insomnia, auto-immune disorders etc.

* Amma

Based on the principles of Oriental Medicine, Amma combines deep tissue manipulation with the application of pressure, friction and touch to specific points, energy channels, muscles, ligaments and joints. Amma may also include counseling on dietary plans, detoxification, herbs and vitamins, therapeutic exercises, or address stress, emotions and spirituality.

Amma is concerned with the balance and movement of life energy (Qi) in the human body. Whereas the acupuncturist will insert needles into these energy pathways to stimulate and move the energy and the herbalist will use appropriate herbal remedies to do the same, the Amma Therapist relies primarily on the sensitivity and strength of the hands to manipulate and balance the life energy.

The Amma Therapist is concerned with the flow and balance of energy in the pathways of Qi, commonly known as the channels, which form an energetic web throughout the body. The channels of Qi nourish and defend the body. As well, it is through these channels that harmful energies gain access to deeper regions of the body. The balanced and unobstructed flow of Qi through the channels is imperative for maintaining good health. Amma utilizes all the techniques of the major forms of therapeutic massage. The process of assessment uses both Western and Eastern knowledge and techniques, combining traditional Asian medical principles,(TCM), for assessing energy imbalances with a Western approach to organ dysfunction. A diagnosis is based on the Four Traditional Methods: looking, asking, touching, and smelling. This includes the assessment of every facet of the mind-body complex, including observation of the tongue; the taking of various pulses; palpation; and evaluation of diet, complexion, bowel movements, posture, emotions, vitality, personal likes and dislikes, smells, tastes, and sounds. Every sign and symptom reflects the internal state of the body and can be used in assessment, providing information about the psychological state of the patient as well as the prognosis of the disease or imbalance. Specific areas of the body are seen as a microcosm of the whole, revealing much about the entire organism. Once a comprehensive assessment is made and energy imbalances and organ dysfunction's diagnosed, the Amma therapist's hands and fingers can appropriately treat the body to remove blockages, free the flow of energy, and bring healing energy to problem areas. Amma is a highly refined and complex system of Bodywork Therapy utilizing techniques and treatment strategies combining the use of traditional Oriental medicine principles for assessing and evaluating general imbalances in the energetic system and a Western approach to organ dysfunctions. Amma restores, promotes and maintains optimum health through the treatment of the physical body, the bio-energy and the emotions which reflect and are bound into the neuromuscular system. Amma has proven to be an effective healing modality used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. The treatment includes the use of dietary therapy, herbs, nutritional supplements and the external application of herbal preparations.

* "Eight Branches"

More and more these days people have heard of Acupuncture. In the West, we are beginning to view Acupuncture as a valid form of health care. Acupuncture is, however, only a piece of Chinese Medicine. What you may not know is that Chinese Medicine is really a way of life, not just a treatment modality. Health, to the ancient Chinese, is considered to be a sense of vitality in many facets of one's life, not merely an absence of disease in the physical and mental realms. In fact, in order to really feel vital, you have to have an awareness of yourself and what makes you feel truly alive and content. You must know what balance is and strive to maintain that balance in the various facets. In Classical Chinese Medicine, they say there are Eight Branches. The first five are things you do in your own life to attain and maintain a sense of balance and health, and the last three are treatment modalities. The Eight Branches in order are:

1) Meditation

2) Exercise

3) Diet

4) Geomancy/Feng Shui

5) Astrology (or "know thy nature")

6) Bodywork

7) Herbs

8) Acupuncture

While Eight Branches is a school of Asian Bodywork, our students learn more than just the sixth branch. As part of our curriculum, the student will learn either Tai Chi or Chi Kung, they will learn about diet for both themselves and to aid their clients in choosing foods that will support their health and well-being. The student will learn about select herbal formulas and tinctures. Ultimately, the student will also delve deep into their own nature and learn to use physical, energetic, and emotional signs in order to see their clients nature.

Eight Branches is registered with and regulated by the State of Colorado's Department of Private Occupational Schools.