Myofascial Release, What's the Rub?

Myofascial massage is derived from an ancient Traditional Chinese bodywork called Tuina. Myofascial therapy medically targets acute and chronic pain, its structural, intense, and it works. I recommend that my clients book in sequences of 3 to 5 sessions and follow up as prescribed.

What makes myofascial massage so deep and intense?

The function of myofascial massage is to address pain rooted in the ligaments and tendons. Tendons and ligaments connect bones to bones and bones to muscles; they need to be strong yet malleable for us to be mobile. It’s good this tissue is dynamic because it holds our body together while offering flexibility. It’s a great example of Yin and Yang energetics.

By virtue of where this tissue lives it requires deeper work to physically get there, and that’s why it’s more intense. I rely on gravity, bodyweight and my elbows to reach those gluteal and lumbar pain points. Clients love it.

Some conditions Myofascial massage treats:

• sciatica, piriformis syndrome, lumbar sprain

• frozen shoulder, torn rotator cuff

• chronic migraines, tension headaches, hypertension

• post orthopedic surgery, structural imbalance

• carpal tunnel, tendonitis

In bodywork sessions I talk a lot about what we’re doing and one of those concepts is creating space within the joints and tissue to restore blood flow. The technique is lifting, pushing and pulling the layers of the body in different directions. Lift, push, pull, rinse, repeat. These actions break up scar tissue, rebuild blood vessels and return function to the joints and tendons.

Who practices TCM myofascial release?

The short answer is mostly acupuncturists and chiropractors. In the early days of acupuncture, medical practitioners typically followed one path: a bodyworker, an acupuncturist, or an herbalist. This career tracking speaks both to the incredible amount of study one needs to master each skill set, but also the patient demand within that expertise. In a world of health certifications and acronyms, it’s also amazing to be really good at that one thing; I appreciate that about TCM.

In modern day TCM healthcare we typically see these services combined in one session. As our culture operates now around work-life, people are less apt to go see three practitioners and it’s a gift when they slow down to see one. That’s ok! When working with me, I offer these services alone or in conjunction with acupuncture and cupping.

I work Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in downtown Mill Valley. Swing by the clinic to chat more!

Ear Seeds, Have You Heard?

If you’ve been to my Chinese Medical practice in Mill Valley or an AcuPop public event, chances are you’ve already experienced their magic!

Ear seeds are tiny, therapeutic adhesive beads (not needles!) applied around the ears that tap into an incredible system of reflexology, called auricular therapy. When pressed, they stimulate a vast network of meridians that connect the body and mind. In daily practice, this can extend the benefits of a real acupuncture treatment to the comfort of your home. How convenient!

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Auricular or ear acupressure follows the same principles as Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is an organized system of meridians throughout the body that move with energy, or Qi. In nature, Qi raises the sun in the morning and the ocean’s tide on a full moon, Qi is the essence of every natural physical movement on earth, including your physiology.

So what makes these gems so great? I’ll tell you!

Ear seeds have few to no side effects, are accessible to obtain, and financially economical. They’re super for treating a spectrum of disorders, and can be maintained by the patient. Engaging patients in this type of self-care is a beautiful way of introducing mindfulness techniques at home.

Common conditions treated through auricular therapy:

• Neck and lower back pain

• Menstrual cramps

• Detox and substance withdrawal, changing a medication (alcohol, Lexapro, fertility hormones, Ambien)

• Migraines and headaches

• Falling or structural imbalance

• Digestive disorders and many more

What ties these conditions together?

Pain, mental health and addiction are all rooted in neurological and hormonal pathology or disease. Engaging directly with the brain’s pain and craving centers, the pineal gland and others, can take a huge load of pressure off that experience. It can be life-changing for some who battle chronic illness. 

A very pragmatic application of ear seeds outside of the US is support during drug and alcohol detoxification, and has been shown to mitigate the GI and physical distress involved. This therapeutic practice is very common in South America, China and Germany.

Do they hurt? How long do they last?

Ear seeds are applied at the end of a massage or acupuncture appointment, by a licensed acupuncturist. They’re temporary, lasting around 2-3 days, and should be removed if the patient feels any tenderness or discomfort. Clients will generally receive 3-5 acupressure points per ear, and will usually come back weekly to replenish.

I recommend massaging each point a few times per day. Accompanying this self-care session with a meditation or breath work practice can really deepen your Qi flow. You’re worth slowing down for, checking in with your body, this is so good for you!

Let’s Work Together!

Interested in giving ear seeds a try? Curious about my other services? Super! Please email me at karinn@acupop.com, or schedule 15 minutes to chat, cheers!

Dr. Karinn Casey, founder of AcuPop, is a premier acupuncturist, herbalist and massage therapist practicing in San Francisco, Mill Valley and LA. Offering private practice and event work, Dr. Casey specializes in pain disorders, anxiety, stress management, and fertility.