East Asian Bodywork – Traditional Manual Therapies

Ancient Hands-On Healing for Modern Bodies

Experience the profound healing power of traditional East Asian bodywork at Pinpoint. Our skilled practitioners combine centuries-old manual therapy techniques—cupping, gua sha, and tuina massage—to release tension, restore circulation, and rebalance your body’s vital energy. We offer authentic nsenese bodywork as standalone treatments or integrated with acupuncture for comprehensive healing.

What is East Asian Bodywork?

East Asian bodywork encompasses manual therapy techniques developed over thousands of years as essential components of Traditional eseese Medicine. Unlike Western massage that primarily targets muscles, East Asian bodywork works with your body’s meridian system, acupoints, and energy flow to address both physical discomfort and internal imbalances.

These time-tested therapies:

• Release fascial restrictions and muscle tension
• Improve blood and lymph circulation
• Regulate the nervous system
• Balance internal organ function
• Promote the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy)

Our East Asian Bodywork Services

Cupping Therapy

Rediscover this ancient therapy that’s gained modern recognition through Olympic athletes and celebrities. Cupping uses controlled suction to lift and separate tissue layers, creating space for healing.

We Offer Two Methods:

• Traditional Fire Cupping: Glass cups heated with flame create therapeutic suction
• Modern Silicone Cupping: Flexible cups allow for moving cupping and precise pressure control

How Cupping Works

The suction effect:

• Draws stagnant blood and toxins to the surface
• Releases myofascial restrictions
• Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system
• Increases local blood flow by up to 400%
• Triggers the body’s natural healing response

Excellent For

• Chronic back and neck pain
• Shoulder tension and frozen shoulder
• Sports recovery and performance
• Respiratory conditions and coughs
• Digestive issues
• Stress and anxiety relief
• Cellulite reduction

What to Expect: Cupping stand alone sessions last 20-30 minutes, when the session is perfromed as an addition to acupuncture sessions last 10-15 minutes. You’ll feel a pulling sensation as cups are applied—most find it deeply relaxing. Circular marks may appear and typically fade within 3-10 days. These marks are not bruises but rather a sign of stagnation being released.

• Please discuss with your provider to add cupping to your acupuncture treatment.
• This treatment can also be booked as a stand alone.

Gua Sha

This therapeutic scraping technique uses smooth-edged tools to release chronic muscle tension and fascial adhesions that contribute to pain and restricted movement.

The Gua Sha Technique

Using jade, horn, or ceramic tools, your practitioner applies repeated strokes along muscles and meridians to:

• Break up fascial adhesions
• Increase microcirculation
• Reduce inflammation
• Release exterior pathogens
• Promote lymphatic drainage

Particularly Effective For

• Chronic neck and shoulder pain
• Tension headaches and migraines
• TMJ and jaw tension
• Upper respiratory infections
• Perimenopausal symptoms
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Post-workout recovery

Treatment Experience: After applying therapeutic oil, your practitioner uses firm, repeated strokes until therapeutic petechiae (sha) appears. While the technique can feel intense, most patients experience immediate relief and increased range of motion. The sha marks indicate stagnation release and typically resolve within 2-5 days.

• Please discuss with your provider to add gua sha to your acupuncture treatment.

Tuina Therapeutic Massage

Pronounced “twee-nah,” this sophisticated form of Chinese medical massage combines the best of massage therapy with acupressure and meridian work to create lasting therapeutic change.

Tuina Techniques Include

• Rhythmic compression along meridians
• Acupressure point stimulation
• Joint mobilization and stretching
• Percussion and vibration
• Deep tissue work
• Energy balancing techniques

Comprehensive Treatment For

• Musculoskeletal pain and injuries
• Digestive disorders
• Insomnia and anxiety
• Headaches and migraines
• Menstrual irregularities
• Respiratory conditions
• Pediatric conditions (gentle techniques)

Your Tuina Session: Sessions range from 30-60 minutes and can be performed over loose clothing or on skin with therapeutic oils. Your practitioner will use various hand techniques—pushing, grasping, kneading, and rolling—to address your specific pattern of imbalance. Many patients report feeling both relaxed and energized after treatment.

• Please discuss with your provider to add tuina to your acupuncture treatment.

Combining Bodywork Techniques

Our practitioners often integrate multiple bodywork modalities for enhanced results:

Popular Combinations

• “Release & Restore”: Cupping + Gua Sha for maximum tension relief
• “Deep Healing”: Tuina + Targeted Cupping for chronic pain
• “Full Spectrum”: All three modalities in extended session
• “Acu-Bodywork”: Any bodywork technique + Acupuncture

What to Expect During Your Session

Before Treatment

• Arrive hydrated and avoid heavy meals
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Communicate your health history and goals
• Discuss any skin sensitivities or concerns

During Treatment

• TCM assessment including pulse and tongue diagnosis
• Explanation of findings and treatment plan
• Combination of techniques based on your needs
• Ongoing communication about pressure and comfort

After Treatment

• Possible temporary marks from cupping or gua sha
• Increased thirst—drink plenty of water
• Feeling of deep relaxation or energization
• Improved mobility and reduced pain
• Avoid cold exposure and alcohol for 24 hours

Is East Asian Bodywork Right for You?

Ideal Candidates

• Chronic pain sufferers seeking drug-free relief
• Athletes wanting enhanced performance and recovery
• Anyone with stress-related tension
• Those who prefer hands-on therapy
• Patients seeking holistic treatment approaches

Contraindications

East Asian bodywork may not be suitable for:

• Bleeding disorders or blood thinners
• Certain skin conditions
• Pregnancy (specific areas)
• Recent surgery sites
• Severe osteoporosis

The Evidence Behind East Asian Bodywork

Modern research validates these ancient techniques:

Cupping Studies Show

• Increased pain threshold by 25%
• Reduced inflammation markers
• Improved immune function
• Enhanced athletic performance

Gua Sha Research Indicates

• 400% increase in surface microcirculation
• Significant reduction in chronic pain scores
• Anti-inflammatory and immune-protective effects
• Improved range of motion

Tuina Clinical Trials Demonstrate

• Effectiveness comparable to conventional treatments
• Lasting improvements in chronic conditions
• High patient satisfaction rates
• Minimal side effects

Treatment and Pricing Options

East Asian bodywork modalities are generally added into an acupuncture visit and in some cases can be billed to insurance. If they cannot be billed to insurance we are able to offer what is known as a Time of Service rate. Please contact us for current rates via phone or our contact form page. Other than cupping, we do not offer these services as stand alone at this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the marks from cupping and gua sha hurt? No, the marks are not painful like bruises. They indicate stagnation being released and are part of the therapeutic process. Most patients find them fascinating rather than concerning.

How often should I receive East Asian bodywork? Acute conditions: 2-3 times per week initially Chronic issues: Weekly or bi-weekly Maintenance: Monthly or seasonally

Can I combine East Asian bodywork with my other treatments? Absolutely! East Asian bodywork complements acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and conventional medicine beautifully.

What should I wear? Loose, comfortable clothing is ideal. For cupping and gua sha, we’ll need access to the treatment area. Tuina can often be performed fully clothed.

Experience Authentic East Asian Bodywork Today

Discover how these time-honored manual therapies can transform your health. Whether you’re seeking pain relief, stress reduction, or optimal wellness, our Seattle practitioners bring years of training and clinical experience to every session.

Serving Seattle neighborhoods including Queen Anne, Fremont, Wallingford, Ballard, Capitol Hill, and the greater Puget Sound area.