Thank you to Tim Sullivan for his generous, passionate and inspiring teaching in October. Tim came to London to give a practical class on the manual sinew releases of Classical Chinese Medicine, as taught to him by Jeffrey Yuen.
Through practising with my partners in this class, I discovered that these techniques are powerfully effective in reducing pain and tension and increasing the range of movement in obstructed musculoskeletal channels.
I also found that the sinew releases provide a gateway to a deep connection with the patient. A focused conversation with the patient’s qi, bringing both the patient’s and my own attention to areas of physical and emotional habituation, obstruction and resistance.
Surprisingly, the class has been an invitation to deepen my own self-cultivation. I have found myself much more aware of my physical tensions and the way I habitually hold myself. Rather than just trying to correct that posture when I notice it, I hold that space for a moment, explore that tension, and observe what happens if I adjust myself slightly. A relaxed, gentle process of inquiry and observation.
Diagnosis, treatment, and self-cultivation are all in one! It was an intense class. Those who didn’t have to rush back came for a lovely dinner at Tian Fu Sichuan restaurant on Saturday evening. We shared an abundance of different dishes and chatted and drank tea long after the eating part was over. It was an absolute delight to catch up with old friends and make new ones ❤️
When I attend a seminar, I immediately apply what I learn to my clinical practice. I was concerned that the effort involved on the patients’ part would put them off this approach to treatment. However, the response has been extremely positive.
Patients have engaged with the technique, and the self-awareness it brings to the patient appears to have an empowering effect. With the ah shi points elicited with the method, I have worked to release areas I had overlooked. My patients have reported that they like how they see an immediate change in pain levels and range of movement.
I see these techniques becoming an integral part of my clinical practice. So, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make last weekend’s workshop possible: Tim Sullivan, our wonderful teacher; Duncan Ford, my co-organiser; and all my dear colleagues who attended. Also, huge thanks to the lovely people at the Millers Way Project, who trusted us with their gorgeous venue.
We hope to run more tui na courses with Tim Sullivan in London. If you are interested in future events, please do let me know, and I can keep you posted.
