Exploring The Benefits Of Tui-Na Massage And Holistic Healing – Interview With Christina Bisson
Christina Bisson developed an interest in natural approaches to healthcare after experiencing the benefits of natural therapies first hand and her aim is to expand Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and has since dedicated her life to help and treat people with this beautiful and ancient therapy.
Christina Bisson, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner
Introduce yourself.
Christina Bisson is a fully qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner. She received her first degree (BSc. (Hons) Biology) from Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL), UK and her Masters (MSc. (Hons) Behavioural Biology & Healthcare) from the University of Surrey, UK.
Christina then studied at LCTA (London College of Traditional Acupuncture) where she received Diplomas in Acupuncture (Lic. Dip Acupuncture) & Tui-Na Massage (Lic. Dip TuiNa), a Degree in Acupuncture (BSc (Hons) Acupuncture) from the University of Portsmouth, UK as well as earning a Diploma in Nutrition (Pg. Dip Nutrition) from the University of East London, UK.
Christina then moved to Sydney, Australia, where she furthered her studies in Chinese Medicine and studied Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCM) and earned a Diploma (Adv. Dip TCM) and a Degree (BSc (Hons) TCM) from The Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SITCM).
She has over 15 years of experience in the TCM field with her main interests including using Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tui-Na Massage, Nutritional Therapy, Reiki and general holistic lifestyle advice to assist patients.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and how has your diverse educational background influenced your practice?
I developed an interest in natural approaches to healthcare after experiencing the benefits of natural therapies first hand and also due to my Chinese Heritage and growing up in South-East Asia, where I have many extended family I decided to explore my roots and have been studying and been in practice in the Natural Health Sciences for almost 20 years now.
How do you integrate your knowledge of biology and behavioural biology into your TCM practice?
Having initially studied Science at University, my initial Biology and Behavioural Biology studies were very useful in gaining a deeper and more intricate understanding of the workings of the Biosciences from a Western Bio-Medical Perspective.
Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology & Histology studies gave me a deeper understanding of nature of the body and our place and role in the environment and how it can deeply affect our health, mentally, emotionally and physically.
Chinese Medicine is a holistic nature-based medicine and the deepest core principles from the classical texts are working together and with nature for better health, harmony and well-being.
Can you explain the benefits and applications of Tui-Na Massage and how it complements other TCM treatments?
Tui-Na Massage is a therapeutic form of Chinese deep tissue massage and bodywork that works to stimulate and harmonise the body. It combines massage, acupressure, and in some cases manipulation techniques to address physical, mental, and emotional health.
Tui-Na massage can be used to relieve pain and general musculoskeletal issues, or to maintain good health. The techniques are effective in reducing stress, encouraging relaxation, and deepening sleep. It's often used for conditions and injuries related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems in combination with Acupuncture.
With over 15 years of experience, what are some of the most common conditions you treat, and how do you approach these treatments holistically?
I have a very wide range of clinical experience with various pain disorders, digestive, fertility as well as emotional & mental disorders.
Chinese Medicine is made up of several modalities that can be used individually or more commonly in combination to increase effectiveness. The main Chinese Medicine Modalities are Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tui-Na Massage, Qi-Gong or Tai-Chi and Dietary Therapy which I combine and tailor for a patient to get the best outcome.
Can you describe a particularly memorable success story from your practice that highlights the effectiveness of TCM?
The most rewarding part of my work are the success stories and Chinese Medicine is now widely used for Fertility, Obstetrics & Gynaecology cases.
My very first fertility case many years ago now was so amazing as the parents had been trying for many years to have a baby and after many months of working with both the wife and the husband and seeing her through the pregnancy and to finally meet the baby once she had been born was a very beautiful and very emotional moment for me.
How do you stay updated with the latest developments in TCM and natural therapies?
I am constantly studying and updating my knowledge with research, on-line courses and regularly travelling to conferences and seminars as I am always looking to provide the best care for my patients.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
I was privileged enough to use my skills and work on board the Cruise Ships for 5 years travelling the world and meeting truly inspirational people from all walks of life.
It was life changing and allowed me to have an adventure of a lifetime as well as do what I truly love and have a huge passion for which is travelling as well as practicing Chinese Medicine and it was an honour to treat so many great patients.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
My aim is to expand Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and to make the public much more aware of this beautiful and ancient profession.
I would like to make it more mainstream and for it to be more a part of people’s everyday healthcare as it has so much to offer.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
I was initially employed in Financial Services working for many years for several big international finance company’s after finishing studying at university, however I unfortunately wasn’t finding it fulfilling and a chance conversation with a close friend one day got me thinking and ultimately made me change my path and career to study Chinese Medicine.
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