Massage, acupuncture and osteopathy are three ancient remedies used to treat modern conditions.

Headaches, chronic backache, carpal tunnel syndrome or a stiff neck are accepted by many as byproducts of a live-hard, play-hard mentality or a working life spent mostly sitting at a desk.

Massage, acupuncture and osteopathy offer relief for some of the most intractable or painful muscular-skeletal complaints by treating the body so it can mend itself.

While relying on different strategies to heal, all three practices are based on the concept that the body is an interdependent system with a balanced flow of energy and fluids. A sore back is never considered to be just a sore back; rather it is a sign that some parts of the body are off balance and need to be rubbed, manipulated or treated with a needle to restore equilibrium.

Massage

There are several kinds of massage available in Hong Kong. Chinese medical texts dating back thousands of years recommend massage, as do the writings of the father of western medicine, Hippocrates, who suggested it as a treatment for war and sports injuries.

Acupressure - the most widely available form of massage in the city - is a type of physical therapy aimed at relieving pain and reducing stress and fatigue.

This ancient technique restores the flow of vital energy by pushing and pressing the body's acupoints to promote blood circulation, enhance metabolism and regulate endocrine functioning.

Other forms of massage, including Swedish, Thai and shiatsu, also provide relief for overworked muscles by improving blood circulation and bringing oxygen and nutrients to tender tissues.

As muscles relax, the circulation improves, easing pain in the affected areas. Natural painkillers called endorphins and the 'happy' hormone serotonin are released during massage, which serves to reduce overall stress levels and restore a sense of peace.

Studies have shown that, besides lowering stress, massage relieves muscular aches and pains and improves the immune system.

And, of course, a good massage feels fantastic.

Acupuncture

An element of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been practised for thousands of years in China.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, a healthy body has balanced qi (energy) flowing through its meridians or channels. Disease and pain occur when the flow is upset by blockages along the meridians.

To restore balance, practitioners insert

hair-thin needles into the acupoints on the body part that correspond with the areas of pain, so you could find a needle in your foot when seeking relief for a sore back.

While being stuck with needles may sound more alarming than soothing, acupuncture sessions are relaxing and have the added benefit of promoting good sleep.

Widely available in Hong Kong through both public and private practitioners, acupuncture can treat all sorts of acute aches and pains, reduce post-operative swelling and relieve complaints such as arthritis, insomnia, sciatica, headaches and migraines.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy emerged in the west more than 100 years ago. It relies mainly on trained touch for diagnosis and treatment.

A fundamental belief of osteopathy is that illness and injury are recorded in the body, so by observing movement, exercising joints, sensing fluid flow and palpating muscle groups, osteopaths can discover the sources of pain and discomfort and treat them.

The main purpose of the treatment is to enable the body to heal itself. Through physical manipulation and the application of exact pressure, the osteopath restores the flow of bodily fluids, repairs problematic tissue operation and releases pressure on bones and joints.

The gentle motions of the treatment are immediately soothing and can relieve long-term aches and pains as well as more acute problems such as colds and abdominal distress.

Aches and pains that won't go away and the feeling that all other options have been exhausted often motivates people to try alternative therapies.

Each of these healing systems affects the overall functioning of the body and can be used regularly as part of a holistic health maintenance regime.

Always verify the qualifications of practitioners before treatment. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing any new pains to rule out an underlying condition that may benefit from conventional medicine in conjunction with an alternative therapy.

Sources of pain:

Improperly treated traumatic injury

Sports injury

Congenital condition

Years of bad posture

Muscle strain from lifting and carrying heavy objects incorrectly

Being overweight

Sleeping on a soft mattress

Sitting in an uncomfortable office chair

Treatments suitable for:

Upper and lower back pain

Sciatica

Muscle and joint aches, pains and strains

Arthritis

Sports injuries

Repetitive strain injury

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Fibromyalgia (pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons combined with general fatigue)

Headaches and migraines

Stiffness and tension