Daoyin Tao Background and History

What is Daoyin Tao?

This is pronounced Dow Yin Tow, and it is a massage over the shoulders, neck, ears, scalp and face. It is a blend of Chinese acupressure work and effleurage movements of the west. Some might call it an energy massage; others might describe it as an advanced acupressure type massage. Either way, it is a blend of techniques from the East and West. It is deeply relaxing and very popular with clients.

A Brief History of Daoyin Tao

Anna-Louise Haigh, following much research and work in China, created this therapy. I was on one of the first courses and loved the therapy so much, went on to help launch the therapy with Anna-Louise through out the UK. Over the years we have adapted the course to improve it and meet the demands of an ever-changing market.

How Does Daoyin Tao Work?

Working over the shoulders and neck where so much tension is held, we can release tension and pain, helping to improve mobility and relax the client. Working on into the accupoints as well in the contact area, we cover the sensory organs of the body; eyes, ears, nose and mouth not to mention the head working the accupoints enabling us to tap into the meridians that run through the brain and down the spine. Through the meridian system, we are able to energetically reach the whole body. It is no wonder people remark on the results and general improved feeling of well being this therapy can produce.

What can Daoyin Tao help?

The contact area for this therapy is the shoulders, neck, ears, scalp and face. As a general rule of thumb, DYT helps problems in the contact area. So for example, neck and shoulder tension, headaches, and sinus problems. However, clients report far reaching benefits through out the body, and this will be the energy aspect of the massage, working deep within; relaxing, rebalancing, revitalising, rejuvenating, decongesting and relieving pain and tension.

What happens when I come for a treatment?

The treatment its self is only half an hour long, although extra time is allowed to take a case history and develop the treatment to suit the clients’ particular needs. The client lays on their backs, semi-reclined, no clothes other than the top layers need to be removed to access the shoulders and neck. Earrings and necklaces also need to be removed. A small amount of oil is used; this can be aromatherapy oils or just light carrier oils, (the benefits lie in what the hands do.)

What clients say

• “I can feel a sensation running down my body.”
• “I haven’t had a migraine since my last treatment”
• “The pain in my should has all but gone.”
• “This is the best massage I have ever had!”
• “I can see purple when you work over my head, I feel so relaxed!”
• “I can feel my nose and sinus begin to clear.”
• “Some of the points you were using were particularly sensitive over the shoulder, but it was a good pain, it felt like you were doing some good.”
• “I had the best nights sleep in a long time after my last treatment.”

Recent Developments

Julie Crossman, one of the first DYT practitioners, who worked with Anna-Louise helping to launch the therapy, and teaching throughout the UK, took over the ownership of Daoyin Tao in September 2010.

The course has been restructured to meet the demands of today's market, and to develop the product further still. This has resulted in the creation, initially of three courses. A three day practical course, a two day five element course and a one day refresher and advanced technique course.

Click on courses for further information