Tui Na, pronounced twee-nah, originated in ancient China.
It is believed to be the oldest system of bodywork.
It’s one of the four main branches of traditional Chinese medicine.
Chinese Massage is sometimes discussed alongside acupuncture, qi gong, and Chinese herbal medicine.
It’s based on the theory that qi imbalances affect the body’s vital life force. These imbalances can cause blockages that lead to pain and illness. Chinese Massage follows this idea to promote balance and relief.
Tui Na is not generally used for pleasure and relaxation, but rather it stimulates the flow of qi to promote balance and harmony within the body using many of the same principles of acupuncture.
Practitioners use it for many of the same reasons and according to the same principles as acupuncture, but practitioners use fingers instead of needles to apply pressure to stimulate these points. Tui Na massage is often used in combination with acupuncture to harmonize yin and yang in the body by manipulating the Qi in the acupuncture channels.
When is tui na used?
Tui Na is frequently used in the treatment of superficial trauma and injury and a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems. It is also often used when acupuncture is inappropriate, such as with children, and can be referred to as “Chinese pediatric massage therapy.”
TCM practitioners will frequently encourage and instruct patients to do self massage and certain exercises at home. This solidifies and expands the benefits created during treatment sessions. Self massage and stretching are considered important aspects of self-care.
How does Tui Na Work?
The philosophy and principles of Chinese Massage align with Tui na methods and are based on traditional Chinese medicine.
Emotional and physical well-being are central, along with climate, relationships, and diet.
True health comes when the self balances with the surrounding environment.
The goal is to create harmony in the yin and yang of the body by getting rid of blockages and disturbances that manifest themselves as illness, disease, and emotional issues.
The main therapeutic goal of tuina massage is to remove the energetic blocks that are causing qi stagnation.
What are the different Tui Na techniques?
During a session, practitioners may use pressure techniques that differ in force and speed. Tui na massage can be done as a stronger deep-tissue massage or a more gentle, energetic treatment.
Some techniques are more yin, which can be more gentle, passive, and meditative. The yang approach is more active, dynamic, and physical, creating strong sensations by stimulating deep blockages and knots.
The practitioner massages the muscles and tendons and uses manipulation techniques to realign the body. Passive joint movements are used to restore function to muscles and joints.
Depending on your practitioner as well as your specific needs, various techniques will be used in a session. To boost the effects of the treatment, herbal poultices or compresses, lotions, and salves can be utilized.
Tuina massage uses massage techniques such as acupressure, myofascial release, and reflexology. Sometimes, techniques that are common to osteopathy and chiropractic, such as stretching and joint mobilizations, are also used.
There are eight basic techniques used in tuina massage:
- palpating (mo)
- rejoining (jibe)
- opposing (duan)
- lifting (ti)
- pressing (an)
- kneading (mo)
- pushing (tui)
- holding (na)
Other techniques include:
- Rolling. This is used for injuries such as sprains and strains.
- One-finger technique. This is one-finger stimulation of acupressure points.
- Nei gong. This is a full-body manipulation technique.
Watch this video for a demonstration of some of the tuina massage techniques:
What does it treat?
Tuina massage can be used to treat specific health concerns or areas in the body. Since it is considered to be an alternative treatment, as with most alternative treatments, it’s recommended that you talk to your doctor before using it to treat any medical condition.
Tui Na can be used to treat pain and illness, or to maintain good health. The technique is effective in reducing stress, encouraging relaxation, and deepening sleep. It’s often used for conditions and injuries related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Tui Na massage can treat:
- neck and back pain
- musculoskeletal disorders
- premenstrual syndrome
- fatigue and insomnia
- carpal tunnel
- headaches
- arthritis
- osteoporosis
- stress
- digestive conditions
- respiratory conditions