What is Tui Na Massage?
Tui Na is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM) which is often used with other types of TCM, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, tai chi or qigong. Tui Na massage is a technique which stimulates the flow of Qi in the body with the aim of promoting balance and harmony, using many of the same principles as acupuncture.
Theory of Tui Na
The theory of Tui Na is similar to acupuncture in that it is based on the theory of meridians. According to this theory, Qi and blood circulate in the body through a system of channels called meridians, connecting internal organs with external organs or tissues. By using massage to stimulate certain points on the body surface reached by meridians, the flow of Qi and blood can be regulated and diseases thus treated. These stimulation points are called acupuncture points, or acu-points, but instead of using needles practitioners use their hands to apply pressure to stimulate these points. Tui Na massage is often used in combination with acupuncture as it aims to create harmony in the yin and yang of the body by removing blockages and disturbances that manifest as illness, disease, and emotional issues.
Technique
In Tui Na massage an acupressure technique is applied at different acupoints in order to affect the flow of Qi, thus facilitating the healing process. It removes blockages and keeps the energy moving through the meridians as well as the muscles.
Depending on the patient΄s needs, various techniques which stimulate the acu-points can be used in a session. These techniques help in the treatment of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions.
Practitioners use their fingertips, palms, knuckles and arms to remove blockages along the meridians of the patient’s body to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood in order to promote healing. They may brush, knead, roll, press, and rub the areas between each of the joints, known as the eight gates, in an attempt to open the body’s defensive Qi (Wei Qi) and get the energy moving in the meridians and the muscles. The Practitioner may use a variety of techniques that vary in force and speed. It can be done as a strong deep-tissue massage or a gentle, energetic treatment.
Some techniques are more yin, which are more gentle, passive, and meditative. The yang techniques are more active and dynamic, creating more intense sensations by stimulating deep blockages and knots.
To enhance the healing process, the practitioner may recommend the use of Chinese herbs, herbal compresses, ointments, liniments, lotions or heat. The duration of a typical Tui Na session depends on the patient’s needs and condition, but it usually lasts for 30-60 minutes. Patients remain clothed, wearing loose clothing.
In order for Tui Na to be effective, a detailed assessment and diagnosis by the practitioner is vital in order to ensure that it is a suitable treatment.
Benefits of Tui Na
The main benefit of Tui Na is that it focuses on the specific problem; whether it is an acute or chronic pain associated with the joints, muscles or skeletal system. It is very effective in reducing pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips and legs. It is also very effective for relieving arthritic pain, sciatica and muscle spasms. Other benefits include stress relief, headaches, and disorders related to the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.
In addition, Tui Na has been shown to improve blood circulation and is helpful in relieving the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual cramps and fibromyalgia.
Side-Effects
Tui Na massage is a safe treatment which is generally well-tolerated but, as it is not a gentle or relaxing massage, you may feel some discomfort during or after a session. Slight bruising is possible.
It is not recommended for people who have fractures or are prone to fractures, vein inflammation, or any type of open wound. It is also not recommended for people with previous chronic back issues, such as ankylosing spondylitis.
It is advisable to talk to your doctor before trying Tui Na if you have any health concerns. Your doctor may recommend that you use Tui Na massage as a complement to conventional treatment.
Tui Na focuses on maintaining an overall balance with both physical and mental health and is now becoming a more common therapy due to its focus on specific problems rather than providing a general treatment.