Tui Na (or Tuina) Massage

Tuina (Tui Na) massage is often described as Chinese Bodywork Massage Therapy.

It is an ancient, traditional Chinese medical practice dating as far back as 1700 B.C.E, when it was used to treat childhood illnesses and digestive issues in adults.

The basic theory behind Tuina massage is to assist your body in healing itself.

To do this, Tuina follows the Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi (pronounced Chi) throughout your body.

How Tuina Massage Works

Qi is viewed as the energy source that flows throughout your body, using a system of meridians and channels to make its' journey.

When one of these meridians or channels is blocked for any reason, Qi cannot flow smoothly, and illness or injury will occur.

Tuina uses a series of massage and acupressure techniques to remove any blockages and allow your Qi to flow naturally throughout the body once again.

By successfully removing any blockages, your body is stimulated to heal itself.

Tuina massage incorporates the use of different hand massage techniques to aid the soft tissue of the body (ligaments and muscles), acupressure techniques in order to directly affect the flow of Qi throughout the body, and different manipulation techniques to help with bone-setting - the realignment of the musculoskeletal and ligament systems.

Occasionally, herbal compresses, liniments, and salves can be added by the practitioner to assist the therapeutic process.

Getting a Tuina Massage

In a typical Tuina massage session, the patient wears loose clothing and no shoes.

The patient is lying down on a table, or sometimes a floor mat is used.

The Tuina massage practitioner will conduct a thorough assessment of the patients' symptoms before beginning.

Treatment will begin once the assessment is completed, and sessions typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Attention is typically focused on areas of pain, muscles and joints, and energy meridians throughout the body.

Sometimes more than one Tuina massage session is necessary for full healing, and occasionally Chinese herbal supplements may be provided.

Most patients report feeling relaxed but energized after a Tuina massage session, as well as feeling relief from symptoms.

Why Get Tui Na?

Tuina massage is often used for musculoskeletal disorders, as well as chronic stress related illness involving the digestive system, the reproductive system, and the respiratory system.

Tuina massage treatments are not recommended for open wounds or lesions, or infectious diseases.

Tuina massage practitioners undergo rigorous training at Chinese medicine colleges, and are viewed with the same respect as a traditional Chinese medical practitioner specializing in acupressure or acupuncture.