Tui Na Massage is a fundamental part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its name is composed of two words: “Tui” means “pushing”, and “Na” means “grasping”. Together, they describe an ancient form of bodywork, which aims at adjusting the flows of energy to restore the body balance. To those who’ve experienced both acupressure and Shiatsu, a Tui Na session may seem like a cross between the two. Like Shiatsu, Tui Na uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, as well as a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints. Like acupressure, Tui Na directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points.
Ancient wisdom, modern therapy
Among Asian bodyworks, Tui Na is the one that most closely resembles conventional western massage. It uses similar techniques, such as gliding, kneading, percussion, friction, pulling, rotation, rocking, vibration, and shaking. Whereas a Swedish-style massage mainly aims to relax the body, the intent of a Tui Na massage is also therapeutical. Apart from relaxation, Tui Na focuses on specific health problems, especially chronic pain, soreness and numbness of limbs and joints. It is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and Chinese herbalism:
Tui Na goes beyond simply working on muscles, bones and joints. It works with the energy of the body at a deeper level. By sensing the patient’s body with the hands, the practitioner is able to assess the distribution of the energy among the different parts of the body, and affect its flow. As with other styles of Asian bodywork, Tui Na is designed to prevent problems, not just correct them. Thanks to its non-invasive, effective, concise and therapeutic properties, Tui Na naturally restores the balance of energy of the body. This way, health is maintained. This is true not just for physical health, but for mental and emotional well-being as well.
The style of Tui Na practiced in China today is closer to the work of chiropractors, osteopaths, and physical therapists than to that of massage therapists. It’s taught as a separate but equal field of study in schools of Traditional Chinese Medicine, requiring the same level of training as acupuncturists and herbalists. Our registered Chinese Medicine doctor practices Tui Na as well.
What a Tui Na massage achieves:
○ dredging the energy channels of body
○ lubricating the flowing of energy, blood and nutrients
○ soothing the joints, including muscles, tendons and ligaments
○ relocation of joints
○ reinforce the energy of viscera
○ restore the digestive function
○ help the lung discharging phlegm
○ acupressure, manipulating with fingers as needles
Tui Na is particularly helpful with:
○ joint pain (such as arthritis)
○ sciatica
○ muscle spasms
○ sport injuries (both preventing and alleviating)
○ pain in the back/neck/shoulders
○ insomnia
○ constipation
○ headaches (including migraines)
○ tension associated with stress.