What is Tui na massage?
Tui na (“twee nah”) or Tui-na / Tuina means “push pluck” and is a Chinese medical-style massage. This technique of massage is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Tui na massage originated in ancient China and is believed to be the oldest type of massage in existence. It’s one of the four main branches of traditional Chinese medicine, along with acupuncture, qi gong, and Chinese herbal medicine. It is based on the principle that imbalances of qi, the body’s vital life force or energy, can cause blockages or imbalances. These then lead to symptoms such as pain and illness. When you release the blockages and balance the body, pain and illness are reduced.
Tui na helps to stimulate the body’s own healing
Tui na releases muscle tension to increase blood flow and stimulate the body’s own healing processes. Where there has been trauma or injury to the muscles, it breaks down scar tissue and adhesions. It can help to relieve pain and help a patient recover from injuries. It stimulates the flow of qi. It aims to promote balance and harmony within the body. It uses many of the same principles as acupuncture. Like acupuncture it targets specific acupoints but using fingers instead of needles to apply pressure to stimulate the points. Tui-na massage can be used in combination with acupuncture and/or cupping.
Maintain muscle strength and flexibility with Tui na
It’s important as we get older to maintain strength and flexibility in our musculature, which also benefits our bodies internally. For those who practise a lot of sport, regular bodywork such as Tui na massage is essential to prevent injury. For those who sit at computers all day, posture often becomes poor. It can become ‘hunched,’ causing back, neck, and muscle problems. Poor posture can even inhibit our breathing and digestion. Tui na can help in all the specified cases.
Tui na massage can be performed fully clothed
Tui na is performed with the patient fully clothed and covered by a cotton sheet. This increases the practitioner’s sensitivity. It makes it easier to identify the areas requiring treatment. It is wonderfully relaxing and invigorating. It is suitable for all ages, as a general massage or for treatment of pain and injury.