ACUPRESSURE
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na, pronounced as “tway na,” encompasses a diverse range of massage techniques. With a history of 2,000 years in China, its origins can be traced back to 1700 BC. Ancient artifacts, such as Oracle bones, provide evidence that Tui Na massage was employed to address ailments in children and digestive issues in adults. Currently, Tui Na is gaining global recognition as a potent therapeutic approach, reaching various parts of the world.
Tui Na is a specialized field within Chinese medicine dedicated to therapeutic purposes through manual manipulations, commonly known as massage. It operates based on the fundamental principles and theories of health and disease that also underpin acupuncture and herbology, which are two other integral components of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Despite sharing a common energetic theory, each discipline employs distinct methods to influence an individual’s energy towards well-being and to counter disease. All three therapies strive to achieve comparable outcomes.
How does Tui Na work?
Tui Na therapy employs a combination of hand techniques to manipulate the body’s soft tissues, such as muscles and tendons. It also utilizes acupressure techniques to directly influence the flow of qi, the vital energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Additionally, manipulation techniques are used to readjust the relationships between muscles, bones, and ligaments (known as bone setting). This comprehensive approach aims to address diverse energetic imbalances that can contribute to the development of various ailments and diseases. The therapeutic goals of Tui Na therapy are accomplished through the following methods:
- removing obstructions to the flow of energy (qi) throughout the body;
- promoting an increase in qi and blood circulation;
- re-alignment of joints;
- healing of soft tissue injuries;
- adjusting internal organs;
- regulation of nerves;
- Loosens stiff joints and muscles.
Differences from other massage
Tui Na stands apart from Western massage modalities in significant ways. While Western massage primarily concentrates on promoting muscle relaxation, Tui Na serves a broader purpose. It can indeed be utilized for relaxation, but its scope extends to the treatment of a diverse range of medical conditions. For this reason, Tui Na is sometimes referred to as Chinese Medical Massage, emphasizing its therapeutic nature within the context of Chinese medicine.
Tui Na’s benefits
Tui Na offers numerous advantages for individuals of all age groups, including both adults and children. It is particularly well-suited for addressing specific musculoskeletal disorders like acute back strain, sprained joints, pulled muscles and tendons, rheumatism, arthritis, as well as conditions such as sciatica and prolapsed internal organs. Additionally, Tui Na is beneficial for managing chronic stress-related disorders affecting the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems.
Moreover, Tui Na can be employed by individuals who aim to maintain good health, either through self-practice at home or by seeking professional treatments. Its versatility allows therapists to address minor and simple conditions, preventing the progression into more severe ailments.
Furthermore, Tui Na can complement other forms of therapy, be it Chinese or Western, as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. By integrating Tui Na with other modalities, therapists can enhance the effectiveness of their treatments and promote overall well-being.