Tui Na Chinese Medical Massage

---

Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage) is one of the four pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is practiced within the same realm of acupuncture using a variety of hands-on technique instead of needles. Ideal for infants, pediatrics and those who fear needles.

Like shiatsu, it uses traditional Chinese medical theory of Qi flow along the meridians of the body as a basic means of therapy. Tui Na plays a major role in rehabilitation and is effective in the treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, healthy bones and well-being.

Tui Na is a blend of hands-on manipulation along the body meridians acupuncture points. It is considered an external medical modality often used with the application of cupping, moxibustion and gua sha. It can improve blood circulation, increase the range of motion and relieve nerve impingement.

Tui Na has been documented throughout 5,000 years of Chinese history. It is an important form of treatment used in hospitals in China for the treatment of specific illnesses and muscular skeletal dysfunctions.

A skillful Tui Na practitioner must have a thorough understanding of the meridian system used in Chinese medicine and acupuncture, including the Chinese medicine concepts and theories for the proper diagnosis to find the pattern(s) of the patient's disharmony for proper and effective treatment.

Cupping/Gua Sha. These are both massage methods that release toxins trapped in the tissues. Cupping uses suction, like a reverse massage, to pull the skin and tissues outward. This opens up the area to allow better circulation and pull toxins to the surface to be released. Gua Sha involves using a tool with a smooth edge along the targeted area with pressure and friction to stimulate and release blockages that can cause pain and illness.

Moxibustion. Moxa is used to apply heat to the area in need. It promotes circulation and energy. Moxibustion isn’t used to treat all conditions but it may be an option for some.

After seeing results from the other types of treatments you may change your mind and be willing to try the needles to amplify healing. But if you still prefer to avoid needles, just know there are other effective options!

What To Expect During Tui Na Massage?

Tui Na is typically done over the clothes lying on a massage table or sitting up in a chair and sometimes on bare skin when herbal lotions, liniments or compresses are indicated for the condition treated.

Prior to treatment, your practitioner will need to do a routine evaluation to determine the best Tui Na treatment plan. Techniques may vary from acupressure, grasping, range of motion, stretching, and manipulation.

Communication between patient and practitioner is very important during the session for the best therapeutic results.

The patient should not come on an empty stomach prior to the treatment and should wear comfortable loose clothing to facilitate comfort during the therapeutic session.

The practitioner may give patient post-therapeutic instructions or homework after the treatment.

Typically a course of treatment ranges from 6 to 10 therapeutic sessions and the sessions may vary between 30 min. to 60 min. depending on the severity and condition treated.