Tui Na - Chinese Bodywork - Massage Therapy
Introduction to Chinese Massage
Tuina (Tui Na - pronounced toy-nah) is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that has
been used in China for 2,000 years. Tuina (Tui Na) uses the traditional Chinese
medical theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians as its basic therapeutic
orientation. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques
Tuina (Tui Na) seeks to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi through the
system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body the naturally heal
itself.
Chinese Massage Methods:
Tuina (Tui Na) methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft
tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, acupressure techniques to directly
affect the flow of Qi , and manipulation techniques to realign the
musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships (bone-setting). External herbal
poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves are also used to enhance the other
therapeutic methods. Tuina (Tui Na) has a variety of different systems that
emphasize particular aspects of these therapeutic principles.
The main schools in China include the rolling method school which emphasizes
soft tissue techniques and specializes in joint injuries and muscle sprains, the
one finger pushing method school which emphasizes techniques for acupressure and
the treatment of internal diseases, and Nei Gung method school which emphasizes
the use of Nei Gong Qi energy generation exercises and specific massage methods
for revitalizing depleted energy systems, and the bone setting method school
which emphasizes manipulation methods to realign the musculoskeletal and
ligamentous relationships and specializes in joint injuries and nerve pain.
In a typical session, the client, wearing loose clothing and no shoes, lies
on a table or floor mat. The practitioner examines the specific problems of the
client and begins to apply a specific treatment protocol. The major focus of
application is upon specific pain sites, acupressure points, energy meridians,
and muscles and joints. Advanced Tuina (Tui Na) practitioners may also use
Chinese herbs to facilitate quicker healing. Sessions last from 30 minutes to 1
hour. Depending on the specific problems of the client, they may return for
additional treatments.
The client usually feels relaxed but energized by the treatment. Tuina (Tui
Na) is now being popularized in this country as a powerful therapeutic extension
of traditional western massage methods. Tuina's (Tui Na) simplicity and focus on
specific problems, rather than a more generalized treatment, make it both an
excellent alternative and/or extension of the Swedish-style massage. By
utilizing treatments of shorter duration, it can be used in a variety of
settings, including home, office, clinic or hospital. It is well suited for both
the professional massage therapist or the active, health conscious
individual.
Tuina (Tui Na) practitioners can be found by calling Acupuncture Colleges of
the American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association.
History of Tuina
Tuina (Tui Na) dates back to the Shang Dynasty of China, 1700 B.C.E. Oracle
bones show that tuina (tui na) massage was used to treat children's diseases and
digestive complaints in adults. By 600 C.E. Tuina (tui na) was included in the
Imperial Medical College as a separate department. Tuina (tui na) flourished
throughout China until the Qing Dynasty where it was suppressed along with other
Chinese cultural arts.
Following the Communist revolution, Tuina (tui na) was restored along with
other traditional medical arts and was included in the creation of the current
system of Traditional Medicine Colleges.
Tuina Today
Tuina (tui na) is taught as a separate but equal field of study in the major
traditional Chinese medical colleges. Tuina (tui na) doctors receive the same
demanding training as acupuncturists and herbas and enjoy the same level of
professional respect.
Benefits, Limitations, Contraindications of Tuina
Tuina (tui na) is well suited for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal
disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and
reproductive systems. Effective treatment protocols have been tested in a
practical setting.
Tuina (tui na) is not especially useful for those seeking a mild, sedating
and relaxing massage since it tends to be more task focused than other types of
bodywork.
Contraindications include conditions involving fractures, phlebitis,
infectious conditions, open wounds, and lesions.
(Original Copy:http://www.chinesemedicinetools.com/theory/lifestyle/massage-lifestyle/tui-na-tuina-chinese-bodywork-massage-therapy )
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