What is Tui Na massage?
An ancient therapy for a modern world.
In China, Tui Na therapeutic massage is an integral part of Chinese Medicine, just like acupuncture and herbal medicine. Although it is relatively new to the West, the first book describing the principles and techniques dates back to over 2000 years ago. It makes it the forefather of all forms of massage and bodywork practised today, from shiatsu to osteopathy.
Tui Na is the reason I became interested in Chinese Medicine. I saw first hand, as a special needs teacher, the remarkable effects it had on calming children’s symptoms of discomfort.
As a Tui Na practitioner, I will first assess your general state of health, take your pulse and observe your tongue as in acupuncture treatment.
Tui Na methods
Tui Na, meaning push and grasp, is also called Anmo, meaning press and rub. It is exactly what we do when a child falls down and comes to us for comfort.
If you are familiar with other types of massage, you will certainly recognise some of the strokes and manipulations. Depending on the patient’s particular system, different strokes are combined to balance the energy in the meridians and help the body heal itself.
Tui Na can be carried out in the sitting position, lying face down or face up. It is usually performed through the patient’s clothing, although ointments may sometimes be applied, depending on the condition treated and the effect desired.
It can be as vigorous or gentle as needed, which makes it particularly suitable for infants and children.
Effective treatment
Tui Na is renowned for its effectiveness in treating muscular-skeletal conditions, on its own or combined with acupuncture. However, as part of Chinese Medicine, it is also effective for internal problems, such as:
- headaches
- anxiety
- panic attacks
- digestive disorders
- stress-related conditions
It is also an effective way to maintain health, prevent injury or reduce stress and particularly effective in treating female and male problems.