Tuina Chinese Massage

Tuina - Chinese Bodywork

“Injury or disease causes blockages in the channels of the body. Blockages cause pain.”

Introduction and a brief history

Tuina is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that has been used in China for 2,000 years. Tuina using 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 seeks to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body to naturally heal itself.

Tuina is a medical method using the arms, hands, fingers, elbows and knees as tools for treating diseases and illnesses. Tuina is also used to protect health and build up body immunity, so that disease can be stopped in its beginning acting as a preventative medical measure, without any side effects.

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.

It 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.

Tuina dates back to the Shang Dynasty of China, 1700 B.C.E. Oracle bones show that Tuina massage was used to treat children's diseases and digestive complaints in adults. By 600 C.E. Tuina was included in the Imperial Medical College as a separate department. It flourished throughout China until the Qing Dynasty where it was suppressed along with other Chinese cultural arts. Following the Communist revolution, it was restored along with other traditional medical arts and was included in the creation of the current system of Traditional Medicine Colleges.

In China Currently, Tuina is taught as a separate but equal field of study in the major traditional Chinese medical colleges. Tuina doctors receive the same demanding training as acupuncturists and herbalists and enjoy the same level of professional respect.

A typical session

The client wears loose clothing and no shoes, lies on a table or floor mat or sits on a chair. 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.

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.

It’ s a powerful therapeutic extension of traditional western massage methods. Its simplicity and focus on specific problems, rather than on a more generalized treatment, make it both an excellent alternative to what is often perceived as massage in the UK.

In the UK we think of massage as being quite a private practice but in China it is much more open and informal almost becoming a community based health initiative where the Chinese people take their own health and wellbeing very seriously.

By utilizing treatments of shorter duration, it can be used in a variety of settings, including home, office, or clinic.

Quite simply, Tuina is a vigorous and energetic system that aims to awaken the body and promote self healing. This process can be deeply relaxing which enhances the body's ability to repair and revitalise itself during rehabilitation and treatment.

What makes this simple, logical and effective treatment so powerful is that it’s easy and accessible as a treatment.

Benefits, Limitations & Contraindications

Tuina is well suited for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the body.

If you’re seeking a mild, sedating and relaxing massage then this is not for you 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 .