Chinese Massage Therapy (Tuina)
Ancient Oriental Massage
Chinese massage therapy is known as tuina. Tui means to push and na means to pluck or pull. There is evidence of the use of this type of oriental massage in China as far back as 1,700 BC during the Shang Dynasty. At that time tuina was used to treat infants and adults with digestive problems. In 206 BC a famous physician from the Han Dynasty wrote about the use of tuina.
Tuina uses some strokes that are similar to Swedish or classic massage, but the aim is different. Like Traditional Chinese Medicine or shiatsu, it works to unblock the flow of chi in meridians throughout the body.
Tuina also helps to align the musculoskeletal system. Therapists concentrate on working the area of dysfunction and generally don't touch other areas of the body. Traditionally tuina also included bone setting, but most therapists in the West don't include bone setting in their practices.
The techniques used in tuina can be combined in any number of ways to customize a massage session for a client. These are some of the techniques used.
- Tui--pulling
- Na--pinching or pulling
- An--rapid rhythmic pressing
- Tao--strong pinching
- Nie--kneading
- Nien--nipping
- Moa--rubbing
- Pai--tapping
Tuina can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including:
- headaches
- arthritis
- bell's palsy
- traumatic injuries
- vertigo
- insomnia
- endocrine system dysfunction
- stroke
- stress
- sciatic nerve pain
- scar tissue
Chinese massage therapy is performed with the client fully clothed and lying on a table or mat on the floor. Sessions can last from 5 minutes to 1 hour. The therapist will begin the session by asking you about the areas you are having problems with and checking your tongue and pulse for evidence of further problems.
Tuina is a vigorous form of massage that will leave you feeling either relaxed and tired, or surprisingly energized by the treatment. Different people feel differently after getting a massage. There is no way to know how you will feel until you get the massage yourself.
Here is a good video demonstrating tuina.
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