Tui Na Massage
It is a body massage practiced in China for centuries and the oldest massage system known. This massage technique was described in classic internal medicine of the Yellow Emperor, written about 2,500 years ago. It is literally translated as “push and hold” and is an importante treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Tui Na massage is different from deep muscle massage, a manual therapy that combines massage manoeuvres, mobilisation, acupressure, traction and manipulation. It is performed dressed in comfortable and loose clothing, sitting on a chair or lying on a massage table.
The therapists not only use the hands on arms, legs and back, but also use their elbows and knees in a variety of manipulations. The intention of the therapist is to stimulate the flow of Qi (vital energy), rebalance your energy and help you feel as good as possible.
How Tui Na massage is…
Tui Na massage is indicated for a wide variety of pain and disorders, including neck, back, muscle pain, constipation, pre menstrual syndrome and other conditions in which different manipulations on the body can be very efficient. In Medicine can be applied in Traumatology, Rheumatology, Neurology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine and stress related pathology.
Tui Na session is organised in three phases: it begins with soft manoeuvres; therapy phase, with varied manoeuvre intensity depending on the goal of the massage; and the final phase with soft manoeuvres again.
In Chinese hospitals, this technique is used with medical purpose and the manipulations help release paralysed energy in joints and tense muscles.
Through Tui Na we will get, on a physical level, effects on blood circulation, Neuromuscular system and skin. On the energetic level, we will obtain beneficial effects on circulation, on internal organs and general effects on the organism.
The use of hands has been put to good use by the Chinese. Tui Na which is pronounced as Twee Nah in traditional Chinese medicine is a special massage given along with acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and other herbal medicines. Because it is not just the symptom that needs relief but the disease and its underlying cause need treatment. Tui Na is a massage with 4 hand techniques that uses a methodical push and pull movement to maintain a natural and unhindered Qi or Chi flow through the body.
The Chinese Manipulative Therapy: Origin
The speciality of this Tui na massage is that it is a combination of various massage techniques and involves complete bodywork techniques. These techniques allow every fiber of the body to be stimulated and then relaxed. These techniques involve manoeuvring of hands such as kneading, rolling, pressing, and rubbing.
This technique focuses on applying pressure to specific areas of the body to stimulate the underlying pressure points. The aim of the massage is to release stored stress in the form of energy which then calms down the body. This traditional Chinese massage follows the body Meridians to maintain a normal and natural energy flow. To stabilise the flow of Qi or Chi is to have a healthy life. As this energy is the vital energy which is required for the overall well being of an individual.
Those who practice this traditional Chinese practice of Tui na are aware of the Meridian lines. A comprehensive knowledge of Qi or Chi is needed for these ancient practices. The therapists use their knowledge to diverge and manoeuvre the flow of this vital energy. This therapy is used to address and alleviate the symptoms of various conditions, such as musculoskeletal problems, pains, stress, and also internal organ imbalances. This helps in maintaining normal bodily function and organ function.
The Tui na session starts slowly, maintaining a pace appreciated by the receiver. The massage starts with fingers, slowly progressing with palms and elbows, and then the manipulation with knees starts. This helps destress the soft tissue. Once the muscle and other fascia are relaxed joints and bones are also massaged to induce relaxation. It also helps to stretch the joints. This massage requires good skin contact but usually requires the recipient to be fully clothed.
Effectiveness of Tui Na Massage
Even though the Tui na massage is a traditional Chinese massage and has been practised for generations. Recently it has become a popular demand in the Western countries as alternative medicine and complementary practices. It can be added to daily healthy routine, but it should not be considered as a cure.
As Chinese medicine believes in the non-invasive restoration of Chi, this massage is still not a treatment but a technique to maintain the health of a person. Every human has specific needs and requirements which are maintained and fulfilled by the therapist. The practitioner needs to be licenced and verified for their Meridian knowledge. This massage is important to experience as the effectiveness is beyond words. Here are a few pointers that can elaborate on the Tui na massage effectiveness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Principles
The Chinese have tapped into healing techniques for ages now. The philosophy of Tui massage is the basics of Chinese Traditional Massage. As it explains how the body harnesses normal vital energy flow. This massage also allows the normal energy flow by reducing or removing any blockages. As the principles of Traditional Chinese Massage explain that the blockage of this vital energy chi or qi is the reason for disease. Tui na aims to balance the flow of Qi to promote overall well-being.
Holistic Approach
The approach of Tui Na massage is a little different than traditional massages. It aims at alleviating the disease and the symptoms. The massage requires stimulating the deeper tissue points and helps in the release of stored energy. This helps in addressing symptoms and underlying diseases beyond localized symptoms. Tui na is part of a holistic approach to health in Traditional Chinese Medicine it focuses on balancing the body’s energy and restoring harmony between different organ systems.
Integration with Acupuncture
It is already understood that Chinese medicine requires the proper energy flow of the body. It can be attained either by acupuncture which requires needles on specific points that reverts the natural energy flow back to normal. This is done to remove any energy blockage. Similarly, tui na massage uses the manipulation of hands, palms, elbows, and knees to attain the normal flow of energy.
Usually, these two techniques are used in integration to maximise the energy flow, it can be felt as a surge of energy or even emotions. The blockage of energy is released, and stress is relieved. Both therapies aim to influence the flow of Qi, but while acupuncture uses needles, tui na relies on manual manipulation to achieve similar goals.
Diverse Techniques
Unlike modern therapeutics and practices, this tui na massage is provided only by hands and knees. The technique requires knowledge, mastered by the practitioner and proper manipulation of points. This technique can be adjusted according to the needs of the recipient. Some enjoy heavier pressure while some require mild manipulations. The technique is only mastered with Traditional Chinese medicine knowledge of meridian lines and how they can be manipulated for local and systemic effects. Tui na employs a variety of techniques, such as kneading, pressing, rolling, and stretching, making it a versatile therapeutic approach.
Non-Invasive
Many individuals are reluctant to the idea of acupuncture and other practices that may involve pain. The fear of pain is triggered by thinking of needles being stuck in the body. To put the fears to ease, tui na massage holds the same characteristics and aims but has no invasive procedure. This makes the massage more acceptable and emotionally reliable to recipients.
Addressing a Range of Conditions
It would baffle the minds of those who come looking for alternative medicine how much tui na massage can help in treating. This massage offers a wide range of issues and conditions. Firstly, it can very well alleviate the pains in any part of the body. Other than that, it aims at muscle-skeleton and addresses any condition involving musculoskeletal. Issues such as stress fatigue, anxiety, digestive disorders, and much more are already being treated with tui na massage. Its versatility contributes to its popularity in addressing various health concerns.
It is highly advisable to note that not every individual works and functions the same way. Thus not one principle will apply to all. It is better to get advice from a licensed practitioner and get sessions from those who have the license to practice tui na massage.
Tui Na Massage- Beneficial for Health Issues
While Tui na massage is not considered a cure for specific medical conditions, it is believed to be beneficial for various health issues and can contribute to overall well-being. Tui Na is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatments. Here are some conditions and concerns that people often seek Tui na massage for.
Stress and Anxiety
The continuous rhythmic manipulation of the muscles and internal tissue helps to reduce stress and anxiety. This helps calm the overly stimulated body and helps in stress reduction. It helps to induce deep relaxation by helping the recipient to breathe in deeply.
Digestive Disorders
The internal organ massage is essential to maintain proper energy flow through the internal and deep organs. The blood circulation increases by massaging deep tissue as the stress is released. This helps in inducing better digestive function and alleviates other digestive diseases. The Qi is important to be restored for normal organ function.
Sleep Disorders
It is evident from research and practices that clients often fall asleep during the decision. The manipulation of tissue and muscles starts slow and maintains pressure on the tissue for stress release. The body starts to calm down and helps normal Qi restoration. This helps in better night sleep and lowering REM sleep. It can be used as part of a holistic approach to managing sleep disorders.
Women’s Health
Women after the age of 45 usually have post-menopausal symptoms which disrupt their entire lives. Women often have symptoms which include pain, burning sensation, muscle clenching, and pain. Tui Na massage helps to calm these symptoms, and the internal deep massage helps to restore normal blood flow and helps make the transition easier. Other than that, young females with irregular periods have better effects on their menstrual cycle.
Tui Na massage might not be a treatment for a specific disease, but it is a complementary treatment for a healthy life and overall well-being. There is no harm in adding something harmless to your daily or weekly routine.
Conclusion
In Chinese hospitals, this technique is used with medical purpose and the manipulations help release paralysed energy in joints and tense muscles. Through Tui Na we will get, on a physical level, effects on blood circulation, Neuromuscular system and skin. On the energetic level, we will obtain beneficial effects on circulation, on internal organs and general effects on the organism
