Tuina Is A Vigorous And Deeply Penetrating Massage Treatment

A form of Oriental Bodywork Therapy, Tuina in Chinese literally means to “push” and “grasp.” In China, Tuina has been practiced for over 3500 years. It is a vigorous and deeply penetrating massage treatment that is part of traditional Chinese medicine.

Tuina’s details and procedures that are used in addressing a broad range of medical conditions have been recorded more than 2,500 years ago in The Yellow Emperor’s Classics of Internal Medicine. After such a protracted span of development, the form of Tui Na utilized today is the most tested and tried hands-on treatment in the world and is the groundwork upon which Swedish and Shiatsu massage are founded.

Tuina follows the theory underlying traditional Chinese medicine that states the movement of vital energy or chi through the energy channels (meridians) is essential for the treatment of disease and the maintenance of health. Through the use of manipulation techniques and massage therapy, Tuina aims to bring about a more harmonious movement of chi through the collaterals and meridians, giving the body the ability to heal itself naturally. According to the Chinese, the basis of vitality and health is on the balance of chi in the body. One of the best ways to achieve this is through an array of procedures that make up Tuina therapy. A session of Tuina may seem on the surface a mere thorough workout for the joints and soft tissues for the casual observer; however, the therapist strives to do more than this. He targets the specified acupuncture points and energy channels. To eliminate obstructions to the flow of chi, these points and channels are massaged in various ways.

Tuina is especially effective in treating chronic pain, especially those caused by musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Tennis elbow, sciatica, immobility, and back, shoulder, and neck pain all respond very to this treatment. But without addressing the general status of chi, it can be very difficult to treat a specific condition even with Tuina. Expert Tuina therapists sometimes also use Chinese herbs to promote faster healing. To augment the other treatment modalities salves, liniments, compresses, and external herbal poultices are also used.

Zuobiao (Roy) Yuan is a licensed acupuncturist and doctor of chinese medicine in Edina, MN.