Tui Na (pronounced “twee nah”) is a specialised therapeutic treatment practiced as one of the branches within Chinese medicine. The practitioner uses the hands at the place of pain or further along the meridians to reduce pain or resolve injuries, these techniques are said to improve/correct the flow of qi in the meridians and activate blood flow to restore balance in the body. “Tui” translates to “push” or “stretch” and “Na” as “grasp” or “squeeze”. As with acupuncture, diet therapy, herbal supplements and physical/mind exercise and breathing (Qi Gong/Tai Qi), Tui Na supports the body in the prevention of, or to recover from disease.
The first evidence of massage being used to ease pain and reduce swelling goes back over 3000 years ago and the first book of Tui na was written between 221BC and 265AD. Tui na, as with all Chinese medicine practices, requires the practitioner to make a Chinese medicine diagnosis using the tongue, pulse, alongside observation, palpation and discussion, based on these findings they then apply the treatment principles based on the diagnosis.
Whilst like most massage, tui na is most commonly known to reduce pain with its ability to regulate, promote and invigorate the flow of qi and blood which aid in the repair of damaged structures within the body. But it offers so much more with regard to disorders of the body, it is also used to clear pathogens from the body and support the immune system; harmonise, strengthen and nourish the qi, blood, yin and/or yang; improve or regulate the functions of the organs and calm the mind.
A tui na appointment lasts approximately one hour at Radiant Chi, this includes a consultation that allows the practitioner to make a diagnosis based on Chinese medicine principles. They will then leave the treatment room to allow you time to get comfortable in the required position to carry out the tui na treatment.
At Radiant Chi, we offer either a stand alone Tui Na session or one of our favourite treatments includes a combination of acupuncture and tui na for a blissful one and half hours rebalancing.
Book now or phone 0405 657 626.
Sources:
Aspell, R. (2012). Yang Sheng Fa – the art of health preservation. The Journal of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture UK, Volume 19, Issue No.1, March 2012, pg 3-7.
Ilic, D., Djurovic, A., Brdareski, Z., Vukomanovic, A., Pejovic, V., & Grajic, М. (2012). The position of Chinese massage (Tuina) in clinical medicine. Vojnosanitetski Pregled, Volume 69, Issue No. 11, pg 999–1004.
Pritchard, S (2010). Tui na – a manual of Chinese massage therapy. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, London UK.