Tuina

The techniques of Tuina and details of its uses in treating a range of health problems were already documented in a vast treatise – The Yellow Emperor’s Classics of Internal Medicine, written about 2500 years ago. After such a lengthy period of development, modern Tui Na is the most tried and tested hands-on therapy in the world and is the basis upon which Shiatsu and Swedish massage are founded.

Tuina uses 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. The Chinese believe that health and vitality depend on Qi balance in the body. Tuina is one of the best ways of achieving this and it uses an array of techniques to do it. A Casual observer watching a session sees what appears to be a thorough workout for the soft tissues and joints, but the practitioner aims to do more than this. Attention is focused on meridians and selected acupuncture points. They are massaged in different ways to remove all blockages to the flow of Qi.

Tuina treats chronic pain, especially that caused by muscle-skeletal conditions and injuries. Neck, shoulder and back pain and immobility, sciatica and ‘tennis elbow’ all respond very well. It is, however, impossible to treat a specific condition with Tuina without improving the overall Qi status of the body. This means that headaches, migraines, IBS, constipation, PMS and a whole range of emotional problems can also be treated. Advanced Tuina practitioners may also use Chinese herbs to facilitate quicker healing. External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.