
Chinese Massage (TuiNa) is one of the oldest known systems of massage therapy, and certainly the most documented and medically researched bodywork system on the planet. It's earliest records date to the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine of 2300 BC as one of the five major medical treatments of the time. TuiNa has remained an organized and systematically developed system of focused massage therapy ever since.
TuiNa is a focused medical treatment well suited for musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related conditions of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. TuiNa uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Chi (Life Force Energy) through the meridians (the pathways the Chi takes as it flows through the body) as its basic therapeutic orientation. Through the application of massage and soft tissue manipulation techniques, TuiNa establishes a more harmonious flow of Chi through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body to naturally heal itself.
TuiNa incorporates techniques that are similar to Western Massage, physical therapy, chiropractic and osteopathic (without the high-velocity thrust). TuiNa incorporates a variety of different systems that emphasize specific aspects of therapeutic Chinese principles. The main methods and techniques include:
Massage of the soft tissues (muscles and tendons), including
Rolling, which emphasizes soft tissue techniques and is most effective with muscle sprains and joint injuries.
Push and Pull (known in Western science as Myofacial Release), which stretches the soft tissues to release deep tissue impingements;
Acupressure techniques using the index finger, thumb or knucke, which emphasizes treatment of internal diseases to directly affect the flow of Chi, relieve fatigue, balance and harmonize the flow of Chi and blood through the organ meridians to facilitate healing and prevent further injury;
Cupping, which provides "reverse pressure" to release soft tissue impingements and remove toxins;
Structural Integration techniques which emphasize deep tissue manipulation methods to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous connections, and specializes in nerve pain and joint injuries (this does not include the high-velocity thrust of chiropractic);
Passive and active stretching to complete the therapeutic program restore correct anatomical and functional musculoskeletal relationships, neuromuscular patterns, and increase the circulation of Chi and blood, to remove biochemical irritants; and
Chinese Herbs may also be used in the form of herbal poultices, compresses, liniments, salves and oils to enhance the therapeutic effects of the bodywork.
One of TuiNa's advantages over simple Swedish-style massage is its focus on specific problems, especially chronic pain associated with the musculoskeletal system. It is especially effective for arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms, strains and sprains, and pain in the back, neck and shoulders. It also helps chronic conditions such as insomnia, constipation, headaches, including migraines, and the tension associated with stress.
TuiNa is designed to prevent problems, not just correct them. By keeping the body's energy in balance, health is maintained. This is true not just for physical health, but for mental and emotional health as well.