What is Tuina Therapy?

People differ in all shapes and sizes along with their ability to tolerate treatment techniques. Although Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, some individuals find themselves still sensitive to the application. For those individuals, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can provide treatment in other non-invasive forms such as acupressure, cupping, guasha, and tuina massage; we will look further into tuina massage.

Tuina massage (pronounced Twee-nah) is considered one of the oldest styles of treatment therapies that originated in ancient China. The name Tui-Na literally translates to push-grasp.

Tuina is a physical therapy based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapeutics that utilizes fingers, hands, palms, and elbows as tools for treating disease and improving health.

The application of Tuina mainly focuses on acupuncture points and meridian pathways of the body to promote Qi and blood circulation which in turn alleviates tension and pain along with fostering internal harmony.

TCM theory states that pain occurs in the body due to a blockage of Qi in the meridian pathways within the body. This blockage can occur from a multitude of different reasons including, but not limited to; physical trauma, over-use, under-use, stress, improper posture, etc.

A thorough initial examination (questions, observation, palpation, and feedback) is used to determine the root cause of the issue(s).

During a treatment session, a TCM practitioner will use pressure and manipulation techniques at differing forces and speed while moving along affected meridian pathways to increase the circulation of blood and Qi throughout the body.

Typical techniques utilized include, but are not limited to;

• Gun Fa (Rolling)

• (Ti) Na Fa (Lifting/Grasping)

• An Fa (Pressing)

• Rou Fa (Kneading)

• Mo Fa (Rubbing)

• Bo Yun Fa (Forearm Kneading)

• Ba Shen Fa (Stretching)

The application of a deep pressure and active movement helps to release blockages and knots while a more gentle-passive approach helps to restore function and increases a sense of well-being.

For more information if Tuina is right for you please send me a message.