Tui
Na (tuina) - Chinese Bodywork Massage Therapy
Introduction
Tuina
(Tui Na) is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that has been used in
China for 2,000 years. Tuina (Tui Na) 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 (Tui Na) seeks to establish
a more harmonious flow of Qi through the system of channels and
collaterals, allowing the body the naturally heal itself.
Tuina
(Tui Na) methods include the use of hand techniques to massage
the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, acupressure
techniques to directly affect the flow of Qi , and manipulation
techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships
(bone-setting). External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments,
and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.
Tuina
(Tui Na) has a variety of different systems that emphasize particular
aspects of these therapeutic principles. The main schools in China
include the rolling method school which emphasizes soft tissue
techniques and specializes in joint injuries and muscle sprains,
the one finger pushing method school which emphasizes techniques
for acupressure and the treatment of internal diseases, and Nei
Gung method school which emphasizes the use of Nei Gong Qi energy
generation exercises and specific massage methods for revitalizing
depleted energy systems, and the bone setting method school which
emphasizes manipulation methods to realign the musculoskeletal
and ligamentous relationships and specializes in joint injuries
and nerve pain.
In
a typical session, the client, wearing loose clothing and no shoes,
lies on a table or floor mat. The practitioner examines the specific
problems of the client and begins to apply a specific treatment
protocol. The major focus of application is upon specific pain
sites, acupressure points, energy meridians, and muscles and joints.
Advanced Tuina (Tui Na) practitioners may also use Chinese herbs
to facilitate quicker healing. Sessions last from 30 minutes to
1 hour. Depending on the specific problems of the client, they
may return for additional treatments. The client usually feels
relaxed but energized by the treatment.
Tuina
(Tui Na) is now being popularized in this country as a powerful
therapeutic extension of traditional western massage methods.
Tuina's (Tui Na) simplicity and focus on specific problems, rather
than a more generalized treatment, make it both an excellent alternative
and/or extension of the Swedish-style massage. By utilizing treatments
of shorter duration, it can be used in a variety of settings,
including home, office, clinic or hospital. It is well suited
for both the professional massage therapist or the active, health
conscious individual.
Tuina
(Tui Na) practitioners can be found by calling Acupuncture Colleges
of the American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association.
History
Tuina
(Tui Na) dates back to the Shang Dynasty of China, 1700 B.C.E.
Oracle bones show that tuina (tui na) massage was used to treat
children's diseases and digestive complaints in adults. By 600
C.E. Tuina (tui na) was included in the Imperial Medical College
as a separate department. Tuina (tui na) flourished throughout
China until the Qing Dynasty where it was suppressed along with
other Chinese cultural arts. Following the Communist revolution,
Tuina (tui na) was restored along with other traditional medical
arts and was included in the creation of the current system of
Traditional Medicine Colleges.
Currently,
Tuina (tui na) is taught as a separate but equal field of study
in the major traditional Chinese medical colleges. Tuina (tui
na) doctors receive the same demanding training as acupuncturists
and herbalists and enjoy the same level of professional respect.
Benefits,
Limitations, Contraindications
Tuina
(tui na) is well suited for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal
disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive,
respiratory and reproductive systems. Effective treatment protocols
have been tested in a practical setting. Tuina (tui na) is not
especially useful for those seeking a mild, sedating and relaxing
massage since it tends to be more task focused than other types
of bodywork. Contraindications include conditions involving fractures,
phlebitis, infectious conditions, open wounds, and lesions.
