Tui Na Massage

Tui Na (pronounced ‘twee na’) is ancient form of Chinese Massage. It forms one of the main branches of Chinese medicine alongside acupuncture, herbalism, taiji/qigong and nutrition. It is still quite uncommon in the West, yet in China it is considered an important therapy, and can be found in most Chinese hospitals. It is around 3000 years old, and many modern massage styles such as Swedish massage and Shiatsu are derived from it.

Tui Na is unlike any other kind of massage both in theory and practice. Therapists work with both the physical body and the energetic body; They use what you would recognise as massage techniques to ease the knots and tension out of muscles, and at the same time work with the meridians (channels) and acupoints to regulate and balance the flow of energy (Qi) in the same way as in acupuncture. This means that there are a range of ‘acupressure’ techniques in Tui Na, and sometimes Tui Na is called ‘acupressure massage’ although that term is also used for less sophisticated acupressure routines which lack the underlying theories and understanding of Tui Na.

Tui Na can be broadly divided into Yin and Yang styles. Yin Style Tui Na is a very gentle healing practice using light touch. It regulates and balances the energy (Qi), clearing stagnation from the meridians and strengthening organ function. It is a deeply calming and relaxing treatment.

Yang style Tui Na is a more physical treatment that uses deep penetrating techniques to break down muscular knots and tension. It is extremely effective on tight and stiff muscles, but without being painful as some deep massages can be.

In actual fact, the skilled practitioner will use both Yin and Yang techniques as required, and most treatments are somewhere between the 2 extremes. There are no set routines, and treatments are always tailored to each person depending on individual needs.

• The treatment itself will be tailored to your individual circumstances.
• Normally performed over clothing.
• The Qi and the body’s mental and physical conditions are linked.

It regulates and balances the energy (Qi), clearing stagnation from the meridians and strengthening organ function. It is a deeply calming and relaxing treatment.

Tui Na includes the same detailed diagnostic methods and complex understanding of the body and mind as Acupuncture and other branches of Chinese medicine. This is what marks it as separate from most other massage. In Tui Na, the therapy is inseparable from the theory.

This makes Tui Na suitable for far more than just muscular problems, in fact it can be successfully used for a wide range of ‘internal’ conditions including respiratory, circulatory, digestive, psycho-emotional and hormonal problems to name a few. It is also of great benefit in maintaining health and dealing with stress.