Used in China for at least 2,000 years, Tui na is an Oriental Bodywork technique that’s one of the major branches of TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine in Miami. Tui na is a term that was used in Chinese literature until the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644) where it was first cited in a text on pediatric tuina. Before this, Anmo was the term used which literally meant ‘pressing and rubbing’. Anmo was actually the first healing massage from which Tui came and other forms massage including Thai Massage and Shiatsu massage came from.
Tui na is a combination of pressure and rhythmic manipulation of the soft tissue at specific acupuncture points along the energy channels of the body. It is an external form of medicine similar to gua sha massage, moxibustion, and cupping therapies. These healing techniques are commonly used as an adjunctive therapy to acupuncture. It is the same as Shiatsu in that it uses the TCM principles of the flow of Chi through the body’s energy channels as its primary mode of treatment. Tui Na works in regulating the nervous system, improves range of movement, and enhances the flow of blood in the body. It is very effective and plays a major role in the treatment and rehabilitation of ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
The Uses of Tui Na Massage
One of the great things about tui na is that it energizes the body while relaxing it. The practitioner focuses on the specific problem the patient is dealing with at that time during a tui na session. The works very well in addressing all kinds of acute or chronic including:
- Joint and Shoulder pain
- Sciatica
- Neck pain
- Muscle spasms
- Ankle and Leg pain
- Hip and Back pain
- Arthritis
As well as:
- Problems in the Respiratory system
- Insomnia
- Disorders of the Reproductive system
- Disorders of the Digestive system
- Constipation
What To Expect During A Session of Tui Na Therapy
During a Tui Na massage session, the client can either lie down on a massage table or sit in a chair. Acupuncture treatment is often combined with the massage to maximize the benefits and results. The client can shed his shirt or wear loose clothing during the massage and sometimes healing oil is applied on the skin. For babies and children, Tui na massage is often used as a standalone treatment. It can be quite effective in treating digestive problems such as colic and constipation, as well as in the treatment of respiratory problems such as coughing and asthma. Practitioners make it a point to teach the parents of the children clients certain massage methods that they can administer on their child at home.
Tui na massage therapy is totally safe and does not have any bad side effects, however, due to the moving nature of the therapy, some people may experience an increase in frequency of trips to the bathroom, or may feel sleepy after a session of massage.