Tuina (Chinese Manual Therapy)

Tuina (pronounced "twee nah") is a form of oriental bodywork that has been used in China for centuries. A combination of massage, acupressure and other forms of body manipulation, tuina works by applying pressure to acupoints, meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to remove blockages that prevent the free flow of qi. Removing these blockages corrects physiological imbalances of the body and achieves curative effects leading to improved health and vitality.

It is used to treat or complement the treatment of many conditions; musculo-skeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems.

Tui na techniques include pushing, dragging, �nipping,� strong pinching, chopping, rubbing, and kneading, to name just a few. Tuina techniques and manipulations can be rigorous. Most people think of getting tuina, not so much for pampering, but for healing. There�s rolling using the knuckles and the back of the hand, �scrubbing� with the pinky finger side of the hand, applying pressure with the elbows, grasping at the back and spine with splayed fingers and interlocked thumbs, and brisk tapping with the cupped hands or edges of the palms. Deciding when to use any of these moves depends on a variety of factors. A tui na practitioner well versed in TCM theory can address the complete range of human pathology.

Tuina has a variety of different systems that emphasize particular aspects of their therapeutic principles.

In summary Tuina methods include:

� The use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body and specialises in joint injuries and muscle sprains This promotes smooth passage of the channels, increased blood circulation and removes blood stasis.

� Energy generation exercises - specific massage methods for revitalising depleted energy systems.

� Acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of Qi. This is the one finger pushing method which can be used instead of acupuncture for the treatment of internal diseases

� Manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships (bone-setting). This method specialsies in joint injuries and nerve pain.

� External poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.

In a typical tuina session, the patient wears loose clothing and lies on a massage table or floor pad. After answering some brief questions about the nature and location of the health problem as well as basic questions about general health, allergies and other existing conditions, the practitioner will concentrate on specific acupressure points, energy trigger points, muscles and joints surrounding the affected area.

More people are becoming aware of the richness and the depth of tuina In recognizing the range and power of the ancient science of tuina, Western cultures are beginning to experience what�s been known in China for millennia: massage can be seriously therapeutic, not simply relaxing.