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) 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. practitioners may also use Chinese
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.
