Tuina is the oldest known massage treatment, having originated in China. Tuina is a Chinese word arising from the combination of words meaning to pull/grip and push. Some call Tuina “Chinese physical therapy”. It has been listed in the Yellow Emperor’s Classics of Internal Medicine since 2300 BC as one of the five greatest treatments of all time. Ever since then, Tuina has remained a systematic and well-organized massage treatment.
Tuina uses the traditional Chinese medicine theories of energy channels and acupuncture points. Through the application of manipulation and techniques of massage, Tuina facilitates harmonized energy flow and brings the body to a natural state of healing.
In Tuina, the therapist is using his hands and arms, massaging the soft tissues (muscles and tendons) of the body. By doing so he is stimulating pressure points to directly effect the flow of Ch’i in order to regulate the muscle and skeletal action.
Tuina can and should also be used as a form of preventive therapy that helps maintain health and prevent the accumulation of stress, illness and injury. That is why Tuina has become the most effective massage method in the world.
Orthopedics Chinese Physical Therapy methodology – the Tuina massage, is performed without oils on both the painful areas as well as where the pain originates from. The massage starts firstly at the superficial level and then reaches the deeper level, using different techniques.
Tuina massage leads to relief and to sense of euphoria. It offers a wide range of treatments, both physiological and psychological. Tuina is a treatment that accelerates the body’s ability to heal itself. It can be used for a variety of purposes – from general massage to sports injuries, as well as to a wide variety of problems and illnesses, such as: neck, back and joint pain, ankle or wrist pain, headache, migraine, low energy, sciatica and spinal disc herniation, digestive and stress disorders, rheumatism, arthritis and more.
Tuina massage is done with the patient clothed or covered by a sheet and not on a bare body. It can be done while the patient is sitting on a chair or lying on the treatment bed – depending on the type and manner of his condition. The best way to learn about Tuina massage is to experience its beneficial outcome for yourself!