Tui Na massage therapy (pronounced 'twee-nah') is a holistic healing system - translated into English it means to 'push and grasp'. Tui Na is similar to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in terms of its theory and application. In fact, these three forms of therapy are the main components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Tui Na and TCM is continuing to gain greater recognition and popularity in the Western world as people are becoming more health conscious and now seek such 'alternative' therapies as a way to achieving an improved balance within the body and daily life.
The techniques of Tui Na and details of its uses in treating a range of health problems were documented in a vast treatise, 'The Yellow Emperor's Classics of Internal Medicine', which was written about 2500 years ago. After such a lengthy period of development and evolution, modern Tui Na is the most tried and tested hands-on therapy in the world, and is probably the oldest system of bodywork still practised today.
Well, unlike other types of massage the patient remains fully clothed during treatment, this can be performed whilst seated in a chair or lying on a massage couch, depending on what is being done.
The first Tui Na session will involve the practitioner taking details of the patient's medical history - they will be asked about their general health, lifestyle, diet etc as well as any other specific complaints or concerns. By obtaining this initial information the treatment will be specifically tailored to the patient's needs. Also, the area of focus may change from session to session depending on the needs of the patient, for example, one session may concentrate more on the neck and shoulders, with the next session working more on the lower back.
The Tui Na Practitioner uses a variety of massage techniques and pressures to specific musculo-skeletal areas of the body. This soft tissue manipulation targets the acu-pressure points along which the Qi (pronounced 'chee') meridians lie. The treatment itself is firm and vigorous yet relaxing at the same time. Also, unlike other types of massage, some techniques will also involve the limbs being moved around and lightly stretched.
Overall, it has to be said that the beneficiary effects of the massage are felt after treatment especially, with the patient feeling very relaxed yet energised for days afterwards. The patient may experience some localised soreness at first but after two or three sessions most people will adjust quite comfortably to the deep pressure; however, it is this depth of pressure that makes Tui Na so effective.
Tui Na works in accordance with the complex theory of TCM. Fundamental to this theory is the life powering energy that the Chinese call 'Qi'. Every aspect of bodily function depends upon Qi and its flow through the tissues.
The Chinese recognise a network of 12 pairs of meridians - one member of each pair runs through the right side of the body and the other member runs through the left side. There are also two unpaired meridians that encircle the trunk and the head in the mid-line. These meridians are not like vessels, they have no anatomical structure but they are pathways along which the main flow of Qi occurs. It is best to visualise them as precise currents of Qi, just like currents of water within the oceans.
Interestingly, Western scientific methods have been used to plot the courses of these meridians, and they confirm the accuracy of detailed maps produced around the time of the previously mentioned documented treatise, 'The Yellow Emperor's Classics of Internal Medicine'.
At irregular intervals along the meridians there are specific Qi points (the same points as used in acupuncture) where pressure, needles or heat can affect the way Qi flows through the meridian. This effect can manifest itself on some part of the meridian quite distant from where the stimulus is applied. As an explanatory comparison - Reflexology works on a similar basis.
When Qi flow is disturbed anywhere in the body, the Qi imbalance that results can cause pain, stiffness, sickness - even emotional upset. The Chinese believe that health and vitality depend on Qi balance in the body. Tui Na is one of the best ways of achieving this and it uses an array of techniques to do it. The Tui Na practitioner aims to remove all blockages to the flow of Qi.
Through the treatment of Tui Na massage, Qi will be strengthened within a person and not only will energy levels receive a boost but a strong immune system will also be promoted, this will help the body to heal and maintain itself.
Tui Na treats chronic pain - especially those caused by musculo-skeletal conditions and injuries. Neck and shoulder pain (e.g. whiplash), back problems such as sciatica or slipped disc, 'tennis elbow' and other sporting injuries all respond very well.
Tui Na improves the overall Qi status of the body - this means that in addition to treating a specific condition, other problem areas that the patient may suffer from will also be treated; things like - headaches, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, pre-menstrual syndrome, lethargy, fatigue and insomnia can all be improved, as well as emotional problems such as anxiety and depression.
Tui Na is a valid alternative for conditions that might otherwise be treated with prescription drugs or by osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists.
James Lynch is trained and qualified to practice Tui Na Massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine. He studied under Maria Mercati at the Body Harmonics Centre in Cheltenham. Maria Mercati is the leading teacher and practitioner of Tui Na in Europe.
If you are interested in having treatment in Tui Na Massage please contact James:
E-mail - jamieericlynch@hotmail.com or Telephone - 07886 730481
Treatments will be priced accordingly:
45 minute treatment (seated only) for shoulders, neck and arms - £25
1½ hour full treatment (includes back massage) - £40