Tui Na (pronounced as twee-nah) is a massage that originated in China. It happens to be a part of the four main branches of Chinese medicine, and is often speculated as possibly the most ancient system of bodily therapy in the world.
The overall belief of this therapy is that there are imbalances of “qi” in one’s body. This is considered the body’s crucial life source, full of energy and radiance. When an imbalance is present, it is said to cause blockages that end up leading to sickness and pain.
What the Tui Na massage does is heals the imbalance of qi, giving it proper flow. This creates harmony and balance within the body’s energy, and can be related to the same theory acupuncture practices.
The main similarity between Tui Na and acupuncture is that both treatments focus on certain pin points of the body. How Tui Na differs, is that the therapy is used with fingers instead of needles to apply the needed pressure in these body points. It is also important to note that these two treatments can be used in combination with each other.
How Does it Work?
The general philosophy of Tui Na focuses mostly on emotional and physical factors of a person’s well-being. It also prioritizes other aspects in one’s life such as climate, diet and relationships.
The underlying belief of this treatment is that true wellness and health is only achieved when one has reached a state full of balance and harmony in not only one’s self, but the space around them as well. Creating balance within both the yin and yang of the body is another important goal when it comes to Tui Na. Improper balance of yin and yang end up causing disease, sickness, and emotional problems.
Another way that Tui Na and acupuncture are similar is in the way they use acupoints. If done properly and effectively, it should balance not only the qi in your body but the blood in your body as well. Problems such as poor blood circulation will be treated when using this type of massage.
How is it Done?
When you enter an appointment for a Tui Na massage at our clinic, experts will use different types of pressure techniques that vary in overall speed and force. This massage can usually be done in both ways on each side of the spectrum. One being a stronger, more pressured deep-tissue massage, and on the other side of the scale, a more energy healing, gentle type therapy. We will take a deeper look into the different types below.
- Yin: A more gentle, passive approach. Very meditative and relaxed, focuses on bringing out the energy from within.
- Yang: More blunt, physical, and forward approach. This treatment creates more intense sensations, stimulating knots and blockages from deep within the body.
How you are being treated mainly depends on your practitioner as well as your needs. A number of different styles and techniques will be used, and oftentimes herbal poultices or lotions, salves and compressions as well.
Many of the techniques used in this massage treatment are things seen in Osteopathy and Chiropractic practices. These include mobilization of the joints, as well as different stretching methods. How Tui Na differs, is that the treatment uses acupressure, reflexology and myofascial release.
What Are its Benefits?
This type of massage can be used to look after specific parts and areas within the body. It can be used to help with pain and sickness, or in general to maintain good wellbeing and health overall. It is also seen as effective in minimizing stress, helping you relax, and improving your sleep patterns. All of these benefits are great, but it is important that you talk with your general practitioner/doctor before you book an appointment for Tui Na massage therapy, as this is seen as an alternative treatment.
Additional Benefits
- Improves blood circulation
- Reduces pain in the neck
- Helps relieve lower back pain
- Treats depression, stress and anxiety
- Helps with osteoarthritis
- Eases the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome
- Treats musculoskeletal disorders
- Benefits diabetes-related foot problems
- Improves quality of life in cancer patients
What Are the Side Effects?
As with almost every physical treatment out there, Tui Na comes with a few side effects. You may feel discomfort during the procedure, as well as slight bruising. This massage is not recommended for people who either have fractures or are prone to getting fractures, vein inflammation, or have any kind of open wound present. It is also not advised for people with chronic back issues, present or past, such as ankylosing spondylitis. Generally, however, this massage is considered a safe treatment and is most often well tolerated.
How We Can Help
Have you been looking to get this treatment done? We here at Ultimate Health Clinic can provide you with this service, ensuring it is done with quality work, technique and expertise. To find out more about this Tui Na treatment or the many other services we provide at our clinic in East Gwillimbury, call us today at (905) 251-0162.