Tuina and Massage (continue)

Push and Grasp?

The term "Tuina" translates into "push-grasp" in Chinese. Physically, it is a series of pressing, tapping, and kneading that removes blockages along the meridians of the body and stimulates the flow of Qi and blood to promote healing, similar to principles of acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure. Tuina's massage-like techniques range from light stroking to deep-tissue work which would never to considered during a recreational or relaxing massage.

When Not to Use It

Tuina can be quite powerful and sometimes quite painful during the deep-tissue manipulations. Clinical practitioners often use herbal compresses and packs to aid in the healing process, which can cause allergic reactions on sensitive skin. Tuina is not used for conditions involving compound fractures, external wounds, open sores or lesions, phlebitis, or with infectious conditions such as hepatitis. Tuina should not be performed on the abdominal portion of a woman in menstrual or pregnant periods, and it is not used for treatment of malignant tumors or tuberculosis.

What to Expect?

When you go into a typical adult 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. Never go for a treatment just after eating...wait at least an hour.

Don't expect a light, relaxing massage, this therapeutic method goes directly after the problems, sometimes requiring significant pressure. When excessive friction from rubbing or stroking is involved, the practitioner may choose to use talcum power, sesame oil, ointment of Chinese holly leaf, oil from HongHua, or a specialized massage emulsion or oil developed for Tuina.

Occasionally, clothing is removed or repositioned to expose a particular spot that requires direct skin contact. The patient should always be informed before this act, and no inappropriate or unexpected contact should ever be made in a professional session.

Treatment sessions last from 30 minutes to over an hour. Patients often return for additional treatments for chronic conditions. As with most "energy-based" treatments, the patient usually feels either relaxed and tired, or surprisingly energized by the treatment and release of pain.