Traditional Chinese Massage
Traditional Chinese Massage Basics
Tui Na massage, pronounced “twee-nah”, along with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, are the main components of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tui Na, itself, is a complete system of medicine.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that energy in the body has to flow continuously to help an individual to relieve stress and prevent disease. When the channels are impeded or blocked, the person experiences pain and is prone to health problems.
Tui Na, means “pushing and grasping”. It uses the same principles of acupuncture, which employs manual stimulation to release and connect energy at 12 specified points throughout the body.
Traditional Chinese Massage Techniques
Tui Na involves stretching kneading, pushing the muscles, pressing and pinching acupressure points to relieve stress and pain. Each technique is based on therapeutic principles with relative effects such as stimulating the body to release more hormoes, regulating blood flow or boosting energy or recovery. Hand techniques are further categorized into sedating techniques or “yin” and stimulating techniques or “yang”. The idea is to balance both yin and yang to achieve full health.
Benefits of Traditional Chinese Massage
Tui Na massage can relieve multiple disorders including insomnia, constipation, headaches, migraines, irritable bowl syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, and emotional problems. It can also treat disorders related to digestive, respitory, and reproductive systems. Many people seak the treatment for stiff neck, distension of shoulders, sciatica, and sore back.
The techniques also help produce a calm and relaxing mood. It is a great way for people to rejuvenate and soothe themselves psychologically from stress. People will experience renewed strength and vigor after a session lasting at least 30 minutes.
Traditional Chinese Massage for Healing
According to a study published in the “Archives of Diseas in Childhood” in 2012, patients showed significant improvements in their conditions after application of such techniques. A September 2010 study in the “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine” showed that people who are suffering from problems like hypertension, diabetes, muscular diseases and infection can also speed recovery through Chinese massage techniques. Some approaches can be beneficial for lung problems and heart conditions.
Tui Na, as the Traditional Chinese Massage has become widely used around the globe and more and more popular.
References and Resources
- US National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Health
- Fremont College
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society
- amcollege.edu
- livestrong.com
