Tuina (Tui Na)
Chinese and Thai Massage bodywork rigorously stimulates the healing energy (Qi) in the points. To those who’ve experienced both acupressure and Shiatsu, a Tui Na session may seem like a cross between the two. Like Shiatsu, Tui Na uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body, as well as a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints. Like acupressure, Tui Na directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points.
Tui na dates back to 1700 BC. It is a hands-on body treatment that uses Chinese taoist and martial art principles to bring the body to balance. The principles being balanced are the eight principles of Traditonal Chinese Medicine. The practitioner may brush, knead, roll/press and rub the areas between each of the joints (known as the eight gates) to open the body’s defensive (wei) chi and get the energy moving in both the meridians and the muscles. The practitioner can then use range of motion, traction, massage with the stimulation of acupresure points and to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions. Tui na is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is taught in TCM schools as part of formal training in Oriental medicine. Many East Asian martial arts schools also teach tui na to their advanced students for the treatment and management of injury and pain due to training. As with many other traditional Chinese medical practices, there are several different schools with greater or lesser differences in their approach to the discipline. It is related also to Chinese massage or anmo. Anmo is the general term for massage in Chinese, whereas Tui Na is a more specialized term indicating practices based on the theories of Chinese medicine.
As with other styles of Asian bodywork, Tui Na is designed to prevent problems, not just correct them. By keeping the body’s energy in balance, health is maintained. This is true not just for physical health, but for mental and emotional well-being as well. Tui Na does not simply work on the muscles, bones, and joints. It works with the energy of the body at a deeper level. As the practitioner senses the client’s body with her hands, she is able to assess the distribution of energy and affect its flow. One of Tui Na’s advantages over simple massage is its ability to focus on specific problems, especially chronic pain associated with the muscles, joints, and skeletal system. It’s especially effective for joint pain (such as arthritis), sciatica, muscle spasms, and pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. It also helps chronic conditions such as insomnia, constipation, headaches (including migraines), and the tension associated with stress.
Most every type of massage or bodywork that benefits human beings is also therapeutic for animals. Your animal may benefit from: Deep Tissue Massage, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki and more.
Massage and bodywork can contribute significantly to your animal’s ease of movement, health, and quality of life. In addition to reducing muscle soreness and providing well-deserved pampering, massage also
- Boosts the immune system
- Improves the quality and symmetry of movement
- Supports better joint health and function
- Promotes earlier detection of stresses and strains
- Stimulates circulation for greater health of all tissues
- Helps reduce risk, severity, and frequency of injuries
- Improves athletic agility and coordination
- Reduces the effects of stress
- Minimizes restrictions caused by old scar tissue
- Reduces or eliminates adhesions, knots, and other restrictions
- Improves skeletal alignment for more efficient movement
- Releases endorphins (natural pain killers)
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves digestion