Tuina or tui-na (pronounced twee-nah) massage originated in ancient China and is believed to be the oldest system of bodywork. It’s one of the four main branches of traditional Chinese medicine, along with acupuncture, qi gong, and Chinese herbal medicine.
It’s based on the theory that imbalances of qi, which is the body’s vital life force or energy, can cause blockages or imbalances that lead to symptoms such as pain and illness. Tuina massage stimulates the flow of qi to promote balance and harmony within the body using many of the same principles of acupuncture. It’s similar to acupuncture in the way it targets specific acupoints, but practitioners use fingers instead of needles to apply pressure to stimulate these points. Tuina massage is often used in combination with acupuncture.
The goal of Tuina massage is to create harmony in the yin and yang of the body by getting rid of blockages and disturbances that manifest as illness, disease, and emotional issues. A Tuina massage is done with clothes on using a small towel to cover the area being worked on. This is not a relaxing massage although by the end you will feel relaxed. Many of the techniques used are quite vigorous and use reasonable pressure. Where there is an issue such as tightness or a knot it can feel uncomfortable but we will work to your own level, you will be asked constantly where the levels are which means you are in control of your massage.
Because Tuina works on a physical and energetic level it can improve your general health as well as treat musculosketletal problems. The techniques aim to manipulate the muscles from every angle possible therefore working on all levels which is why we get such good results in only a few sessions.
If you would like more information about Tuina or to book a treatment please contact me