Tui Na Massage
Benefits of Tui Na
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Restores balance in the body's energies (chi) for health and well being in mind, body and spirit.
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Relaxes the body or area being worked upon.
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Increases oxygen & nutrient uptake into the tissues.
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Improves blood circulation.
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Stimulates and improves circulation of the lymphatic system which means it improves the immune system and aids the removal of toxins.
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Relaxation of body and specific muscle group.
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Relief from chronic pain and joint stiffness.
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Boosts vitality.
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Manipulation of energy through energy pathways (meridians) and points (acupressure points).
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It releases stagnant energy.
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Restores general wellbeing.
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Helps stress related disorders.
What is it like to have a Tui Na treatment
It is a very vigorous massage; every technique requires movement as well as pressure. After the first session you may feel a little sore but after two or three more most people adjust to the deep pressure.
Are there any possible side effects (contra-actions)?
As with acupuncture, Tui Na produces many side effects, but all of them are positive. A common example is the person treated for chronic back pain finding that their chronic constipation has also been eased. This is because the pain treatment focuses on the Bladder meridian which links directly into the Qi energies of the large intestine.
Are there any contra-indications (reasons to stop me having the treatment)?
Yes. As with all forms of therapy, there are certain conditions that would contra-indicate Tui Na but very few would contra-indicate it completely.
Very deep, soft tissue massage and vigorous join manipulations would be inappropriate for someone with osteoporosis and so would direct massage on skin affected by eczema or infection, to mention just two examples. Even in these cases, however, it might be possible to do very effective Tui Na using distinct parts of the meridians and selected distant Qi-points. Feel free to email or phone if you wish to discuss this.
Cancer
severe heart disease
areas where artificial joints are fitted.
Fever
Unstable medical conditions,
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Contagious or infectious diseases
Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
Oedema
Inflammation
Varicose veins
Pregnancy
Recent scar tissue
Sunburn
Hormonal implants
Haematoma
Hernia
Recent fractures
Allergies
Sensitive skin
Tui Na massage is a highly effective treatment primarily used for musculo-skeletal pain. It is a holistic massage based on the principles of Chinese medicine, involving a wide variety of techniques to knead and work the muscles and tissues of the body, to promote blood flow, break up scar tissue and speed healing. Any pain or discomfort you experience is due to imbalances in the body’s tissues; this is what we are working with in Tui Na.
Tui Na can be applied in a chair or on a massage couch. It is done through a light clothing, so unnecessary to undress. This gives an even surface to apply techniques, and means that oils are not needed. You may also be covered with a sheet.
Whilst it treats chronic pain, especially that caused by muscular-skeletal conditions and injuries, neck, shoulder, back pain, immobility, sciatica and tennis elbow, it also improves the overall Qi status of the body. This means that headaches, migraines, IBS, constipation, PMS and a whole range of emotional problems can also be treated.
Tui Na works in accordance with the complex theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is considered that the life powering energy that the Chinese call Qi. flows through the body. Every aspect of bodily function depends upon Qi and its flow through the tissues.
The Chinese recognise a network of 12 paired meridians - one member of each pair on the right side of the body and the other on the left. There are also two unpaired meridians that encircle the trunk and the head in the mid-line.
These meridians are not like vessels, they have no anatomical structure but they are pathways along which the main flow of Qi occurs. It is best to visualise them as precise currents of Qi, similar to the currents of the sea.
At irregular intervals along the meridians there are specific Qi points (the acu-points of acupuncture) where pressure, needles or heat can affect the way Qi flows through the meridian. This effect can manifest itself on some part of the meridian quite distant from where the stimulus is applied.
When Qi flow is disturbed anywhere in the body, Qi imbalance that results can cause pain, stiffness, sickness - even emotional pain.
The Chinese believe that health and vitality depend on Qi balance in the body. Tui Na is one of the best ways of achieving this and it uses an array of techniques to do it.
A Casual observer watching a session sees what appears to be a thorough workout for the soft tissues and joints, but the practitioner aims to do more than this. Attention is focused on meridians and selected Qi points. They are massaged in different ways to remove all blockages to the flow of Qi.
In China, Tui Na is used for conditions that, in the West, would be treated by osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists or with drugs.
Price: £30 per treatment