Tuina Massage

Tuina /twee-nah/ massage, which literally translates as ‘pinch and pull,’ is a type of bodywork most associated with acupressure. It originates from ancient China and is considered one of the eight branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine:

1. Tuina /twee-nah/ massage | Acupressure
2. Acupuncture 
3. Cupping | Gua Sha | Moxibustion
4. Herbal Medicine 
5. Nutrition | Chinese Dietary Therapy, ‘Food as Medicine’
6. Cultivated Movement | Qigong /chi-gong/ and Yoga
7. Stillness Practice | Meditation
8. Feng Shui | Environmental Flow & Harmony

Tuina massage uses the same principles of acupuncture related to meridians (also known as pathways or channels) and acupuncture points. Instead of needles, the practitioner uses her hands to apply acupressure to these pathways and points. Kneading, rubbing, tapping, and pressing are some of the techniques involved. Tuina massage is often used in conjunction with acupuncture.

Tuina /twee-nah/ massage is used to maintain optimal health and provides pain relief. It is effective for improving sleep, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. It’s primarily used to address nervous conditions and musculoskeletal injuries.

Some of the conditions tuina massage addresses include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, back, hips, legs, ankles)
• Neck pain
• Back Pain
• Stress
• Fatigue and insomnia
• Tension headaches and migraines
• Respiratory disorders such as asthma or coughing
• Digestive disorders such as constipation and colic
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Yes, tuina /twee-nah/ massage works at treating a number of health conditions and has a variety of benefits. Positive effects include:

• Improves circulation
• Reduces neck pain
• Alleviates tension, tightness, and irritability
• Relieves low back pain
• Treats depression
• Promotes healthy postpartum lactation
• Alleviates constipation and reduces colic
• Treats musculoskeletal disorders affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• Improves quality of life in cancer patients by reducing fatigue and regulating digestion

Tuina /twee-nah/ massage works by removing stagnant blocks that impact a person’s physical body, emotions, and spirit. Tuina massage uses the same guiding principles of acupuncture meridians and points to navigate the removal of these blocks and improve fluid mobility.

Though it’s possible for tuina /twee-nah/ massage to be painful, in my experience it is not. When I notice a knot that causes discomfort, I go to that area and work with it until it releases. If a knot doesn’t release, I’ll redirect my attention to another part of the back so that your muscles soften and you feel relaxed. We’ll go back to your troubled area over a number of treatments until it resolves.

Very often tuina massage is combined with acupuncture. By including this modality of needles, it reinforces feelings of deep relaxation and restoration.

Tuina /twee-nah/ massage can be performed vertically in a chair or horizontally on a massage table.

When it is performed, it is an exclusive treatment for infants and children. For adults, it’s often combined with acupuncture and can be done over loose fitting clothing or bare skin with therapeutic oils, lotions, or salves.

The range of sensations from tuina massage depends on your practitioner and your specific needs as there are a variety of techniques to be applied in a session.

Tuina /twee-nah/ massage helps with a variety of health conditions from head to toe.

The types of health conditions tuina massage helps with include:

• Tension headaches and migraines
• Musculoskeletal injuries (neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, back, hips, legs, ankles)
• Chronic neck pain
• Low back pain
• Sciatica
• Arthritic pain
• Muscle spasms
• Stress
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Respiratory disorders such as asthma or coughing
• Digestive disorders such as constipation and colic
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

The effects of tuina massage not only provides pain relief, but it also improves sleep, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation. If you’re experiencing one of these symptoms, make a tuina massage and an acupuncture appointment today.

You can do tuina /twee-nah/ massage as often as once per week.

If you’re in acute pain and it isn’t considered a medical emergency, then you can visit twice per week until the pain lessens in intensity. Then treatment will be spaced out once a week, once every other week, once every three weeks, and so forth until you find the right pain management plan for you.

If you are in good health and wish to receive a tuina massage for general maintenance, it is recommended to visit once every 3-6 weeks.

Similar to acupuncture, these are the steps you’ll wish to do after a tuina massage:

• Hydrate with room-temperature, purified water
• Go to the bathroom and have a healthy bowel movement
• Have a light meal
• Listen to calm, relaxing music to enhance your relaxed state of mind
• Gentle stretches, gentle yoga or qigong /chi-gong/
• Meditation
• Rest or yoga nidra
• Sleep

Within 24 hours after a tuina /twee-nah/ massage, avoid the following:

• High intensity exercise
• Alcohol, coffee, sugar, dairy, wheat, or processed meats
• Extreme temperatures—Hot showers, baths, or frigid air-conditioning
• Jumping into work and completing administrative tasks… You want to give yourself plenty of time to absorb the treatment.
• Stop Medications

High intensity exercise includes:

• Running
• Power yoga
• Weight lifting
• High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

To get the most out of your session, be sure to build in the space after treatment 2-3 hours to have some downtime.

Yes, you can do tuina /twee-nah/ massage while pregnant during the first, second, or third trimesters with a qualified practitioner.

In fact, it’s recommended to get tuina prenatal massage during pregnancy because it addresses a number of musculoskeletal and neurological issues. With tuina massage, you can make your pregnancy a more peaceful and positive experience.

Not only is prenatal tuina massage beneficial for mama, but baby too! When mama is at ease, it is more likely that baby will cry less, sleep better, and in general be healthier and happier.

If you’re already experiencing tuina massage during your pregnancy, you may wish to consider tuina massage during your postpartum recovery as early as 24 hours after vaginal delivery and within the first 3-12 months after delivery. Book a consultation to make the right plan for you and baby today.