Things You Need to Know of the Oldest Known Form of Traditional Chinese Massage: Tui Na Acupuncture

Central Earth Acupuncture, Cupping, Massage Therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in Aiea, Hawaii. Call 808-582-8660 to Schedule an Appointment.

Tui Na is a form of bodywork based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Working along meridians (energy channels) throughout the body, the Tui Na practitioner taps into these energy points, using stretches, pressure points, and joint rotations, to balance the body’s vital energy (qi).

Tui Na has been called a combination of Shiatsu—a Japanese bodywork practice—and acupressure massage. The name of this massage therapy modality comes from the two words describing actions in the treatment: tui means “to push” and na means “to grab or squeeze.”

Myths about the practice and benefits of Tui Na abound, so here are six important Tui Na facts.

Tui Na, or tuina, is a therapeutic form of massage and has been used in China for more than 5,000 years. Defined as “the ancient healing art of fingers and strength.”

Are Tui Na Massages Similar to Western Massages?

Tui Na massage sessions usually last between thirty minutes and one hour, and normally take place on a massage table. Tui Na is intended to be both relaxing and invigorating. Some techniques and strokes used in Tui Na are much like those used in a relaxing Swedish massage, such as gliding, kneading, rocking, pulling, friction, and rolling.

Similar to tui na, Thai massage helps to relieve blockages, remove deficiencies, and correct imbalances in the flow of energy. While Swedish massage uses long gliding strokes to rub the muscles in the direction of blood returning to the heart.

How are Tui Na Massages Different from Western Massages?

Because it is based on Chinese medicine, Tui Na is also quite different from Western massage therapy. Unlike Western massage techniques, Tui Na goes beyond the muscles, bones, and joints to work with the body on a deeper, energetic level.

Tui Na practitioners intend to sense the energy of the client with their hands, and affect the flow and distribution of that energy during the session. Tui Na massage is often used in concert with other TCM therapies including acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies, moxibustion, and cupping.

In tui na massage, the muscles and tendons are massaged with the help of hands, and an acupressure technique is applied to directly affect the flow of qi at different acupressure points of the body, thus facilitating the healing process.

Do you Wear Clothes During a Tui Na Massage?

Like Thai massage and Shiatsu, Tui Na is traditionally practiced on fully clothed clients. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing to ensure the practitioner can move your joints through the full range of motion. In a Tui Na massage, massage oils are only used on the neck, hands, and feet.

How Does Tui Na Massage Help your Qi?

Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy treats patients holistically, focusing on physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. Tui Na is intended to restore physiological and emotional balance by unblocking channels of qi through the body that have been blocked by tension, bad habits, and poor health.

Originating in China, tuina, which is pronounced “tween-uh,” is the oldest known form of massage. In traditional Chinese medicine, the flow of qi energy, or life force, is fundamental.

Is Tui Na Massage Good for Chronic Neck Pain?

One study shows that Tui Na massage is a welcome relief for those with chronic neck pain. Study participants who received Tui Na massage for neck pain experienced significant relief from their pain and discomfort.

Is Tui Na a Medical Massage?

Tui Na is a standard treatment in TCM hospitals and clinics throughout China, and continues to be used in modern TCM hospitals to this day. It can be used to either encourage overall wellness (through harnessing qi) to treat specific conditions like low back pain.

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OAHU ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

Central Earth Acupuncture, Cupping & Massage

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Meet Dr. Annie (Han) Yang 杨

Dr. Annie Yang is a Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine (DACM). She is also a Licensed Acupuncturist in both China and Hawaii.

Dr. Yang Specializes in Pain Management, Female Irregular Menstruation, Digestion Issues, and Stress Relief.

Dr. Annie Yang studied Internal Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine for 6 years at Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

She has over 15 years of clinical experience in Acupuncture.

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98-199 KAMEHAMEHA HWY STE 53, AIEA, HI 96701

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Annie (Han) Yang 杨 or Contact us at 808-582-8660 to Avail our Acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine Services.

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