Chinese Massage (TUI-NA)
A family of bodywork therapies treating conditions that would require an osteopath, chiropractor, physiotherapist, or sports therapist.

Chinese medical massage (TUI-NA) is a family of bodywork therapies that utilize manual techniques to stimulate acupuncture points (acupressure), loosen tender muscles, mobilize joints and realign structural dislocations (bone setting). While in some ways it is similar to other forms of bodywork, it has a very different approach and many different techniques. It is a very good form of treatment for complaints involving the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. It can also be applied to treat other types of complaints and it is often used as an alternative to needles in children.

The Approach:

Although it is used to treat the muscles and joints, its true intent is to improve the flow of the life force or energy in the body. The focus of treatment is directed on the meridians (the pathways of the life force or energy) as well as the body's tissues. It incorporates the traditional diagnosis and treatment strategy of Chinese medicine as well. It is very energetic  and quite demanding of the practitioner as far as strength and stamina.

The Techniques:

Chinese medical massage has many techniques which are very fast paced and not excessively deep and only a few long strokes which are common in Swedish-style massage. The techniques are alternated quite often to continually stimulate the patient's energy and prevent practitioner fatigue. The techniques used utilize the entire hand, forearm, and sometimes elbow. There are technique of kneeding, grasping, rubbing, and gentle striking of the tissue.

Chinese medical massage is set aside from other bodywork styles by the attention paid to the joints. Joint manipulation is very important in Chinese massage therapy. During treatment, the joints are passively led through their natural range of motion by the practitioner. Slight stress is placed upon the joints in order to open them up and realign them.

Patient Response:

After treatment, patients feel more flexible and have less pain, as with other types of massage. After a Chinese massage session, patients often feel more energetic and motivated and not relaxed and sleepy like those who are taking other forms of massage. This is due to the fast pace and vigorous movements of Chinese massage. The practitioner's goal is to energize the body's life force to facilitate its flow, rather than relax and sooth the tissues and mind.

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