Tui Na
Rather using acupuncture needles to alter the flow of Qi, tui na accomplish this by primarily massaging the body using different techniques. In doing so, the imbalance in Qi is corrected and thus harmony is restored. Similar to acupuncture and herbs used in TCM, tui na has been practiced for over 2000 years. It can be used for treatment of a disease alone or in combination with acupuncture, Chinese herbs or with western medications and in prevention of a disease alone or in combination with other TCM methods. (1)
Tui na can be performed via various techniques and these techniques include hand techniques, acupressure techniques and manipulation techniques. During each tui na session, combinations of all 3 techniques are often incorporated in series of kneeding, tapping and pressing. (1)
To enhance the therapeutic effect of tui na, external herbal poultices, warm compresses, liniments and herbal ointment are often used. Some herbal poultices and liniments may be contraindicated to certain patients due to the possibility of triggering allergic reactions. (1)
Tui na is contraindicated in patient with compounded fractures, open wounds, sores and lesions and with an active infection such as chicken pox or hepatitis. On average, each tui na session last between 30-60mins. During the tui na session, patients may be requested to either lay down or sit up. At the end of the session, patients should feel relaxed but energized. (1)
Tui na can be performed via various techniques and these techniques include hand techniques, acupressure techniques and manipulation techniques. During each tui na session, combinations of all 3 techniques are often incorporated in series of kneeding, tapping and pressing. (1)
- Hand technique- Indirectly corrects Qi by targeting soft tissue. This methods uses mainly the palm of the hands to apply pressure on injured soft tissue and thus good for muscle sprains, joint injuries and promotion of blood circulation (1)
- Acupressure technique- Directly corrects Qi by targeting acupuncture points. This method uses elbows and fingers to apply pressure on specific acupuncture points and is good for internal disease and removal of blood stasis (1)
- Manipulation technique- Indirectly corrects Qi by targeting muscles and ligaments. By correctly realigning the muscles and ligaments, joint injuries and nerve pain can be resolved as well. This technique can sometimes be quite painful to some patients (1)
To enhance the therapeutic effect of tui na, external herbal poultices, warm compresses, liniments and herbal ointment are often used. Some herbal poultices and liniments may be contraindicated to certain patients due to the possibility of triggering allergic reactions. (1)
Tui na is contraindicated in patient with compounded fractures, open wounds, sores and lesions and with an active infection such as chicken pox or hepatitis. On average, each tui na session last between 30-60mins. During the tui na session, patients may be requested to either lay down or sit up. At the end of the session, patients should feel relaxed but energized. (1)
References:
1. Tui Na. Chinese bodywork therapy. http://www.acupuncture.com/qigong_tuina/tuinabodywork.htm. Accessed July 2, 2013
1. Tui Na. Chinese bodywork therapy. http://www.acupuncture.com/qigong_tuina/tuinabodywork.htm. Accessed July 2, 2013