Tui Na

Tui Na: tui "to push" na "to lift and squeeze." Tui Na (推拏 or 推拿, both pronounced tuī ná), is a form of Asian manipulative therapy often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, herbal therapy, tai chi and qigong. Tui Na has been used extensively in China for over 2,000 years. Tui Na is an external method that can be applied in acute and chronic conditions. It is suitable for use on infants and the elderly.

The practitioner may brush, knead, roll, press, and rub the areas between each of the joints, (the eight gates), to open the defensive (wei) qi to get the energy flowing in the meridian channels and muscles. Techniques may be gentle or quite firm. Strokes include shaking and rhythmic percussion. Range of motion, traction, and stimulation of acupressure points may be used.

Often liniment, plasters, herbal compresses and packs are used to aid in the healing process. Tui na is contraindicated for compound fractures, external wounds, open sores, lesions, phlebitis, or infectious conditions such as hepatitis. Tui Na should not be performed over the abdomen of menstruating or pregnant women. Tui Na should not used for malignant tumors or tuberculosis.

Tui Na has fewer side effects than modern drug-based and chemical-based treatments. It has been used to treat or complement the treatment of many conditions; musculo-skeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems.

Tui Na is frequently used in the treatment of superficial trauma, injury and a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Tui Na may be used when acupuncture is inappropriate: with children or if there is a severe fear of needles.

The first reference to external massage treatment was called "anwu", then the more common name became "anmo". It then spread to many foreign countries such as Korea and Japan. Today, the term Tui Na has replaced anmo within China and the West. The term anmo is still used in some surrounding countries such as Japan.

The art of massage merged (around 1600 CE) with another technique called Tui Na, which was the specialty of bone-setting using deep manipulation. Around this time the different systems of Tui Na became popular, each with its own sets of rules and methods.

Tui Na is an occupation that is particularly suitable to those with physical disabilities. In China, many blind persons receive training in Tui Na, where their heightened sense of touch is a great benefit.

In a typical adult Tui Na session, the patient wears loose clothing. After brief questions about the nature and location of the health problem as well as basic questions about general health, allergies and other existing conditions, the practitioner will concentrate on specific acupressure points, energy trigger points, muscles and joints surrounding the affected area. Sometimes clothing is removed or re-positioned if direct skin contact is required. Patients will be informed if this is necessary, no inappropriate or unexpected contact is made.

Treatment can last from 10 minutes to over an hour. Additional treatments may be required for chronic conditions.

Self massage and prescribed exercises to be performed at home may be recommended. This can enhance results.