Tui Na: Chinese Massage

In Chinese medicine pain is primarily caused by a blockage of chi and blood. Chi is an energy that circulates along pathways called channels and, like blood, it is supposed to flow smoothly and freely all over the body. Both chi and blood can become blocked due to things like injury, stress, or inactivity, resulting in pain, tension, and reduced range of motion. Tui na and the associated traditional bodywork techniques, like zhi ya (acupressure), ba guan (fire cupping), and gua sha (jade and horn massage tools) can effectively stop pain by releasing tension and constriction, breaking up scar tissue, warming and realigning muscle fibers, and opening the channels. If your condition calls for it, I incorporate tui na into my acupuncture sessions at no extra charge. You can also book a tui na session for 60 minutes.

Tui Na Breaks Up Knots and Releases Tissues

Tui na is a deeper and more technical form of medical massage that primarily aims to treat pain by getting the chi and blood flowing. It is similar in some ways to what is commonly referred to as deep tissue massage, working on multiple layers of tissue at once to break up knots and other areas of constriction. For example, many of the so-called "trigger points" of deep tissue massage correspond to acupuncture points. Unlike deep tissue massage, however, instead of focusing on soft tissue anatomy, tui na focuses more on the anatomy of the acupuncture channels, aiming to open and unblock the free flow of chi and blood along these pathways all over the body as a whole. Since these pathways run very deep, passing through the internal organs, tui na can have positive systemic effects way beyond pain relief. Most people who come in for tui na have a specific issue or area of pain that they would like to work on, though more generalized sessions are also beneficial.

 

My tui na sessions incorporate a range of strokes, from broad and superficial, to deep and focused, and everything in between. This helps me reach multiple layers of tissue, relax the body overall, but also concentrate on specific areas of pain and constriction. I also usually combine tui na with other traditional, complimentary techniques like zhi ya (acupressure), ba guan (fire cupping), and gua sha (jade and horn massage tools). In zhi ya (acupressure), direct, focused pressure is applied to knots and acupuncture points. These act like trigger points or reflex points that help the muscles release tension along the entire length of the fibers. In ba guan (fire cupping) glass orbs are suctioned to the skin to tug out tension in the muscles and fascia, soften knots, and improve the flow of chi, lymph, and blood in areas of constriction. In gua sha (friction), specialized jade and bone tools are rubbed over knots and areas of pain to stretch and realign muscle and fascia fibers and get things flowing once again. I also incorporate a lot of Chinese herbal topical formulations into these sessions such as topical oils, ointments, and patches for pain.