Quit sniggering at the name, this is serious. Tui Na is a form of Chinese massage that gets to work on your muscles for major tension relief. Literally translated as ‘pinch and pull’, the treatment addresses specific areas of concern, a little like acupuncture. The technique ‘harmonises yin and yang in the body’ through theraupetic massage and has been used in China for more than 5,000 years. Combined with herbs and acupuncture, it’s actually a vital part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Oh, and it’s pronounced ‘twee-na’, no fish involved round here.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 It uses rhythm
Those administering the massage will use their finger, hand, elbow, knee or foot to apply pressure on various body locations. This ‘rhythmic compression’, works to create a harmonious flow throughout the body and remove blockages. Intriguing.
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2 It's all about balance
The traditional form of chinese massage places emphasis on ‘holistic healing’ – focusing on physical, mental and spiritual awareness. The intention is to restore balance through unlocking channels of qi, blocked by tension and bad habits (roll off the sofa, and head for the table).
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3 You keep your clothes on
Unlike other forms of massage, Tui Na requires your clothes to be kept on (though keep ‘em loose for optimum comfort). The therapist will move you into yoga-like stretches as they work on various pressure points.
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4 You'll recognise the techniques
The techniques used aren’t too dissimilar from the western massages (Swedish, and the like); kneading, rubbing, tapping and pressing are just a few of the actions involved. No baking at the end though.
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5 There's a long list of benefits
Aside from easing pain in the limbs and joints, Tui Na can also help to alleviate stress-related conditions, like insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, and digestive issues. Step away from the Rennies, and head to the salon.
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FAQs
What is Tui Na massage and how does it work?
Tui Na is a form of Chinese massage focused on muscular tension relief and holistic healing. It uses rhythmic pressure with the fingers, hand, elbow, knee or foot to remove blockages and promote a harmonious flow in the body. The treatment has been practiced for over 5,000 years as a vital part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Do you need to undress for a Tui Na massage?
You keep your clothes on during a Tui Na massage. It’s recommended to wear loose clothing for comfort, as the therapist may move you into yoga-like stretches while working on various pressure points.
What techniques can you expect in a Tui Na massage?
You will experience kneading, rubbing, tapping and pressing during a Tui Na massage. These techniques are similar to familiar Western styles such as Swedish massage, but are applied with rhythmic compression to specific areas of concern on your body.
What are the benefits of having a Tui Na massage?
A Tui Na massage helps ease pain in the limbs and joints, and may also alleviate stress-related conditions like insomnia, premenstrual syndrome and digestive issues. The focus is on restoring balance through unlocking blocked channels of qi caused by tension or bad habits.
How is Tui Na different from other massages?
Unlike many massages, Tui Na focuses on therapeutic rhythmic pressure and keeps you fully clothed. The session often incorporates yoga-like stretches and targets the body’s energy balance as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The overall goal is holistic healing and harmonising yin and yang.