Tuina is the most tried and tested massage therapy in the world. It is an Ancient healing art that employs the use of the hands to press on key points on the surface of the body. When these are points stimulated they release tension, increase circulation and improve the body’s own natural healing process.
Tuina is translated as Tui ‘Push’ and Na ‘Grasp’.
Over the last two centuries Tuina has taken over the role of Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Chiropractic in China. As of 2010 Tuina is now recognised in China as a distinct medical system in its own right.
Tuina Chinese Medical Massage is over a 4000 year old traditional massage system of China. There are many different styles, some are deep and vigourous, some are gentle and subtle, guided by the same principles as Acupuncture, Yin Yang and 5 Elements theory with the use of the meridian systems throughout the body.
Thousands of years ago Tuina was first used to treat paediatric problems, orthopaedic and many other medical problems before occidental medicine was introduced, unlike ‘western’ massage that mainly focuses only on muscular, soft tissue work and relaxation.
Tuina is primarily used to ‘treat’ specific problems rather than just for relaxation, it’s aimed at the root cause as well as your main symptoms. Tuina uses a very complex manipulation system with distinctive hand techniques, osteopathic joint movements, chiropractic corrections, stretches and deep tissue strokes.
Conditions usually treated at Touch Tuina clinics include: sports injuries, work-physical and mental stress, postural misalignment, pain, joint dysfunction, frozen shoulder, sprains, neck and back pain, migraines and much more. Tuina is also successful in treating many types of internal ailments including digestive, immune , respiratory, reproductive and circulatory disorders.
A Touch Tuina treatment incorporates not only massage, but rehabilitation, exercise, herbs, it may also include modalities such as acupuncture, cupping, guasha, Kiniesiology, frequency therapy, Kiniesiology taping, EMS, micro current, lymphatic drainage, heat therapy and dietary/vitamin therapy – (all dependant on ailments presented.) The aim of Tuina is to restore and strengthen Qi, blood, and ones constitution, allowing the body to facilitate its own healing.
At present there are four Touch Tuina Medical Therapy Clinics. Two based in London and two in York and continue to expand.
Touch Tuina clinics are also teaching/training centres for those whom wish to further their knowledge, education and careers in the field of health and well-being.
It is therefore not unusual to have the added benefit of an ‘assistant’ practitioner work on you during treatment alongside your main therapist.
If you are interested in a change of career or just wish to help friends and family or learn a little something different, please refer to our courses page for more information on the courses and lectures we run.