Posted by Joe Rongo on Fri, Sep 18, 2009 @ 11:39 AM
Although practiced throughout the world, many people have never
heard of Tui Na (Tway-Nah). It is an irony that one of the oldest forms
of massage is currently one the most obscure. This modern art from the
ancient world is based on the same traditional medical philosophy as
acupuncture. Acupuncturists use small needles inserted into
acu-cavities found along the body’s vital energetic pathways
(meridians) to balance the body’s Qi. Qi, pronounced as “Chee” is the
body’s vital energy. When the Qi is flowing freely through the body,
the body is healthy and when it is not flowing freely dysfunction may
likely occur. Tui Na uses a variety of hand techniques instead of
needles to balance the body’s Qi and restore proper function.
After just one class I was knew that Tui Na was a form of bodywork that
I wanted to pursue and practice. Tui Na had natural rhythm and
connectedness that resonated with me. From the beginning brushing
strokes to the deeper pressing strokes I could feel Tui Na balancing my
body. It was an incredible experience! Since that first class many
years ago I have been amazed again and again at how well this art has
helped myself and others, body mind and spirit.
Tui Na is often performed on a massage table or in a chair. The
pressure Tui Na uses can range from soft (light) to hard (deep).
Clients will typically wear loose, comfortable clothing. The loose
clothing affords the Tui Na practitioner the freedom to use movement
and stretching techniques lengthen and open tight areas. While being
moved and stretched the simultaneous application of hand techniques
such as grasping and kneading are often used. This is an advantage
over Western style oil massage where the need to keep the client
covered interferes many relaxing and therapeutic movements. Tui na
will occasionally use oils and liniments when specific areas are sore
or damaged. In these cases the liniments and oils are applied in
combination with specific hand techniques for an enhanced effect of
both.
When people first hear about Tui Na they often ask what it is like to
receive it. Tui Na can be described as a fun, therapeutic, rhythmic
form of bodywork that is invigorating and yet deeply relaxing. Those
who receive Tui Na for the first time are often amazed at how relaxing
and therapeutic it can be. After receiving Tui Na, clients regularly
comment that they feel more relaxed, centered, energized, and
grounded. They take the session with them when they get off the table.
Client comments include: “I feel so much taller”, “more aligned”, or “I
feel so much better just walking around after the session”. As a
result, Tui Na is a new and amazing experience that many want to repeat!
What makes Tui Na so amazing? The reason is two fold. First, Tui Na
philosophy sees the body as whole, rather than a sum of its parts. It
works to balance the physical, emotional, and energetic disharmonies in
the body by working along and among the meridians that regulate that
harmony. Simply put Tui Na sees the “whole” body in relationship to
itself, and offers the client a high level of balance and connectedness
beyond a basic muscle therapy.
The second reason for Tui Na’s effectiveness is the wide variety of
unique hand techniques and how they are applied. Tui Na techniques are
applied along muscle groups, meridians, and acupressure points to
encourage the body’s flow of Qi and blood. The deeper techniques, such
as pressing and kneading, will often incorporate rhythmic rocking
motions that produce a kinesthetic wave that lulls the body into a deep
relaxation that unwinds tight muscles and opens stagnant Qi. Lighter
strokes, such as brushing, work to connect the body and encourage Qi
flow. These two aspects along with the stretching movements mentioned
earlier create a symphonic experience that helps the client overall.
Today in the U.S., Tui Na is an art may be obscure but it is gaining
ground and popularity among the many have experienced it. As it
becomes more popular it is being added to massage therapy school
curriculums and spa menus. Here in the Southwest people will find Tui
Na in spas such as the Westin Kierland’s Agave Spa in Phoenix,
Arizona. For trainings, contact ASIS Massage Education. As more
therapists find this art it is bound to become more popular. So, when
you see Tui Na on the menu, try it out. You may find that it
eventually becomes your preferred therapy for relaxation and
musculoskeletal pain.
By T. J. Fritz, LMT, Acupressure Practitioner