tuina

A style of massage little known in the West

Tuina (therapeutic massage) is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its effectiveness - particularly when combined with acupuncture is not often appreciated in the West.  It is quite unusual to find a practice that will routinely offer treatment that is a combination of both.  If you are not local to the Leeds or York area, see www.bodyharmonics.co.uk for a list of Integrated Oriental Medicine practitioners.

Also see pages on treatment with Acupuncture and Cupping/Moxibustion

When should you think about having Tuina?

It is useful in such a wide range of circumstances and so effective that anyone who has had Tuina will have a session as often as they can!

To start with, consider:

  • Having Tuina as a first step to having Chinese Therapies
  • Trying Tuina as a sports massage
  • Booking a Tuina session for your own personal time to help with stress
  • Having Tuina as an alternative to other massage therapies

Alternatively, just go for the best of both worlds by having acupuncture combined with Tuina

What are the unique features of Tuina?

There are many benefits to Tuina and the value of this hands-on treatment cannot be under-estimated. Tuina includes acupressure on points on the energetic meridian system. Perhaps the best endorsement is from satisfied clients who always appreciate this part of their session. Read more...

What will Tuina treat?

It is clearly a benefit to have massage where the problem is a physical injury (a joint is stiff or a muscle is strained) It is also helpful to have a massage for specific internal problems that are not connected with movement. For example: A stomach massage helps both constipation and IBS A face massage helps sinus problems and headaches Shoulder massage can help high blood pressure A suitable massage to help each individual diagnosis will usually be recommended. Tuina alone can be used in treatments where a client dislikes needles. Tuina is also an excellent massage for stress release or just for someone who needs some TLC (gift vouchers can be purchased, please ask). The back massage and head, neck and shoulder massages are particularly recommended.

What are the benefits of Tuina over other massage therapies?

Tuina can be suited to the circumstances: gentle when an area is sore but vigorous when it can take the pressure. It has a wide range of techniques including manipulation. It is unusual in being both relaxing and invigorating. The literal translation of Tuina is 'push and grasp' and this gives some idea of its potential as a good alternative to sports massage.

Tuina can be used on most parts of the body and is usually given through light clothing. The combination of different massage techniques and manipulation is excellent for focussing on a particular problem area without causing pain or bruising. Massage includes general techniques to loosen stiffness and help move stagnation. These leave the body feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Tuina also includes work on acupoints and meridians which are in a painful area, and have a strong local impact or will affect other energies of the body and help problems such as high blood pressure or nausea. Tuina is particularly good when combined with acupuncture. It is excellent for musculo-skeletal problems but is also useful for constitutional problems.

Still not sure about massage in general or Tuina in particular? Please ask