You may have heard of acupuncture, you may have even heard of cupping, but have you ever heard of or experienced Tuina (pronounced twee-nah)? This massage therapy dates back nearly 2,000 years and has many of the same benefits as other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments. In fact, it is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, cupping, gua sha and herbal medicine. In this blog post, we will delve into what Tuina is, the benefits it offers, and who can benefit from this therapeutic tool.

What is Tuina?

Tuina is a comprehensive system of bodywork or massage that involves the massage of the body’s soft tissues to balance the flow of energy, or “qi,” within the body. The term “Tui Na” literally translates to “push” and “lift and squeeze,” which accurately describes some of the many techniques employed during a Tuina session. This therapy combines various massage techniques, acupressure, and stretching movements to promote physical and energetic balance in the body.

The Benefits of Tuina

When practicing Tuina, the focus of your practitioner will be on helping to help treat your particular symptoms and condition. Benefits of regular Tuina therapy can include:

Pain Relief & Period Pain:

Tuina is widely used for its effectiveness in alleviating various types of pain, including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and chronic conditions such as arthritis. It can also help manage pain associated with injuries and postoperative recovery. Tuina techniques can help to release tension and restore flexibility in muscles and joints. This can help alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and correct postural imbalances. Additionally, Tuina can be supportive for women’s health conditions like endometriosis and painful period cramps.

Relief During Pregnancy & Postpartum:

Receiving Tuina during pregnancy and postpartum can help relieve common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts, including lower back pain, calf cramps, sciatic pain, swollen legs, headaches, constipation, indigestion and mood swings or depression. Studies have shown that when massage therapy was introduced to women’s prenatal care, hormone levels associated with relaxation and stress were significantly altered, leading to improved mood regulation. Hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol (“stress hormones”) were reduced, while dopamine and serotonin levels (“feel-good hormones”) were increased in women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks. It is important to note that Tuina should only be performed by a practitioner who is skilled in the contraindications associated with each term during pregnancy.

Stress Reduction:

Tuina’s gentle and rhythmic techniques can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being. It can be a valuable tool in managing stress-related conditions like insomnia and depression.

Improved Circulation:

The manipulation of soft tissues and acupressure points in Tuina promotes better blood circulation and lymphatic flow. This can enhance the body’s ability to deliver nutrients and oxygen to cells while removing waste products.

Improved Digestive Health:

Tuina can stimulate the digestive system, making it effective in addressing issues like indigestion, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Who Can Benefit from Tuina?

Tuina is a versatile therapy suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds. One of the many things I love about Tuina is that it is a great entry point for folks who have never tried acupuncture before and who may have a fear or anxiety around the use of needles. If you’re nervous about trying acupuncture, I always recommend letting your practitioner know so that you can get to know each other better, develop a relationship of trust and work your way up to receiving some needling together. Tuina is a great bridge therapy for beginners in this situation.

Tuina can also be especially beneficial for the following individuals:

Athletes and Active Individuals: Tuina can help athletes and physically active individuals recover from injuries, enhance performance, and maintain flexibility.

Chronic Pain Sufferers: People with chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia or sciatica, often find relief through Tuina.

Pregnant or Postpartum Individuals: Tuina can help provide relief from the many hormonal shifts experienced during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Folks with Period Pain or Endometriosis: Tuina can help provide pain relief for those experiencing painful period cramps or low back pain, or endometriosis-related pain.

Stressed-Out Folks: Individuals dealing with higher-stress lifestyles can use Tuina as a valuable tool for relaxation and stress management.

Folks with Digestive and Respiratory Conditions: Tuina can be beneficial for those with digestive issues, respiratory problems, or conditions that may benefit from improved circulation.

How is Tuina Different From Regular Massage?

Because Tuina is based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the approach is actually quite different from that of a massage therapist. While Tuina takes into account the importance of muscles, fascia, joints and bones, it is also centered around tending to the different meridians, organ systems, Qi and Blood that are foundational to TCM. Tuina practitioners intend to assess the qi of their client using their hands and diagnostic tools, and affect the flow and distribution of that qi during the session.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in acupuncture but still feeling hesitant about needles, seeking relief from chronic pain, or simply in need of a way to relax and unwind, Tuina may be the TCM therapy for you. To learn more about Tuina, acupuncture, or other TCM therapies, you can book an initial appointment or a free 15 minute consultation with me here.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your main healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the symptoms outlined in this article.

Sources

Tui Na: A manual of Chinese Massage therapy, Sarah Pritchard, Churchill Livingstone, 2010.

The Practice of Tui Na: Principles, Diagnostics and Working with the Sinew Channels, Robert Aspell, 2019

Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy
Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Hart S, Theakston H, Schanberg S, Kuhn C.
J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 1999 Mar; 20(1): 31-8.
PMID: 10212885