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Siobhán and Sandro with Dr Zhang Zhen Yu in the

Tuina Department of the Wang Jing Hospital in Beijing

We are members of the Irish Massage Therapists Association and

fully qualified, registered and insured practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Our aim to to provide information and awareness of Tuina and also the other aspects of TCM in Ireland.

If you have any questions about tuina massage or indeed TCM, please do not hesitate in contacting us.

推 拿

The term Tuī Ná (pronounced “twee na”) is composed of 2 different parts: 'Tui' (to push) and 'Na' (to hold) and it is sometimes seen spelt as 'tuina'. Tuina is also commonly referred to as "acupressure".

Tuina was called "An Mo" (按 摩) or simply "massage" in ancient times. The term Tui Na was first seen during the Ming Dynasty.

Tuina is an ancient healing art and a very important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) alongside acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, medical qigong, etc.

The Tui Na practitioner uses the hands to press on key points on the surface of the body (along the Jīng Luò – acupuncture channels – and acupuncture points) to stimulate the body’s own natural healing process. This is why tuina massage is sometimes reffered to as "acupressure". When these points are stimulated they release tension and increase the body’s circulation of Qì, Xuè (Blood) and nutrients to bring about the body’s own natural healing process.

As with all other aspects of TCM, the aim of Tui Na is to restore the natural flow of Qì throughout the Jīng Luò and the body thus restoring the internal balance, helping the person to return to full health. Today, Tui Na has become very advanced in its treatment for many diseases and it is used in many of the hospitals in China in the front line of healthcare, where here in the west these complaints are not seen in the TCM clinics until they become chronic many days after the incident.

Tui Na is a medical treatment and as with all TCM treatments (i.e. acupuncture, herbal medicine, etc.) a full diagnosis will be done prior to the treatment itself.

How long does a Tui Na treatment take?

Most treatments last from 30mins to 60mins.

Do I have to strip off?

No, not for general tuina. You will be asked to remove your jewellery, belt and shoes. The treatment is done in prone, supine or seated – the practitioner will instruct you to the appropriate position for the massage. You will be covered with a cotton sheet and then various hand, finger and elbow techniques will be performed through the cotton sheet. During a sports, dance or work injury massage session clothing may be removed to protect them from special oils, which may damage clothing.

How does it work?

For general tui na - the massage will loosen tight muscles, invigorate tired muscles, assist in lymph drainage, invigorate the blood and generally relax the whole body. Commonly used by those unable to get away from their computers and feel stressed around the neck and shoulders.

For sports injury tui na - used as a remedial massage to treat any muscle group or joint. Special oils may be used to help break down scar tissue, stop bleeding and to maintain blood circulation. Tight muscles are relaxed then stretched.

The areas worked on are the origin and insertion of the muscle, Jīng Luò (acupuncture channels also called meridians) and acupuncture points. Other TCM therapies used during the treatment of injury can be for example, Moxibustion and/or Cupping. After the treatment advice may be given on diet, lifestyle and exercise to lessen the effect of disease and to strengthen your constitution.

Does it hurt?

The tuina massage is very firm and particular areas of tension in the body may feel more tender to the touch.

What are the benefits?

Tuina massage offers a wide range of benefits, both physiological as well as psychological, increasing well-being and speeding up the body’s ability to heal itself.

Some of the most common conditions seen in a tuina clinic include:

Neck pain and Stress

Headache, Migraine

Back pain, Sciatica

Rheumatism, Arthritis

Joint pain or Moving pain

Ankle or Wrist pain

Sports injuries