Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of healing based on the Chinese philosophy of the correspondence between nature (Tao) and human beings. The principle of Microcosm-Macrocosm is based on the observation of several thousand years that nature has a vital effect on people’s health.
Another fundamental principle is Yin and Yang, the two basic complementary energies of nature. Having an appropriate balance of Yin and Yang in the body is considered the basis of health. This balance is reflected in many ways, but the most fundamental concerns Qi, the vital force or energy that flows through a system of channels in the body and is responsible for activating and maintaining all its physiological functions.
The methods of TCM all involve different approaches to altering the circulation of Qi to allow the body to naturally heal itself.
- Acupuncture uses needles to puncture specific locations (acupoints) along the channels that conduct the Qi through the body.
- Moxibustion uses the application of heat in the form of a burning herb called moxa on the acupoints or on regions of the body.
- Tuina Bodywork uses hand techniques on the acupoints and the musculoskeletal system.
- Herbal medicine uses plant, animal and mineral substances to activate internal relationships that affect the balance and circulation of the Qi, and also includes the use of special diets.
- Qi Gong is the use of exercises and meditation to change the circulation and production of Qi. It can also be performed as a therapeutic method by directing the practitioner's Qi to patients to directly manipulate their circulation of Qi.
Focus on Tuina
Tuina is the oldest known system of massage. It is recorded in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine in 2300 B.C. as one of the five major therapies of the time. Tuina has remained an organized and systematically developed system of massage ever since.
Tuina is well suited for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. If you experience any of the following symptoms or disorders, please contact us to see how Tuina can help you!
- Stress/Tension/Anxiety
- Migraines/Headaches
- Chronic Back Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Chronic Fatigue/Depression
- Strains/Sprains/Injuries
- Pregnancy/Prenatal
- P.M.S./Menopause
- Reproductive Disorders
- Digestive Disorders
- Insomnia
- Sciatica
In addition, Tuina is also very helpful for people recovering from surgery and/or undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.
Tuina is being popularized in this country as a powerful therapeutic extension of traditional western massage methods. Its simplicity and focus on specific problems, rather than a more generalized treatment, make it both an excellent alternative and/or extension of Swedish-style massage. By utilizing treatments of shorter duration, it can be used in a variety of settings, including home, office, clinic or hospital.
Tuina uses the TCM theory of channels and collaterals (meridians or pathways) and the flow of the Qi energy as its basic therapeutic orientation. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques, Tuina seeks to establish a more harmonious Qi energy through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body to naturally heal itself. Tuina methods include the use of hand and arm techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, stimulation of acupressure points to directly affect the flow of Qi energy, and manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships. External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.
Tuina Bodywork: What to Expect
In a typical session, you will lie on a massage table wearing loose clothing and no shoes. Your practitioner may have you undress for a portion or all of your treatment, but you will be properly draped at all times.
The practitioner will examine your specific problems and begin to apply a treatment protocol. The major focus of application is on specific pain sites, acupressure points, energy meridians, and muscles and joints. Sessions last from 30 minutes to an hour. Depending on your specific problems, you may return for additional treatments. You will usually feel relaxed but energized by the treatment.
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