What is Tui-na?
Tui- na is an oriental massage that has been around since the Ming Dynasty and focuses on breaking down scar tissue and increasing blood flow. When blood flow is increased, the body is able to heal faster. The concept of this massage is kneading and stretching the muscles to enhance blood flow. There are both physical and psychological health benefits to this massage and people believe it teaches the body to heal itself. For this reason, it is believed to be the complete body healer in Chinese medicine. Tui-na massage is said to be beneficial to the following conditions: sports injuries, ankle pain, wrist pain, back pain, headaches, neck pain, stress, diabetes, low energy, and emotional problems.
The Process for Receiving a Tui-na Massage
Every massage therapist will be different, but there are some basic steps that will occur at every establishment. First, the massage therapist will conduct a meeting to determine what is wrong with the client. Sometimes, the therapist will check the patient’s blood pressure or heart rate. There may be a quick meeting discuss the patient’s lifestyle and changes that need to take place after the massage to help the healing process. Before the massage begins, the client will be asked to remove their jewelry and shoes. Depending on the spot that needs to be massaged, clients may be asked to remove their clothes. For example, if client is suffering from a back injury, he/she will need to remove their shirt, but will be given a clean cotton sheet to cover themselves. The massage therapist will then proceed with the massage and use different techniques to knead and stretch tender muscles.
