Tuina is one of the five pillars of traditional Chinese medicine, TCM. It represents an independent form of massage. With punctual pressure of varying intensity, the classical acupuncture points along the meridians are worked on.
What is Tuina?
Tuina is one of the five pillars of traditional Chinese medicine. Tuina massage is designed to dissolve blockages in the meridians in order to have a reflexive effect on the internal organs. Tuina has been used for thousands of years in Asia as a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is believed to have evolved from Anmo Massage. The word originates from Chinese and is composed of “tui” for pushing, pressing and “na” for grasping, pulling. The massage form is similar to acupressure. In Tuina, techniques such as grasping, rolling, tapping, kneading and stroking are used in addition to punctual pressure. The massage form is often combined with osteopathy, chiropractic, matrix rhythm therapy as well as the fascia distortion model according to Typaldos. The massage is based on the known acupuncture points on the energy pathways. Tuina massage is intended to dissolve blockages of the meridians in order to have a reflexive effect on the internal organs. Unlike classical massage, which treats pain locally at the point of origin, Chinese massage can be used to treat distant points that are far from the site of the complaint, but are directly related through the meridians.
Function, effect and goals
Tuina is closely related to acupressure and acupuncture because the massage is along the meridians, the energy pathways. In addition to acupuncture points, so-called tendinomuscular meridians are also treated. These are those parts of the main meridians that supply fascia and muscles. Tuina is understood as an energetic massage that stimulates the Qi in the body. Depending on the indication, the whole body, back, neck, shoulders or abdomen are treated. In addition, Tuina includes the treatment of tendons, ligaments, muscles and soft tissues. The mobilization of joints is also included, but requires many years of experience on the part of the therapist. A distinction is made between draining and strengthening massage techniques. Draining measures force the elimination of metabolic waste products. These massage techniques are performed gently and slowly against the direction of the energy pathways. They have an overall calming effect. Strengthening massage techniques are performed with quick, strong grips, taps and strokes along the course of the meridians. They have a stimulating effect. To achieve the desired effect, therapists work with the knuckles, elbows, fists or selectively with the fingertip. Unlike the classical massage, the treatment is applied to one point for a long time in order to reach the depth. The pressure on the meridian points is dosed in such a way that the upper skin layers are moved in opposite directions with the subcutaneous tissue. This gives the therapist influence on the autonomic nervous system. Irritations at the nerve endings release messenger substances that are supposed to have an analgesic effect. Manual treatment of muscles and skin also promotes blood circulation in the affected areas of the body and stimulates metabolism in the tissues. Before each treatment, an intensive diagnosis according to TCM must take place, because grip types and intensity must be tailored to the individual case. The areas of application of this form of massage are wide-ranging. Muscle tension, rheumatic diseases, migraine, sleep disorders, constipation, gastritis, asthma, eye diseases, gynecological diseases, immune deficiency, ENT diseases, high blood pressure, chronic pain syndrome, neurological diseases and menopausal complaints are treated. Tuina massage can also be used during pregnancy. Women suffering from back pain, nausea, water retention or breathing problems can benefit from Tuina massage. Tuina also has an influence on positional anomalies of the child. For children, there is a special form, the special children’s Tuina with its own diagnostic criteria, which take into account the physiological characteristics. All grip techniques are performed more gently. In addition, there are 200 separately designated body regions with acupuncture points that apply only to children’s Tuina. Accordingly, the indications for children to be treated with Tuina also differ.Complaint patterns include hyperactivity and attention disorders, digestive problems, nocturnal crying and sleep disorders, muscular torticollis and sickle feet in newborns, enuresis, allergies, infections with and without fever. The treatment of children requires a great deal of sensitivity and experience.
Risks, side effects and dangers
Those who undergo Tuina massage must be aware that the pressure-filled grip techniques, performed with fist or elbow, can be uncomfortable to painful. The alternative practitioner will prepare his patient for this in a conversation. Therefore, the therapist will also start the treatment carefully and increase the intensity only slowly. Contraindications include acute infections and injuries, tumors, blood poisoning, severe osteoporosis, chronic skin ulcers and TB infection. Pregnant women should consult their doctor beforehand. Although the effect of Tuina has been known for a long time, scientific proof is lacking. As a rule, health insurance companies do not cover the costs. In case of private insurances it is worth asking. The costs at a non-medical practitioner can vary greatly. For a 40-minute treatment, the patient must expect about 50 euros. The Tuina massage is also suitable for self-treatment in a slightly modified form. For the correct technique, the index and middle fingers are primarily used, as they can be used to generate the most pressure. Basically, both sides should be treated. In the case of headaches, for example, both sides of the temple. In the case of one-sided complaints, only the affected side is massaged. The fingers are placed precisely on the painful area and circular movements are made. Do not rub the skin and do not remove the fingers. The pressure must be pleasantly felt, if necessary it can be increased. Each point is stimulated for half a minute, then the whole process is repeated three to four times. Self-treatment should be done three times a day.
