Tuina Bodywork
Tuina Bodywork is a very old, yet very comprehensive and effective therapeutic massage system.
There are a few things that set Tuina apart from other systems of bodywork:
- Though working with the physical body, Tuina Bodywork is based on Chinese Medical Theory and Physiology, just like acupuncture.
- The patient can often remained fully clothed, except in cases where very deep work might be needed.
- The sessions are very task oriented, and the techniques allow for a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time, depending on the patient's constitution.
Purposes of Tuina
- Removing obstructions, restoring balance, and stopping pain
- Increasing qi and blood circulation
- Realigning of joints
- Mobilizing of joints
- Healing of soft tissue injuries
- Adjusting (physically and the qi of) internal organs
Indications for Tuina
- A full range of musculoskeletal complaints
- Chronic stress-related disorders including those of the digestion system, respiratory system, and reproductive system
- Great for and the most widely used modality for the treatment of children (pediatrics) in China
- Treatment of the needle phobic (an alternative to acupuncture)
- If it can be treated with acupuncture or other types of massage, then it can be treated with Tuina
- Tuina is generally not a mild, sedating, or "fall asleep" massage
Contraindications for Tuina
These are very similar to the contraindications for most types of bodywork and massage.
- Fractures
- Phlebitis
- Infectious conditions
- Open wounds
- Lesions