This month's issue is an introduction to Tui Na (pronounced 'twee-nah' and sometimes spelled tuina), a form of Chinese massage practiced for several thousand years.

Tui means “push” and Na means “grasp,” and this technique is a deeply penetrating massage therapy. Tui Na is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the flow of energy (qi or chi) through the energy pathways (meridians) of the body. In China, this massage is taught as a separate, but equal, field of study in the major traditional Chinese medical colleges.

The massage and manipulation techniques of Tui Na focus on freeing blocked energy to relieve pain and to let the body heal itself. The movement of qi shows up as changes in muscle and fascial tone, circulation of blood and fluids, and sensations such as tingling or warmth.

Tui Na techniques include massage of muscles and tendons, stimulation of acupressure points to directly affect the qi flow, and manipulation techniques to realign muscles, bones, and ligaments. In a typical session, the client wears loose clothing and no shoes and lies on a table or floor mat. The practitioner uses a specific treatment protocol based on the client's specific problems.

Although some Tui Na massage techniques are similar to Swedish massage, they are done with the intention of harmonizing yin and yang. The practitioner may also use external herbal poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves.

Tui Na has different systems that focus on particular aspects of the therapeutic principles. The main schools in China include

• The rolling method emphasizes soft tissue techniques and specializes in joint injuries and muscle sprains.
• The one finger pushing method emphasizes techniques for acupressure and the treatment of internal diseases.
• The Nei Gung method emphasizes the use of exercises to generate qi and specific massage methods to revitalize depleted energy systems.
• The bone setting method emphasizes manipulation methods to realign the relationships of the muscles, bones, and ligaments. It specializes in joint injuries and nerve pain.

In addition to these four main methods, hundreds of "family systems" have been passed on from generation to generation and use aspects of each major system.

Tui Na is now becoming popular in the West as a powerful therapeutic extension to traditional western massage methods. Tui Na's simplicity and focus on specific problems make it an excellent alternative to or extension of Swedish-style massage.

Books for more information:

Chinese Tui Na Massage: The Essential Guide to Treating Injuries, Improving Health & Balancing Qi

Tui Na Massage for a Healthier, Brighter Child

The Handbook of Chinese Massage: Tui Na Techniques to Awaken Body and Mind

Live The Life You Love To Live (audios)

Science of Getting Rich (e-book)

Information about Prosperity Consciousness (Web site)