Tuina massage originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine. This therapeutic practice relies on two types of manipulations commonly used in this massage. Indeed, “Tu” means “to push,” and “Na” means “to grasp.” Recognized by the World Health Organization, this form of medicine offers numerous benefits thanks to its dynamic massage and profound understanding of the body.
What is a Tuina massage?
Tuina massage is based on several techniques and maneuvers aimed at dispersing energy blockages in the body or stimulating and tonifying energy. This ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine aims to circulate and rebalance the energies of the human body.
The principle of this Chinese massage
According to Chinese medicine, five vital substances are circulating in the body through meridians: blood, body fluids, spirits, essences, and finally Qi. This last energy, also called breath or vital energy, is what Tuina massage treats.
This therapeutic practice aims to harmonize Qi energy. The massage therapy technique used relies on more than thirty fundamental manipulations of the entire body. Tuina massage, therefore, requires an excellent understanding of the body’s energy mechanisms as well as knowledge of the variety of possible maneuvers.
Tuina massage techniques
You can find professionals practicing Tuina massage in Paris, as well as in other capital cities and even other countries. This therapy is quite well-regarded, and the techniques are similar from one practitioner to another. Here are the main ones:
- The rolling or rolling technique, this rotational massage acts on soft tissues and treats joint and muscle injuries.
- In digipuncture or acupressure, acupuncture points are stimulated by pressure with the fingers, hand, or even the elbow.
- The Nei Gung method, through the practice of energetic exercises and massage techniques, revitalizes the body.
- Zhenfa, this vibratory technique, helps to energize Qi and therefore your body.
It’s possible to find several Tuina massage practitioners in Paris and even in other countries. If you’d like more information on the subject, you can consult the health tips blog, which has an article about traditional Chinese medicine.
The benefits of Tuina massage
Widely practiced in China, but also in Western countries including France, Tuina massage is used preventively and therapeutically for both adults and children. This dynamic massage technique can be used in a wide variety of situations:
- Energize the body and boost the immune system
- Relieving everyday ailments such as migraines, constipation, or even the common cold
- Relieving musculoskeletal pain (joint pain or muscle injuries)
- Combating stress and anxiety
- Relax your entire body like a relaxing massage
This traditional Chinese medicine could also alleviate the symptoms of more serious illnesses such as Parkinson’s, fibromyalgia, cervical osteoarthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, and cervical radiculopathy.
How does a session unfold?
Once your appointment with the practitioner is scheduled, you can expect a session lasting generally thirty minutes to an hour. The massage therapist will then ask you questions about your issue.
The massage will be performed on a table, a mat on the floor, or a suitable chair. Most of the time, you can remain clothed unless pressure needs to be applied directly to the skin. Following your consultation with the massage therapist, they will be able to perform various massage techniques depending on your needs.
Finally, after stretching, mobilization, and work on acupuncture points, you’ll leave the session feeling completely relaxed! It’s normal to experience some fatigue in the following days; this is related to the rebalancing of your Qi. But don’t worry, it will disappear quite quickly!
