Tua
Nua Tuina dates back to the Shang Dynasty
of China, 1700 B.C.E. Tui means to push and Na is a squeezing and lifting
technique. By 600 C.E. Tuina was included in the Imperial Medical College
as a separate department. Tuina flourished throughout China until the
Qing Dynasty where it was suppressed along with other Chinese cultural
arts. Following the Communist revolution, Tuina was restored along with
other traditional medical arts and was included in the creation of the
current system of Traditional Medicine Colleges.
Tui Na is a comprehensive system of therapeutic massage and passive/active
joint restoration. The traditional Tui-Na school of thought is composed
of eight main massage techniques as follows:
Tui - To Push,
Na - To Pull or Drag,
An - Rapid & Rythmical Pressing,
Tao - Strong Pinching Pressure,
Nie - Kneading,
Nien – Nipping,
Moa - Rubbing,
Pai - Tapping,
Benefits Tuina is well suited for the treatment of specific
musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the
digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. Effective treatment protocols
have been tested in a practical setting. Tuina is not especially useful
for those seeking a mild, sedating and relaxing massage since it tends
to be more task focused than other types of bodywork.