Wednesday Wellness: Tui Na Massage, Ancient Chinese Treatment

Traditional Chinese Medical Massage, or Tui Na (pronounced Twi Na) was first mentioned in the ancient Chinese text “The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon,” written circa 2300 B.C.

Tui Na utilizes the same theories, channels and points as acupuncture. It was derived from martial arts, used by the masters to repair fighting injuries on the spot. Currently in China, Tui Na doctors work alongside medical doctors and acupuncturists as a standard throughout Chinese hospitals.

Therapeutic massage is often overlooked when seeking remediation from an injury, or in preparation for an event. It is a common misconception that massage can only be for relaxation. In fact, correcting problems in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and other connective tissues can result in: relief of pain caused by musculoskeletal injuries; increased blood flow and range of motion; decreased chance of injury; and even decreases in depression due to release of endorphins during the massage.

I’m Michael White and I practice Tui Na at Acujin.  I received my training at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego where I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is there that I learned from a Tui Na master, an ordained Taoist Priest, and practitioner of Tui Na for nearly 40 years.

I learned the four basic principles of Tui Na: activate, or warm up, the channels; remove obstructions; harmonize the flow of energy in the body; and restore functional anatomy. Through complex hand techniques that produce an oscillating motion throughout the body, activation and harmonization are achieved. These techniques are designed to range from minimally invasive, to moderate stimulation.

Removing obstructions involves acupressure and Eastern deep tissue techniques, which work to dredge the points and channels of the body. To restore functional anatomy, passive joint movement, traction and Proprioceptive Neuro-muscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching (a modern addition) are utilized.

The combination of these techniques employed with Chinese Medical Theory allows for local and deep work, if called for, or work that is light and distal, thus allowing treatment for just about any condition.

Come ask me about Chinese Medicine, massage, mediation, or anything health wise. If there happen to be any questions I can’t answer, another qualified health professional in our office can assist.

Michael White MT, BS