Tui Na is a form of Chinese medical massage that focuses on the site of injury and uses a series of specially designed techniques to resolve pain. Its history dates back to the Shang Dynasty, around 1700 BC, and today most hospitals in China have a Tui Na department. It actually translates as ‘push-grasp’, but in a typical session a practitioner may use techniques like pressing, tapping, chopping and kneading in order to promote circulation and thus improvements in health.
Tui Na is done through clothes or a sheet and, though it can be relaxing, it tends to be more vigorous than other massage techniques as the primary objective is medicinal – ie. stop pain, break up adhesion, and move blood.
Before any treatment, a brief consultation will take place whereby the practitioner attempts to get a better idea of the underlying cause of any pain and your general health. The acupuncture points, joints and muscle closest to the site of injury will be the primary focus of the treatment. At the end of your treatment, you may feel tired, relaxed or completely energised.