Beyond Relaxation: Chinese Massage for Pain Relief and Total Wellness

Chinese Massage (Tui-Na), differs from other forms of massage in that it treats specific illnesses of an internal nature as well as musculoskeletal aliments. Its specific techniques are combined to treat the presenting complaint and underlying pattern. Depending on the type of massage, clients may be lightly clothed or partially uncovered. Tui-Na methods include the use of hand techniques (tui: pushing, na: holding, an: pressing, mo: rubbing) to massage soft tissue (muscles and tendons). Acupressure techniques (yi zhi chan tui: one finger meditation) and (gun: rolling) directly affect the flow of qi and blood. Manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships (bone-setting). Extra herbal poultices, compresses, liniments and salves plus magnets are also used to enhance the therapy.

In general, Chinese massage emphasizes movement and communication. The basic purpose of massage is to restore free movement to the patient’s qi and blood, dredging the channels as well as to promote relaxation in the Jin ( it refers to the function of all soft and connective tissue in relation to movement and flexibility) to ease spasm, increase flexibility and straighten the joints. Chinese massage is, therefore, a powerful treatment for pain relief and confidently treats a range of common musculo-skeletal and health disorders, as well as soothe and harmonise the emotions.

Chinese massage is not intended to be relaxing. It is a form of deep tissue therapy that conveys the following benefits:

• stimulating blood circulation and regulating the nervous system

• increasing flexibility in the joints and improving posture

• speeding the healing of injuries and clearing bruises

• improving sports performance

• removing scar tissue

• easing emotional distress

• curing some conditions affecting the internal organs

• relieving chronic pain

• maintaining wellness and functioning as a form of preventive care

• strengthening the body’s resistance to disease