Tuina Massage is used to treat physical or mental conditions, such as trauma, and is an effective preventative measure that can help you maintain your health. The massage technique can relax your body and mind, so it can be used to treat stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression, and it encourages healthy sleep. Chronic stress and pain in the neck, lower back, as well as conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches can also be treated with Tuina.
The Methods. A session of Tuina massage may be very different depending on your concern:
There are 8 core movements in Tuina massage:
1. palpating
2. kneading
3. pressing
4. pushing
5. holding
6. rejoining
7. lifting
8. opposing.
A practitioner may also use additional techniques to target a specific concern, such as:
In the video below, you can view a quick demo of some of the techniques used in Tuina, just press the play button for it to start.
1. A treatment of depression
Tuina massage may not only relieve a patient from depressive symptoms immediately, but it can have a long-term therapeutic effect on the body and mind. A 2015 review article even concluded that it may improve depressive symptoms and can be considered a new treatment for depression.
2. Reduces neck, back, and joint pain
Any sorts of musculoskeletal issues can be treated using Tuina massage. It can relieve pain, tightness, tension, and irritation in the neck and lower back, but also joint, bone and muscle pain. One study concluded, however, that the best results in back pain are observed when Tuina massage is combined with core-strengthening exercises.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as pain, tension, stiffness, and loss of flexibility can be alleviated using Tuina massage. The study that reached this conclusion did point out, however, that a longer treatment period is necessary to see significant results (the participants received treatments for 9 months 3 times a week).
4. Can Help Cancer Patients
People undergoing cancer treatment and those with terminal cancer often suffer from an array of symptoms that vary depending on the type of cancer, but a 2016 review article concluded that the quality of life of these patients may be improved using Tuina massage, especially when combined with acupuncture.
Diabetes patients sometimes suffer from foot issues referred to as diabetes foot. At advanced stages, it can lead to tissue necrosis, but early stages are manifested by lack of sensation in the foot, as well as tingling or burning sensations and pain, and these early-stage symptoms have been shown to significantly improve with a combination of Tuina massage and traditional Chinese foot bath, especially when combined with the traditional medical treatment for the condition.
Disclaimer: keep in mind that Tuina massage is not a first-line treatment of the conditions mentioned above and you have to consult your medical provider or doctor before making an appointment with a Tuina specialist.