Chinese massage, also known as tui na, has been used for medical purposes in China for centuries 2. It is becoming popular in the West as a means of treating a wide range of health and mental disorders 2. To perform Chinese massage, the practitioner uses a variety of hand techniques to manipulate the soft tissue of the body. It also employs acupressure to redirect the flow of Qi, or energy, in the body and manual skeletal manipulation techniques to realign the bones and muscles in the body for optimal alignment.

Treatment of Soft Tissue Injuries

Therapeutic Chinese massage techniques that include manipulation of the body's soft tissues can help relieve stiffness and pain associated with a range of soft tissue injuries including frozen shoulder, low back pain and sciatica.

Break-down of Scar Tissue

For people who have lost mobility or experience chronic stiffness or pain in muscles or joints, Chinese massage can be effective in breaking down scar tissue to ease soreness and increase range of motion.

Circulatory Problems

The main function of Chinese massage is to redirect the flow of Qi, which is responsible for circulatory health, throughout the body 2. By using different hand techniques and manipulating specific pressure points, the circulatory system is stimulated and re-energized.

Improved Emotional Health

On a physical level, Chinese massage can be very relaxing. It relieves stress and tension and improves feelings of well-being. Chinese massage practitioners believe, however, that blockages to the flow of Qi through the body can disrupt the mental state, leading to anxiety and depression. Chinese massage works to realign the Qi and also to remove layers of emotional stress that can build up over time.

Increased Energy

By realigning the flow of Qi in the body, Chinese massage claims to stimulate energy in the body and increase energy levels. Its stress-relieving benefits can also lead to improved sleep and a feeling of overall well-being.