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.
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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
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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
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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.
- On a physical level, Chinese massage can be very relaxing.
- 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.
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References
- Acupuncture.com: Tui Na—Chinese Bodywork Therapy
- Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Health Information Organization: Tui Na
- Balance Flow Health & Bodyworks: Tui Na
- Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name? National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Updated July 2018.
- Sherman KJ, Ludman EJ, Cook AJ, et al. Effectiveness of therapeutic massage for generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Depress Anxiety. 2010;27(5):441-50. doi:10.1002/da.20671
- Massage Therapy for Health. NCCIH Clinical Digest for health professionals. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Published December 2018.
- Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Updated May 2019.
- Falkensteiner M, Mantovan F, Müller I, Them C. The use of massage therapy for reducing pain, anxiety, and depression in oncological palliative care patients: a narrative review of the literature. ISRN Nurs. 2011;2011:929868. doi:10.5402/2011/929868
- Seaward BL. Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Wellbeing. 7th ed. Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning; 2011.
Writer Bio
Jody Braverman is a health and fitness professional and writer in Seattle. She has been a personal trainer and yoga instructor for almost a decade and is passionate about movement and helping people lead active, healthy lives.