TUINA
By Sifu Derek Frearson
Tuina therapy or Chinese massage is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has a long history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological studies in recent years have showed that as early as the late period of the New Stone Age around 2700B.C. the Chinese people in the Yellow River Valley had accumulated massage techniques from their forefathers.
TCM adopts a holistic approach and lays great importance on the balance of the bodies’ energy system. These techniques have been refined over many generations and are used in all TCM hospitals in China.
In the east, massage has been used for thousands of years as a way to aid relaxation and encourage the healthy flow of life energy or Chi throughout the body. Tuina massage is a combination of deep and vigorous muscular stretching following the energy channels of the body. This includes stimulation of various acupuncture points. It will improve the flow of energy and blood around the body helping to remove toxins through stimulation of the lymphatic system. It will help to breakdown and reduce fat deposits, firm and greatly improve skin tone. Other benefits include, strengthening of the immune system, stabilises blood pressure, calms and soothes the nervous system and reduces pain. Aching muscles are a common symptom in today's fast paced society, even more so for people who enjoy training in sport. Tuina is best performed as whole body massage; part body massage is also available however.
PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE
Suitable for all ages Tuina will help to keep the body in a balanced condition. Therapeutic massage for the bodies’ energy system, Tuina will aid the flow of Chi (vital force) around the body preventing blockages in the meridians and so preventing possible health problems from developing. Tuina is a complete massage from head to foot. Don't wait until you're ill, prevention is the best cure. Tuina is also a useful tool for stress management leaving the body and mind in a relaxed condition. For sports people pre- and post- event massage will prevent injury and aid recovery thus improving performance
Tuina Therapy
Tuina consists of many hand techniques, which affect the energy, muscles, joints etc in various ways.
INDIVIDUAL HAND MANIPULATIONS CONSIST OF
1 Pressing 2 Kneading with the finger 3 Kneading with the thenar eminence
4 Grasping 5 Rolling 6 Kneading with the palm base
7 Twisting 8 Regulating 9 Dotting with the flexed finger
10 Scraping 11 Plucking 12 Pinching along the spine
13 Pushing 14 Straight rubbing 15 Round rubbing
16 Scratching 17 Wiping 18 Shaking
19 Vibrating 20 Knocking 21 Chopping with joined palms
22 Tapping
There are also many variations of the above hand techniques with elbows, forearms etc being used.
Depending on the condition various joint manoeuvres are also used, these include:
1 Pulling the wrist 2 Rotating the neck 3 Pulling up the neck
4 Rotating the shoulder 5 Pulling the shoulder 6 Abducting the shoulder
7 Rotating the wrist 8 Extending the chest 9 Extending and flexing the shoulder
10 Adducting the shoulder 11 Pushing the elbow 12 Lifting the head and neck
13 Rotating the hip joint 14 Pulling the finger 15 Pulling the waist backwards
16 Rotating the finger 17 Rotating the ankle 18 Pulling the waist obliquely
19 Pulling the toes 20 Rotating the knees 21 Pulling the waist semi-circularly
22 Lifting the lower limbs 23 Pulling the legs 24 Dredging the channels
Combinations of the above techniques along with the hand manipulations are used to treat various conditions and ailments.
Derek with husband and wife team Dr Zhao and Dr Chan