Adult Tuina (Chinese Therapeutic Massage)
Tuina is Chinese therapeutic massage using specific manual techniques (pushing, grasping, kneading, rolling) on meridians and acupuncture points to treat musculoskeletal and internal pathologies.
Presentation
Tuina (推拿, tuī ná — 'push and grasp') is one of the five branches of traditional Chinese medicine. It is the most developed therapeutic massage system in the world, with over 30 codified manual techniques fully integrated into TCM theory. In China, Tuina is a full hospital discipline with dedicated departments.
Core Principles
- Meridian theory: Tuina acts along 12 main and 8 extraordinary meridians.
- Eight mother techniques: Tui (push), Na (grasp), An (press), Mo (rub), Gun (roll), Rou (knead), Ban (pull-stretch), Dou (shake-vibrate).
- Integrated diagnosis: same diagnostic tools as acupuncture.
- Qi and Blood regulation: tonify deficiency, disperse excess, mobilize stagnation.
Main Indications
- Acute and chronic low back pain
- Neck pain, torticollis, cervical syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sciatica
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Digestive disorders
- Insomnia, anxiety
Session Overview
TCM diagnosis precedes treatment. Practitioner uses warming techniques (rolling, rubbing), then targeted therapeutic techniques (pressing, grasping, mobilization, vibration). Duration: 30–60 minutes. Frequency: 2–3 times per week acute, weekly maintenance.
Contraindications
- Unconsolidated fractures
- Bone or soft tissue tumors
- Skin infections
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Severe osteoporosis
- Pregnancy: abdomen, lumbar area
Medical Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment prescription. If in doubt, always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional. The techniques described do not replace conventional medical treatment.