Tui Na massage stands in TCM next to acupuncture, herbs and Tai Chi / Chi Kung. From the period 500 BC. onwards different schools and currents develop in acupuncture and in the application of Chinese herbs. This is also the case with Chinese massage. Starting from 280 BC. it appears in Chinese medical books as Tui Na (literally Tui: pulling and Na: grasping). Several decades ago, the various styles spread across China were brought together in what we now call Tui Na massage therapy.
Tui Na is a therapeutic form of massage where pressure is applied to acupuncture points on the meridians in your body to influence the flow of Qi or energy. Because the meridians lie on the surface and then go deeper into the body, the condition of the internal organs can be influenced by massage. Complaints that have to do with the body surface or joints are also treated via the meridians.
The meridians form the channel network through which not only Qi, but also blood, fluids and essence circulate. Often this network is compared with streams, rivers, lakes and seas. The function of the meridians is, among other things, transporting Qi and blood throughout the body. They form the connection between organs and between the organs and associated tissues and senses. They connect top with bottom, left with right and inside with outside. In addition to nourishing the body with Qi, essence, fluids and blood, the meridians also have a protective function and form the different energetic levels of the body. By massaging the acupuncture points on the meridians, the energy circulation in the body can be influenced. For example, an excess of Qi can be reduced, a shortage can be replenished and blockages in the circulation can be eliminated.
Tui Na massage therapy is a full-fledged treatment technique with which you can treat a wide variety and many types of complaints. Normally the treatment time is between 3-9 treatments. Other therapies included in Tui Na massage are; moxa, cupping and gua sha.