Tuina Massage Essay Example for Free

Tuina Massage Essay Chinese massage (known as Tuina or Tui Na) stimulates acupressure points for healing energy to flow easily. Acupressure points have a high electrical conductivity at the surface of the skin and thus conduct the body’s energy effectively. Discover how to apply the same points and principles as acupuncture –using Chinese massage techniques and sensitivity of the human hand instead of needles. Learn to relieve a range of emotional complaints and common ailments such as depression, anxiety, headaches, backache, insomnia, nausea, carpel tunnel, and many more. Tuina Fundamentals Tuina and ancient Acupressure were developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Both are effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, in self-treatment and in preventive health care. Tuina releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain and develops vibrant health. For more information on Acupressure, see Michael Reed Gach’s book, Acupressure’s Potent Points: A Self-Care Guide for Common Complaints from A to Z. ***** IT NEED TO BE IN 2SPACE FORMAT ***** NEED HEADING ON PAPER   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tuina or ‘Tui na’ is an ancient Chinese Bodywork Massage Therapy that is frequently being utilized along with another Chinese holistic technique known as acupressure.   It was developed more than 2000 years ago, and harnesses the individual’s own internal energy known as ‘Qi’ (chi) to return them to a state of health and well-being.   Through this technique, Qi is made to rhythmically flow into the natural energy channels of the body known as the ‘meridians’.   This energy flows is considered to be the stimulating force for life. Manipulation, pressure, massage and traction provided during treatment, helps the body to naturally heal several disorders that affect the muscles, bones and the joints (such as sprains, arthritis, back pain, sciatica, etc); non-muscular skeletal disorders (such as those that involve the digestive system, respiratory systems and reproductive systems) and stress-related disorders (such as tension headache, carpel tunnel syndrome, anxiety, etc).   Besides, it helps improve circulation and the general health and wellbeing of the individual. Several techniques such as gliding, kneading, percussion, friction, traction, rotation, vibration, rocking, shaking, etc, are utilized during therapy sessions.   The meridians provide the life-giving energy to all the structures of the body such as joints, muscles, internal organs, tissues and the mind.   Any disturbance in the flow of Qi can cause several problems.   The Chinese have viewed disease as a condition in which the flow of Qi tends to get distorted.   When the flow of Qi is well-regulated, the individual is healthy in mind, soul and body. During this technique, manipulations help to correct the energy flow.   Various acupressure points may be stimulated in order to encourage the flow of Qi.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Acupressure is the technique in which pressure is applied to certain points in the body to treat any disturbance in the flow of energy (Qi).   In acupressure, 12 meridians or energy pathways are manipulated.   In actual Chinese medicine, 20 meridians exist; however, only 12 are considered important in acupressure that supplies energy to the tissues, organs and other structures of the body.   2 supplemental meridians (conception vessel and the governor vessel) are also manipulated sometimes. The 12 routinely utilized meridians include lung, pericardium, heart, large intestine, triple energizer, small intestine, liver, kidney, stomach, gall bladder and bladder.   Once the energy flow is stimulated, any imbalances in the flow are corrected, and the individual feels energetic and confident.   Along the 14 meridians, about 300 points exist known as the ‘acupressure points’ or ‘acupoints’.   Each of these points is given an alphabet-numerical code, and is manipulated with the fingers, hands, wrists, thumbs, knuckles, and sometimes with blunt objects.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The area at which the pressure has to be applied should be explored with a deep probing pressure.   Once the precise point is reached a stinging pain is felt, followed by a numbing or tingling sensation that migrates to other parts of the body.   With experience the points can be more easily recognized, but the sensitivity to pain reduces with time.   Once the point has been recognized, pressure should be applied over it for a few minutes.   The procedure should be repeated on the other side of the body. Once the procedure is completed, the individual can experience a lot of relieve from stress and tension, and an improvement in the flow of energy is immediately felt.   Sometimes, the symptoms may worsen following manipulation of the acupoint. In that case, the procedure should be stopped at that particular point.   If the treatment seems to be ineffective, the individual should search for other points lying close to the one manipulated.   In case, the individual gets only transient relief, the procedure should be repeated again.   The individual should remain relaxed, calm and concentrate during manipulation.   Besides, finger pressure, rolling with a blunted object (like a pen), pressing with the knuckle or palms, tapping, kneading forces, friction, traction, etc, can also be tried out and reapplied if it seems to be effective. References: Boyd, K. T. (2007). The Online Acupressure Guide. Retrieved January 4, 2007, from Stanford University School of Medicine Website: http://med.stanford.edu/personal/pointfinder/ CHIS-UK (2007). Acupressure. Retrieved January 4, 2007, from Complementary Healthcare Information Service UK Website: http://www.chisuk.org.uk/bodymind/whatis/acupressure.php Gach, M. R. (1990). Acupressures Potent Points Guide To Self-Care For Common Ailments. New York: Bantam Dell. Health How Stuff Works (2006). â€Å"How does acupressure work?† Retrieved January 4, 2007, from How Stuff Works Website: http://health.howstuffworks.com/question654.htm Health Information Organization. (2005). Tui Na (tuina) Chinese Bodywork Massage Therapy. Retrieved January 4, 2007, from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Health Information Organization Website: http://tcm.health-info.org/tuina/tcm-tuina-massage.htm Tuina (2007). About Tui Na. Retrieved January 4, 2007, from Tuina Australia Website: http://www.tuina.com.au/about.html