FAQ

Tui na (Chinese bodywork) is based on the theory of meridians and collaterals and is a special form of massage that utilizes techniques specific to Chinese medicine. It involves stimulation of areas along specific pathways and is considered a major area of specialty within TCM.91 In the United States, examination and certification in Chinese bodywork is provided through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. In order to be eligible for the national board examination, applicants must demonstrate the successful completion of an educational program or apprenticeship documenting at least 500 contact hours. A significant portion of those hours must be dedicated to direct patient care.

How does it work?

Tui na has the ability to:

• Promote and invigorate the flow of Qi and Blood
• Expel, clear, dissipate and dredge pathogenic factors
• Regulate Qi and Blood
• Harmonize Yin and Yang, Wei Qi and Ying Qi
• Nourish, tonify, strengthen and support Qi and Blood, Yin and Yang
• Improve and regulate the functions of the Zangfu
• Release and relax the channel sinews
• Lubricate and facilitate the movement of joints
• Soothe Qi and calm the Shen
• Tui na achieves the above by stimulating the points, channels and collaterals appropriate to the presenting disharmony with manual massage techniques, passive movements, directed Qi and intention.

Tui na works by combining the following:

• The rationale and principles of Chinese medicine
• The therapeutic qualities of the Tui na techniques
• The method of applying the techniques
• The practitioner’s intention and ability to direct their awareness and Qi through their hands

A physical therapy and a form of Qigong energy medicine
Tui na is both a form of physical bodywork and a subtle energy medicine. As a physical therapy it excels at releasing the channel sinews, (collectively the muscles, tendons and ligaments) and facilitating the movement of joints.

By opening, releasing and balancing the channel sinews, Tui na is able to treat not only muscular skeletal problems, but also any ailment that may be caused by emotional and postural holding patterns that have become unconscious and locked into the body’s protective connective tissue armour.

As a form of energy medicine or Qigong, practitioners utilize and direct Qi through their hands, into points, along channels and into the Zangfu and bones. Tui na can be very vigorous and physically active or incredibly subtle and still. It depends on the style of the practitioner and the requirements of treatment.

Application of the rationale and principles of Chinese medicine

As with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Tui na is inseparable from the rationale and philosophy of Chinese medicine. In order to choose the most appropriate Tui na techniques to apply and where and how to apply them, the practitioner must be able to make a diagnosis according to its principles. Without this, Tui na has no context and cannot be therapeutically effective. It would be like teaching an acupuncturist to insert and manipulate a needle and no more.

The combination of the practitioner’s clear intention, their ability to choose and apply suitable Tui na techniques and direct their attention and Qi, makes Tui na a versatile and effective form of treatment for a wide range of diseases.

Therapeutic qualities of the Tui na techniques

Each technique has its own therapeutic qualities. When performed correctly for an appropriate length of time, each technique creates its own particular wave signal or vibratory pattern. These rhythmic waves and vibrations can affect the Qi on all levels, traveling through points and along the channels and collaterals to the desired place.

Method of application
Techniques can be applied in a variety of ways depending on the principle of treatment. For example, the technique Rou fa (kneading), applied with the palm of the hand gently, slowly and in a clockwise direction for 5 minutes over the point Zhongwan Ren12 will tonify and warm the Stomach and Spleen. The same technique applied vigorously, briskly and in an anti-clockwise direction at a sinew channel binding area will release and relax the muscles, tendons and ligaments, and move stagnant Qi and Blood.

The practitioner’s intention and ability to work with Qi
A clear intention and the ability to gently direct conscious attention is a powerful therapeutic tool. Some forms of Yin-style Tui na such as bone-holding and pulsing are essentially based on this ability and the law of human resonance. In Chinese medicine the treatment principle provides the practitioner with a clear intention. With the intention formed in the practitioner’s mind, they can then allow a connection to be made with the unlimited field of healing information available in the universe. This universal Qi can then be utilized and directed through the practitioner’s hands and into points, channels, organs, bones and so on.

The main difference between a Tui Na massage and a regular massage is that Tui Na works on a deeper level; the massage is not only meant to make you feel relaxed and reduce pain, but is also performed to stimulate the body’s own healing process, and work to unblock your qi, which is a term used to describe your vital life force in Chinese medicine.

There are some differences in technique, too;  a Tui Na massage will typically involve more kneading, pressing, and rubbing than a regular massage, and the therapist will often use their arms or elbows to apply pressure to deeper areas of the body. The movements are often quite slow and gentle, but can become faster and firmer depending on the area being treated.

ACUPUNCTURE…

Acupuncture originated more than 2,000 years ago and is an essential traditional Chinese medicine therapy. It focuses on achieving harmony and the normal flow of “qi” (energy) in the body by stimulating anatomical points – this process is used to activate your body’s natural healing abilities. The treatment itself uses fine, single-use, medical-grade stainless steel needles to stimulate anatomical points (which can be paired with manual manipulation, heat or electrical stimulation).

TUI NA…

A Tui Na (Chinese remedial massage) at the Acupuncture & Pain Management Center of Boca involves Dr. Laffer listening to your health concerns and developing your personalized treatment plan. This style of massage is performed while you are fully clothed, no herbs are prescribed and no needles are used – it’s the least invasive form of traditional Chinese medicine.

Tui Na is all about soft tissue treatment, skeletal alignment, and energy distribution. It’s a massage that can be performed through clothing/towels which applies massage techniques to meridians and acupoints to stimulate their function. On a practical level, it’s more physically demanding as it involves repetitive, physical movement.

Tui Na can be applied on top of loose clothing or bare skin (usually the back) using aromatic oil of their own preference to relax mind, body and reduce tension. The session can last any where in between 15 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the severity of the problem of the patient or the level of the pressure which practitioner applies.

Tui Na has no adverse side effects, although because it can be a powerful treatment in terms of re-adjusting the functions of the body, some patients may see an increase in frequency of visits to the bathroom, or may feel the build up and release of pressure throughout the body, or may feel slightly sedated immediately after treatment or may develop slight bruising (as blockage gets released) depending on the patient symptoms. The effects of a typical Tui Na treatment can last up to a week if the problem is not completely cleared up by then.

During the treatment your job will be to focus your attention on your breathing and to communicate if you would like more or less pressure. Breathing in long smooth breaths from the diaphragm to help make the exhale twice as long as the inhale is ideal. Treatment is advantageously received when you breathe in unison with the stretches and myofascial release. Don’t worry, Dr. Sam will assist and cue you on when to breathe.

On occasion, Dr. Sam will ask you to push or provide “token” or “light resistance” to more actively engage your nervous system into your healing process. Though you may feel discomfort, you should never feel pain during your treatment. Please communicate if you feel any severe discomfort. Feel free to let your practitioner know if you prefer more or less pressure or a more or less active treatment.

Rest

After a Tui Na massage session, your body will be going through a rebalancing as it responds to the treatment. Allow your body some time to rest to make the most of it.

Avoid Vigorous Exercise

For several hours after the treatment, avoid strenuous exercise to keep your body in relaxation mode.

Avoid Stress

Keep your mind and body as calm as possible to allow yourself time to respond to your treatment and further healing.

Drink Water

Make sure you drink plenty of water during the rest of the day of your treatment to assist in your healing.