Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-13
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Tuina, a time-honored wellness practice, offers numerous perks like boosting circulation, reducing stress, and easing muscle tension. However, it’s not suitable for everyone or every situation. Join the Bowtie team as we consult a registered Chinese medicine practitioner to demystify tuina and highlight key precautions for your next session.
What is Tuina Massage?
When the human body first experiences discomfort, people discovered that massaging the body with hands could alleviate or eliminate pain from injuries and illnesses caused by labor. Tuina, also known as massage or anqiao, is one of humanity’s oldest therapies. It was first comprehensively established as a medical discipline in Chinese medicine during the Pre-Qin and Han dynasties, as seen in texts like the “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon” and “Yellow Emperor’s Qibo Massage in Ten Volumes.” For instance, in the “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon – Basic Questions – Discourse on Pain,” it states: “Cold qi lodging between the intestines and stomach, below the membrane origin, prevents blood from dispersing, causing small collaterals to tighten and thus pain. Pressing disperses the blood and qi, so pressing stops the pain… Cold qi lodging in the back shu points causes the vessels to weep, leading to blood deficiency, and blood deficiency causes pain. It connects to the heart, hence mutual pulling and pain. Pressing brings heat qi, and when heat qi arrives, the pain rises.” This highlights the basic pathological changes of “blockage causes pain, deficiency causes pain.”
Based on an individual’s condition, physicians apply techniques to specific areas or acupoints on the body’s surface to generate external force. This corrects anatomical abnormalities, unblocks meridians, improves qi and blood circulation, stimulates nerve endings, alters nerve conduction, and influences pain perception and transmission, thereby regulating physiological and pathological states. For example, people who often feel chest tightness and shortness of breath can benefit from massaging nodules at the back shu points for good therapeutic effects. Office workers who sit for long periods and suffer from headaches due to tense shoulder and neck muscles can relieve headaches and tension pain by relaxing the relevant muscle groups.
Benefits of Tuina Massage
Boosts Blood Circulation, Reduces Fatigue
Tuina stimulates blood circulation, speeds up the body’s metabolism, and in turn reduces muscle fatigue and tension. Those who regularly receive tuina often feel more energetic and in better spirits.
Relaxes the Mind
Tuina regulates the autonomic nervous system, bringing the body into a state of deep relaxation and calm. It not only improves sleep quality but also helps alleviate stress and anxiety, while enhancing skin condition.
Relaxes Muscles
For muscle soreness after exercise or accumulated strain from poor posture at work, muscles become tense and painful. Tuina relaxes muscles to achieve pain relief.
Promotes Blood Flow, Relieves Pain, Unblocks Meridians
Tuina regulates qi and blood by stimulating meridians and acupoints, thereby easing pain and improving joint flexibility. This is particularly effective for chronic pain sufferers or those with arthritis.
Supports Wellness and Prevention
Tuina is like passive exercise; after the physician’s techniques, the patient’s meridians become unblocked, and smooth qi and blood flow make illness less likely.
Reduces Swelling
For those who sit for long periods or lack exercise, tuina effectively promotes fluid metabolism to eliminate edema.
Who Should Avoid Tuina
Acute Spinal Injury, Acute Soft Tissue Injury, Sprains in Acute Phase; Early Dislocation or Fracture
These individuals’ body tissues are in a highly sensitive state, and tuina at this time may worsen the injury.
Overly Full or Overly Hungry
Tuina can stimulate the digestive system; if overly full, it may cause discomfort, and if overly hungry, it may weaken the body, leading to dizziness, palpitations, or nausea during tuina.
Extremely Fatigued or After Staying Up Late
Tuina accelerates qi and blood circulation; when the body lacks qi and blood, tuina may leave you feeling even more tired afterward.
Skin Trauma or Inflammation
For those with skin breaks or skin conditions, tuina may worsen inflammation, so avoid massaging the affected areas.
During Menstruation or Pregnancy
Massaging the lumbosacral area is generally not recommended to avoid stimulating the uterus; physicians will avoid the abdomen and lumbosacral region during tuina.
Things to Note During Tuina Therapy
Even if you’re suitable for tuina therapy, there are a few things to keep in mind when receiving it:
Choose a Qualified Tuina Practitioner
Ensure they not only have professional knowledge but also understand your medical condition.
Inform the Practitioner of Your Medical History
If you have conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, skin disorders, or if you’re taking certain medications, inform the tuina practitioner beforehand.
Pay Attention to Your Body’s Reactions
If you feel discomfort during the session, such as pain or dizziness, tell the practitioner immediately.
Drink Plenty of Water
After tuina, drink enough water to help your body flush out toxins that may be released through the lymphatic system.
Avoid Eating Immediately
Wait a while after tuina before eating, to give your body time to adjust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Tuina and Massage?
Tuina is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) manual therapy, which includes pressing and rubbing techniques. Common methods involve pushing, grasping, pressing, rubbing, kneading, pinching, flicking, plucking, pointing, shaking, rolling, patting, striking, stretching, traction, and repositioning. It’s based on TCM meridian theory and has therapeutic effects. In contrast, massage primarily aims to relax muscles.
Where Can I Get Tuina in Hong Kong?
Tuina practitioners and registered Chinese medicine practitioners (specializing in orthopedics and tuina) can provide tuina services.
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