Tuina is the Chinese method of bodywork or therapeutic massage and is the oldest known system of massage. Originating in China, it is recorded in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine since 2300 BC as one of the five major therapies of the time. Tuina has remained an organized and systematically developed system of massage since that time. Currently in China Tuina is taught as a separate, but equal field of study in the major traditional Chinese medical colleges. Tuina doctors receive the same demanding training as acupuncturists and herbalists and enjoy the same level of professional respect.
Tuina uses the Traditional Chinese Medical theory of channels and collaterals (meridians or pathways) and the flow of the Qi energy as its basic therapeutic orientation. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques, Tuina seeks to establish a more harmonious Qi energy through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body to naturally heal itself. Tuina methods include the use of hand and arm techniques to massage the soft tissue muscles and tendons) of the body. The stimulation of acupressure points to directly affect the flow of Qi energy through the system of channels and collaterals, and manipulation techniques to realign the musculo-skeletal and ligamentous relationships (bone setting). External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.
Through the generations Tuina has developed a variety of different systems that emphasize particular aspects of these therapeutic principles. The main schools in China include the rolling method school, which emphasizes soft tissue techniques and specializes in joint injuries and muscle sprains. The one finger pushing method school which emphasizes techniques for acupressure and the treatment of internal diseases. The Nei Gung method school that emphasizes the use of Nei Gung Qi generation exercises with specific massage methods for revitalizing depleted energy systems. And the bone setting methods school that emphasizes manipulation methods to realign the musculo-skeletal and ligamentous relationships and specializes in joint injuries and nerve pain. In addition to these four main schools, there are hundreds of "family systems" that have been passed on from generation to generation and utilize aspects of each major system.
Jeff teaching a bone-setting technique.
Tuina is now being popularized in this country as a powerful therapeutic extension of traditional western massage methods. It was originally introduced to the public by Taoist Master Share K. Lew at the Taoist Sanctuary in North Hollywood in 1975, when he began to teach the Taoist Elixir style (Tao Tan Pai) of Tuina massage. In the early 1980's Bob and Honora Flaws began Tuina training groups in China and since then Tuina has been emerging in oriental medical schools and massage schools around the country. Tuina's simplicity and focus upon specific problems, rather than a more generalized treatment, makes it both an excellent alternative and/or extension of Western-style massage. By utilizing treatments of shorter duration, it can be used in a variety of settings, including home, office, clinic or hospital. It is well suited for both the professional massage therapist and the active, health conscious individual. Tuina massage has proven over the centuries that it is an effective therapeutic tool; its theory and accomplishments are well documented.
