What TuiNa Massage is
One of the ancient healing arts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), TuiNa (watch videos on your right) is a Chinese massage done with clothes on, involving a variety of strokes, stretches and rocking techniques that address individual needs.
TuiNa is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy, similar to Shiatsu, developed and used in China for over 2,000 years.
Most of the knowledge that went into this form of massage came from within the medical community of Ancient China.
For this reason TuiNa Massage is still used today as an essential part of medical treatment in hospitals and clinics throughout China, and it is only now becoming known in the West.
TuiNa as practiced in China treats conditions that in the West would require an osteopath, chiropractor, physiotherapist, or sports therapist.
Since it works not only on the muscles and joints, but also at a deeper level, affecting Qi flow (circulation of vital life energy) in the body, TuiNa massage is extremely effective to treat a variety of conditions.
TuiNa Massage releases stiff joints, relaxes tense muscles, increases circulation and opens the body's meridians to energy flows.
It is said to be one of the most relaxing forms of massage.
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How Does it Work?
TuiNa uses the Traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi (Life Force) through the meridians (energy pathways) as its basic therapeutic orientation.
Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques Tuina seeks to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body naturally heal itself.
The distribution of Qi within your body has profound effects on all aspects of your wellbeing – emotional, intellectual, and spiritual, as well as physical.
Chinese medicine views all disease as caused by imbalances and blockages in the flow of Qi (physical and emotional traumas, injuries, strong intense emotions…).
When your Qi is balanced you feel relaxed, confident, and full of vigor, energy and enthusiasm.
Free from stiffness, aches and pains, you sparkle with energy.
Combined with Acupressure, TuiNa works to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi (Life Force) through the entire body system, bringing balance and harmony in the body itself, maintain your optimal energy level, and allowing natural healing to take place.
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Its Benefits
TuiNa Massage benefits the person's health in many different aspects.
In China it has being effectively used in hospitals to treat all form of muscular-skeletal disorders, joint discomforts, digestive issues and conditions that in the West would require an osteopath, chiropractor, physiotherapist, or sports therapist.
TuiNa massage is particularly effective in treating pain of the muscles and joints resulting from sports injuries, wear and tear, chronic stress, and it is also excellent for treating stress-related disorders.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
Stiff Joints
Tight Muscles
Neck and Shoulder Tension
Back Pain
Arm Discomfort
Leg Tension
Hip Pain
Ankle Injuries
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EMOTIONAL CONDITIONS
PMS
Insomnia
Anxiety
Mental Agitation
Eating Disorders
High Blood Pressure
Stress
Anger and Irritability
Frustration
Worries
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| PLEASE NOTE: Thou TuiNa and Acupressure help relieve symptoms and pain of many common ailments, they do not replace professional health care and you should always consult a qualified practitioner or doctor if symptoms persist. |
Compared to other massage and relaxation therapies, Tuina and Acupressure work on a deeper level, because in addition to relaxing the muscles, they also manipulates Qi flow to balance the underlying energy disharmony, often associated with emotions and stress.
In my personal experience, after receiving Acupressure and TuiNa Massage, people have reported wonderful relief from their pains and discomforts (back, neck, shoulders, knees…), as well as a great sense of relaxation throughout the entire body, stress reduction, increased vitality, body strength and general health.
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Scientific Studies
Scientists have studied acupressure, shiatsu and tuina for the following health problems:
- Sleep;
- Low Back Pain;
- Nausea;
- Postoperative Pain;
- Headache;
- Bedwetting (in Children);
- Exercise Performance.
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Sleep
There is early evidence from one randomized controlled trial to support the use of acupressure for improving sleep quality in elderly participants. Another small study found positive results in otherwise healthy volunteers. However, these studies did not have high-quality designs, and further research is needed to clarify the role of acupressure for sleep. | BACK TO TOP
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Low back pain
There is promising early research suggesting that acupressure may be useful in the relief of low back pain. Larger controlled studies would strengthen the case. | BACK TO TOP
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Nausea
There is scientific evidence from numerous studies supporting the use of wrist acupressure at the P6 acupoint (also known as Neiguan) in the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting. In particular, this research has reported effectiveness for postoperative nausea, intra-operative nausea (during spinal anesthesia), chemotherapy-induced nausea and pregnancy-related nausea (morning sickness). Effects have been noted in both children and adults. This therapy has grown in popularity because it is noninvasive, is easy to self-administer, has no observable side effects and is low cost. | BACK TO TOP
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Postoperative pain
There is preliminary evidence suggesting the use of acupressure in postoperative pain relief. This research reports that acupressure may be as effective as intravenous pain relievers, although further evidence is needed from a randomized controlled trial before a recommendation can be made. | BACK TO TOP
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Headache
There is preliminary research suggesting the use of self-administered acupressure in the treatment of tension or migraine headache. Future well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings. | BACK TO TOP
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Exercise performance
One small study reports that ear acupressure may reduce muscle fatigue and lactic acid production, thereby possibly improving athletic performance. Additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn. | BACK TO TOP
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Bedwetting (in children)
A small, low-quality study reports reduced bedwetting in children whose parents administered "micromassage" at several acupoints. Further study is needed before a recommendation can be made. | BACK TO TOP
Additional uses (unproved)
Acupressure, shiatsu and tuina have been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories.
However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness.
Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially life-threatening.
Consult with a health care provider before using acupressure, shiatsu or tuina for any use.
A
Anorexia nervosa
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
ADHD Attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder
C
Cancer treatment side effects
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cerebral birth injuries
Chest congestion
Childbirth facilitation or induction
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Colds and flu
Constipation
D
Depression
Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
E
Eating disorders
Edema
Epileptic seizure (in children)
Eye strain
F
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
G
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gum disease
H
Head injury
High blood pressure
HIV/AIDS Immune deficiency
I
Intestinal obstruction after laparotomy
Itchiness
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J
Jet lag
Joint inflammation
L
Labor pains
M
Menopausal pain
Menstruation pain
Migraine
Multiple sclerosis
Muscle tension
Muscle ache
N
Nasal congestion
Neck or shoulder pain
O
Organ transplantation
P
Paralysis after stroke
Parkinson's disease
Phobias
Poor circulation
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Psoriasis
R
Recurrent urinary tract infection
Restless leg syndrome
S
Sexual dysfunction
Sinus disorders
Sports injuries
Sunburn
T
Tendonitis
Toothache
U
Ulcer | BACK TO TOP
Potential Dangers
Acupressure is generally reported as safe when performed by an experienced practitioner. No serious complications have been published, despite millions of treatments every year. Self-administered acupressure is believed to be safe with proper training.
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Summary
Forms of acupressure, including shiatsu and tuina, have been suggested for many conditions. The most studied and promising area is the treatment of nausea with wrist (acupoint P6) acupressure. Acupressure is generally well tolerated when the appropriate amount of force is used. Speak with your health care provider if you are considering acupressure.
The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
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Resources
1. Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
2. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Acupressure, Shiatsu, Tuina
Natural Standard reviewed more than 300 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created.
Some of the more recent English-language studies are listed below:
1. Agarwal A, Pathak A, Gaur A. Acupressure wristbands do not prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after urological endoscopic surgery. Can J Anaesth 2000;47(4):319-324.
2. Alkaissi A, Stalnert M, Kalman S. Effect and placebo effect of acupressure (P6) on nausea and vomiting after outpatient gynaecological surgery. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1999;43(3):270-274.
3. Allison DB, Kreibich K, Heshka S, et al. A randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial of an acupressure device for weight loss. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1995;19(9):653-658.
4. Chen ML, Lin LC, Wu SC, et al. The effectiveness of acupressure in improving the quality of sleep of institutionalized residents. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 1999;54(8):M389-M394.
5. Harmon D, Gardiner J, Harrison R, et al. Acupressure and the prevention of nausea and vomiting after laparoscopy. Br J Anaesth 1999;82(3):387-390.
6. Harmon D, Ryan M, Kelly A, et al. Acupressure and prevention of nausea and vomiting during and after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section. Br J Anaesth 2000;84(4):463-467.
7. Ho CM, Hseu SS, Tsai SK, et al. Effect of P-6 acupressure on prevention of nausea and vomiting after epidural morphine for post-cesarean section pain relief. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1996;40(3):372-375.
8. Lewis IH, Pryn SJ, Reynolds PI, et al. Effect of P6 acupressure on postoperative vomiting in children undergoing outpatient strabismus correction. Br J Anaesth 1991;67(1):73-78.
9. O'Brien B, Relyea MJ, Taerum T. Efficacy of P6 acupressure in the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;174(2):708-715.
10. Schlager A, Boehler M, Puhringer F. Korean hand acupressure reduces postoperative vomiting in children after strabismus surgery. Br J Anaesth 2000;85(2):267-270.
11. Stein DJ, Birnbach DJ, Danzer BI, et al. Acupressure versus intravenous metoclopramide to prevent nausea and vomiting during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. Anesth Analg 1997;84(2):342-345.
12. Stevensen C. Shiatsu. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery 1997;3(6):168-170.
13. Takeuchi H, Jawad MS, Eccles R. The effects of nasal massage of the "yingxiang" acupuncture point on nasal airway resistance and sensation of nasal airflow in patients with nasal congestion associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection. Am J Rhinol 1999;13(2):77-79.
14. Werntoft E, Dykes AK. Effect of acupressure on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: a randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot study. J Reprod Med 2001;46(9):835-839.
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Read about more Scientific Studies.
Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions.
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