Tuina and Chinese Body Work

Chinese Body work has been developed over thousands of years with countless healers dedicating their skill and energy to develop the techniques and philosophy that has gone into Tuina today.

During the Qin Dynasty in the third century BC Body work was known as Moshou (Hand Rubbing)

During the Han Dynasty 206 BC to 220 BC it was known as Anmo ( press and rub)

During the Ming Dynasty 1368 to 1644 AD the term Tuina (push and hold) evolved.

Tuina is one of the basic skills of Chinese medicine. It is often used in combination with Acupuncture or Moxibustion.  It is essentially Chinese medical body work and it is the treatment of choice for infants, young children and those that are severely afraid of needles.  While Tuina has some things in common with other body work you might be familiar with it has many differences.  Tuina is rooted in Chinese Medicine and all the philosophy that is associated with this medicine, so naturally it takes advantage of the meridian system used in Acupuncture as well as the tendonomuscular meridian system which is less familiar to most of us. The tendonomuscular system is similar to the Meridian system used in acupuncture but as the name suggests it is associated with the tendons and muscles along the meridian system. Acupuncture points are often stimulated as part of  a Tuina Treatment. Another big difference is that Tuina can encompass Herbal treatments into the bodywork. Herbs applied topically and even herbal formulas can be used.  For example garlic can be applied to specific acupuncture points to help invigorate the stomach. Other preparations may be used to help relax muscles, tendons or reduce swelling.

While Tuina can be relaxing it typically is more focused on moving blood and Qi to help the body heal. Some of the techniques used in Tuina can be somewhat uncomfortable but they are effective at helping the body to heal.