TuiNa Massage (/Energy Massage)
Following the same concept as Acupuncture, TuiNa Massage (also just called ‘TuiNa’) is a massage system that encourages the self-healing process in the body. The only difference between Acupuncture and TuiNa is that TuiNa does not use needles, instead TuiNa uses acupressure as well as gently stimulating the acupuncture points by energy (or qi). The focus of each treatment will be on the energy (qi) channels as well as the acupuncture points themselves. The gentler TuiNa approach is similar to Japanese Shiatsu massage but the two systems (TuiNa and Shiatsu) are quite different. TuiNa can be dated as far back as 4000 years old, older than some Acupuncture systems!
The practitioner here at Feel Good Balham will incorporate both the physical and energetic healing techniques. The physical techniques will be ones that you may be familiar with such as acupressure, myofascial release, and reflexology. Whereas the energetic healing will be ones where you may feel sensations such as light tingling, warmth, and or a sensation in an area as the practitioner direct their energy into the area to stimulate the point Because the treatments themselves will have energy healing, a big part that is intuitive, this means that the practitioner will use their intuition to direct the treatment. In others words, each treatment will be very individualised and no two sessions will be the same in their methods but the aims of treatment will be the same.
What to expect in an average TuiNa session?
Once you are settled into the room, the practitioner will run through a series of questions related to your presenting condition. He/she will then take your pulse and look at your tongue to help piece together a pattern diagnosis. Then, you will be asked to lie down (on your back, front, or side) onto the treatment couch.
The practitioner may palpate your stomach area and your arms and legs, looking for signs of the current state of your health, he/she may even take your pulse a few more times throughout the treatment. Once a working pattern diagnosis has been decided, they will use a combination of different techniques to either help move stagnant energy or to accumulate energy in your body where there isn’t enough (a stagnation or a deficiency of energy will cause pain and or discomfort).
The session will last about 60 mins with at least 5-10mins at the end where you will have a resting period from the treatment.
What can TuiNa help?
Although TuiNa may not be able to solely treat conditions, it can still help ease or reduce the pain and improve the quality of life. Here are some conditions TuiNa can help in:
Neck and Back pain
Musculoskeletal disorders
Premenstrual syndrome
Fatigue and Insomnia
Carpal tunnel
Headaches
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Stress
Depression
Digestive conditions
Respiratory conditions
