Focus on Tuina

Tuina is a modality of massage therapy based on the principles of Chinese medicine 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 B.C. as one of the five major therapies of the time. Tuina has remained an organized and systematically developed system of massage since that time.

Tuina is well suited for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.  If you experience any of the following symptoms or conditions schedule an appointment  to see how Tuina can help you!

• Stress /Tension / Anxiety
  
• Hypertension
  
• Migraines / Headaches
• Chronic Back Pain
  
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Chronic Fatigue / Depression
• Strains / Sprains / Injuries
• Post-Operative / Cancer
• Diabetes
  
• Pregnancy / Prenatal
• P.M.S. / Menopause
• Reproductive Disorders
• Digestive Disorders
• Insomnia
• Sciatica

An example of the "Rolling" technique used in Tuina Bodywork

Tuina Bodywork

45 Minutes  $75

60 Minutes  $100

90 Minutes  $140

Your First Appointment

What to expect

Your Tuina practitioner will spend a few minutes going over your health history, be sure to mention any medications or herbs you are taking. It is very important for your Tuina practitioner to know if you are currently taking any medication, vitamins or herbs.

In a typical session, the client, wearing loose clothing and no shoes, lies on a massage table. The practitioner examines the specific problems of the client and begins to apply a treatment protocol. The major focus of application is upon specific pain sites, acupressure points, energy meridians, and muscles and joints. Sessions last from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Depending on the specific problems of the client, they may return for weekly or monthly treatments. The client usually feels relaxed but energized by the treatment. Your practitioner may have you undress for a portion or all of your treatment. You will be properly draped at all times. The amount of pressure utilized in a Tuina Bodywork session may be light to deep. Be sure to let your practitioner know if you are uncomfortable.

After your Tuina session the practitioner will spend a few minutes with you to check in and receive feedback about your symptoms. You may experience some moderate discomfort the day or two after receiving Tuina. Please be sure to follow your Tuina practitioners’ advice for post-treatment care i.e. be sure you stay hydrated, eat a light & healthy meal. Your Tuina practitioner may also recommend an Epsom salt bath.

Tuina is utilized in Chinese hospitals as an in-patient as well as an out-patient therapy. Tuina Bodywork uses the Traditional Chinese Medical theory of channels and collaterals (meridians or pathways) and the flow of the Qi energy. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques, Tuina seeks to establish a more harmonious Qi energy through the system of channels, 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, stimulation of acupressure points to directly affect the flow of Qi energy and manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships. External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments and salves as well as cupping are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.

               The pictures above are from Jodi's work/study trip to the Shanghai University of Tradititonal Chinese Medicine in 2008.