Going back 4,000 years, the Chinese massage technique known as tuina developed right along with therapeutic exercise and acupuncture since massage depends on the flow of blood and qi throughout the body via the meridians.
Tuina massage is not simply for relaxation, but is a form of deep tissue therapy that has been proven to:
|
As in other forms of Chinese medicine, the correct practice of Chinese tuina massage affects the patient’s entire being, not just the physical body. Emphasizing movement and communication, Chinese tuina massage seeks to affect the patient’s qi and blood, removing congestion and jump-starting the patient’s systems again.
There are several different forms of manipulation that Chinese practitioners can use depending on the nature of the illness and the severity of symptoms. One form specifically treats children. Although sessions are shorter and gentler, children respond well to massage, since they have fewer emotional and physical barriers in place. Common childhood problems such as bedwetting, nightmares, asthma, colic, teething, constipation, and common colds are all treatable with Chinese massage.
How Tuina Differs from Western Massage Techniques
While Western massage methods—such as Swedish, deep tissue, or sports massage—focus primarily on muscle tension and physical structure, tuina integrates physical touch with Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. The purpose extends beyond symptom relief to include restoring internal balance.
Key distinctions include:
- Meridian-Based Techniques – Tuina follows the same energetic pathways used in acupuncture, addressing qi and organ function in addition to muscle and fascia.
- Diagnostic Foundation – Practitioners assess each person based on a Chinese medicine diagnosis, such as excess/deficiency or yin/yang imbalance, before selecting techniques.
- Internal and External Focus – Tuina can target internal conditions like digestive discomfort, respiratory challenges, or anxiety, not just physical pain or tension.
- Therapeutic Purpose – Each manipulation serves a therapeutic goal, such as expelling cold, moving stagnation, or nourishing deficiencies, unlike general relaxation massage.
- Whole-Body Rebalancing – Treatments are often part of a larger wellness plan that may include acupuncture, herbs, or nutritional guidance.
By understanding these differences, many patients find tuina to be a deeper, more system-wide approach to healing and maintenance, especially when guided by an experienced acupuncture North Hollywood practitioner like Christina Marino.
Contact or call today to schedule your consultation – (818) 505-9511
Schedule your consultation to find out what else you can be doing to improve your health.
What is Tuina massage and how does it actually help the body?
Tuina is a hands-on method used to support movement and ease tension by working along specific areas of the body. We use pressing, stretching, and kneading motions to support natural flow and comfort.
Is Tuina massage different from regular massage I’ve had before?
Yes, it focuses more on pressure points and energy pathways rather than relaxation alone. We adjust the pressure and techniques based on what someone’s body needs.
Can Tuina help if I’m dealing with stiffness or old injuries?
Many people come to us for exactly that. We’ve used Tuina to support recovery, reduce discomfort, and encourage better motion after strain or long-term aches.
Will I feel sore after a Tuina session?
Some people feel a little sore afterward, especially if there was deep tension. We check in before and after to make sure everything feels manageable.
Do I need to remove clothing for a Tuina massage?
No, Tuina is often done with clothes on. We usually ask people to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for movement.