Before studying acupuncture I found that I could treat many conditions with Tui-Na. During my clinical practice in the clinics and hospital in Beijing I noticed that many of the acupuncture doctors would also provide Tui-Na as part of the treatment. Indeed, patients were so convinced of the value of this treatment that they would call the doctor back if their Tui-Na was forgotten. Tui-na has remained an important part of my treatment of patients here in the UK where for most sessions it can be combined with other treatments or as a therapy on its own. History Tui-Na is older than Acupuncture, which in itself is at least 4500 years old. It is a key aspect of the traditional Chinese approach to health and wellbeing.

Diagnosis

The diagnostic process in Tui-Na is the same as that used for acupuncture or herbal treatments. The secret of successful treatment is to carry out an unhurried detailed diagnosis upon which to plan the whole process down to the selection of points.

A sound approach to Traditional Chinese diagnosis involves, for example, noting life events which may have influenced health, demeanour, posture, gait, pulse taking (at three positions on each wrist looking for at least 17 different qualities), tongue examination and asking a series of questions that all together reveal the state of Chi (energy) involved in the internal organs. It is a holistic approach, looking at the body as a whole and aimed at identifying the root cause of the patient’s problems.

Selection of techniques, channels and points

The body’s energetic system used in Tui-Na is the same system that is used for acupuncture and consists of a network of channels (sometimes known as meridians) that cover the entire body. There are links from the channels to the interior organs of the body. Over the years a large number of points located on these channels, have been shown to exert an important energetic influence. This influence can help the body to recover from adverse conditions that may be affecting it.

There are two main ways in which the channels and points may be used. The first is in the treatment of pain. One of the common causes of pain, according to traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the blockage of Chi (energy) and Blood. Known as a Painful Obstruction Syndrome (POS).

When this condition (POS) is being treated, Tui-Na is used to unblock the channels concerned and to stimulate the proper flow of Chi and Blood. The selection of channels and points will depend on the location and nature of the pain or discomfort.

The second way in which the channels and points are used is when the patient has a condition that affects one or more of the internal organs. In this case the points are selected according to the condition being treated and the internal organs affected. One important aim is to treat the root cause of the problem as well as the symptoms.

The skill of Point Selection lies in the ability to choose points that have more than one effect, thereby keeping the number of points used to a minimum.

Treatment Techniques

The range of treatment techniques in Tui-Na is almost limitless. Finger, thumb, hand, arm elbow movements may be brought into play. This may involve, for example, pushing, rolling, grasping, tapping, patting and kneading. The level of vigour and pressure is dependant on the condition, age and size of the patient.
The patient may be sitting e.g. for shoulder and arm treatments, or lying on back or front. Tui-Na can be carried out through thin clothing or directly on the person using a body oil.
It is important that the practitioner learns to carry out this physical treatment in as relaxed manner as possible. (It is quite a good idea to learn some Chi Gung exercises which can help in this respect) In this way it is possible to work at Tui-Na all day long without feeling unduly tired.

The patient should feel relaxed and invigorated at the end of the treatment, which, if it is a full body session, may last up to one hour.