Before learning 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 I combine it with acupuncture 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.