Tui-na is a form of Oriental technique that has been used in China for 2,000 years. A combination of massage, acupressure and other forms of body manipulation, Tui-na works by applying pressure to acupoints, meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to remove blockages that prevent the free flow of qi. Removing these blockages restores the balance of qi in the body, leading to improved health and vitality.

Tui-na therapy is excellent for pain relief and the treatment of musculoskeletal problems, respiratory and digestive disorders. It helps to relieve fatigue, restore energy and strengthen one's ability to deal with emotional disturbances and stress.

Tui-na is an external therapy. The Chinese believe that "all human life depends on “qi," the name given to the vital life energy of the body. Gi is a dynamic force promoting growth and protecting it, keeping the organs in their proper place, and closely related to the metabolism.

In the simplest terms, it is believed that disease is a disruption of the flow of qi in the body and the development of the human body. Gi flows through the body via a network of channels. Acupoints are specific sites, distributed along these channels. Long-term experience has shown that – when stimulated – they have a special therapeutic effect for a variety of disorders. Acupuncture provides this stimulation with needles. Tui-na practitioners utilize their hands to produce the same effects.

In Chinese hospitals, tui-na is used alongside herbal medicine and acupuncture to prevent and treat diseases by using a variety of different manual techniques.

Tui-na practitioners may employ a variety of methods to achieve their goal. Commonly used techniques include soft tissue massage, acupressure and manipulation. Practitioners may sometimes use herbal compresses, liniments, ointments and heat to enhance these techniques.

The wide variety of techniques enables the practitioner to balance up the qi energy, the vital substances and the internal organs on which the health of a person’s body and mind depend. Like all forms of massage, many of the effects of tui-na are produced simply by its function of simulating the flow of qi, blood and body fluids.

Many health problems are caused by blockages in these vital substances, leading to pain, swelling, a build-up of toxins and other symptoms. Removing the blockages re-establishes the proper functioning of the body and the recovery of damaged tissues. Tui-na works holistically, treating the mind through the body and vice versa.

Tui-na can be used to treat chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions and stress-related disorders that affect the digestive and/or respiratory systems, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, sciatica and tennis elbow, headaches, constipation, premenstrual symptoms and some emotional problems.

Contra-indications: osteoporosis or conditions involving fractures, infectious diseases, skin problems or open wounds.