How Does Chinese Massage Differ From Western Massage?

All kinds of massage are designed to promote circulation and release tension. The main emphasis is on the manipulation of the soft tissues. To that extent all forms of massage and massage-based therapies are identical but the difference lies in the techniques used for the physical manipulation of the tissue.

Chinese massage is not only concerned with the circulation of Qi energy. Imbalance and blockages in the flow of Qi are seen to be the root cause of all illness in the body. Chinese massage is therefore designed not only to relax the person and release muscular tension but also to treat illnesses. To do this, it combines a wide variety of massage techniques with acupressure as well as stretches and massage of the meridians. The practitioner first needs to diagnose, where the imbalances in the body lie. For example, which organs and meridians are affected and, in what way the forces of Yin and Yang are in excess or deficient.

A number of diagnostic techniques may be used, from questioning, looking, listening to observing the tongue, feeling the pulse, and so on. The massage can range from deep tissue massage to the lighter effects of dotting or nipping. Some of the strokes belong to Yang and have a forceful, purging effect; others belong to Yin and have tonifying, invigorating effects.

Understanding Tui Na Within the Framework of Chinese Medicine

Thi Na has to be understood within the framework of Chinese medicine with its emphasis on Yin and Yang and the Five Elements as well as the concept of meridians and acupressure points. Furthermore, it has to be used in conjunction with Chinese diagnostic techniques such as tongue observation and pulse-taking, which are designed to give a true, holistic impression of the patient's condition at that particular moment.

In Chinese medicine there is no separation of the mind, the body or the emotions, you treat the whole person. This requires a high degree of knowledge and sensitivity. And when you use Thi Na, you have to be very focused, both on the physical and on the Qi levels. So, we're not just talking about another massage technique, there is also the need to take on board a whole different philosophy of medicine.

This philosophy has evolved experientially over many hundreds of years as a result of thought, practice and clinical observation. It embraces the concept of the meridian system, invisible pathways that carry Qi throughout the body, and of acupuncture points along the meridians, the stimulation of which can affect the free flow of Qi moving along the pathways.

It also takes consideration of nature's five main elements of earth, water, fire, metal and wood, as well as natural factors such as damp and wind, which are important in diagnosis. And, of course, there is Yin and Yang, which for good health requires balance and harmony. Whether you are using acupuncture, Chinese Herbs or Tui Na, all these factors need to be understood.

The Tui Na technique is only a tool. What is important to you as a practitioner is intention (Yi) and understanding. Through good diagnosis you have to decide, what it is you wish to change. This requires the sensing of Qi and Qi is the essence of Chinese thinking.