Benefits and Limitations

Tui Na is well suited for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress­related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. Effective treatment protocols have been tested in a practical setting.

Tui Na is not especially useful for those seeking a mild, sedating and relaxing massage since it tends to be more task focused than other types of bodywork.

This therapy should not be used, when a person has problems like fractures, phlebitis, infectious conditions, open wounds, and lesions.

Tui Na in general has the following functions:

• It promotes structural and locomotive health by regulating the nervous system, so that the Qi flows through the body, properly. This will increase mobility, range of motion and decrease pain. It improves resistance to disease by boosting the defensive and immunolgical Qi of the body.
• It "flushes" metabolic waste out of the body. Rolling is used directly on sprains with bruising and swelling.

The Rolling Method, which is from Shanghai, treats locomotive and structural problems. Dr. Ting Ji.Feng, who was known as the Grandmaster of the Rolling method, advanced this method. Due to political repression he was forced to teach the techniques to his students, on the quiet. Later, this technique went on to become the most popular remedial massage in China.

The rolling method is best used for joint and soft tissue problems such as chronic joint pain, tenosynovitis, peripheral adhesions of the shoulder, contusions, sprains, strains, and impaired movement.

It is very effective in treating torticollis (wry neck), insomnia, migraine headache and high blood pressure.

The One-Finger Method concentrates on "one finger pushing" to push acupoints along energy channels. By concentrating, the practitioners exert force through the tip of the thumb or fingers, This technique is especially useful for treating internal, paediatric and gynaecological diseases, The One-Finger method was developed during the Sung Dynasty (960-l279BC) and most of the original movements are still in use, today.

Upper body tensions, which manifest as upper back, shoulder and neck tightness, can be cured very effectively by using the 'Rolling Technique'. This loosens the muscles and opens the channels, The One Finger Method, when used in conjunction with the Rolling Technique, can give very good result.

For problems like 'Tennis Elbow', Tui Na is very effective. It can be performed with, either the patient seated or lying down. Treatment can be supplemented by external therapies such as herbal liniments, plasters or fomentation. In many patients, Tui Na methods achieve even better results than acupuncture.

Tui-Na can also be combined with other therapies, like moxabustion and acupressure, for greater benefit.