Tui Na

History and allegorical understanding - a more eastern point of view

Tui na - which literally translates as "push grab" is an ancient system of healing dating more than 4000 years. Combining massage, moxibution (a herb of mug wort burnt close to the skin to energize and eliminate pain) cupping, (creating a vacuum, using cups to remove toxins) and Chi Nei Tsang (internal organ energy work). Each can be applied as a seperate application or used in combination.

Tui na focuses on a variety of strokes intermingling with the connective tissue such as gripping, rolling, applying traction, friction, pounding, rubbing and rocking. Tui Na is dynamic and can be at times painful but the end result is one of invigoration and elation.

Tui na places much emphasis on the center of gravity, that resting just below the navel called the Tan Tien. The womb, the umbilical cord is our life energy, when the cord is cut, the newborn has to learn to fend for itself. Like an accordion the whole of our ribcage should expand as we inhale and contract as we exhale. As we go from infancy to adutlhood, we tend to place More emphasis on our chest cavity. When working the navel, releasing the tissues surrounding the organs and "clearing space" childhood images often come up and harmony is restored. The dichotomy is that our protective armour is what hurst us. Protection is the result of injury, injury occurs often because of compensations, compensations are designed to help protect and support therefor it can become a vicious cycle! The more we free up our bodies the stronger we become and the less likely to injure the environment and ourselves.

The Chinese philosophy is that everything that exists in nature exists in the body. Energy becomes matter and matter dissolves into energy. We can break down energy and matter into five elements - wood fire earth metal and water. Each element either feeds- as in the mother, or contains - as in the father, the corresponding element.

For example, water feed wood, if a tree is thirsty, we know the water energy is disturbed. In the case of a forest fire the water which controls the fire is depleted so it would be essential to energize the well! Similarly in the body if there is dehydration, or inflammation, the water element would need to be addressed. Inside the elements lie the energy pathways. - Each associated with a particular organ. The blood filled organs that lie deep in the body are yin in nature, the organs more vacuous are Yang. Yin and Yang are the opposing forces that exist in all things. Yin being the dark side of the mountain - the cool nurturing aspect of nature while the light side of the mountain is fiery, expressive and creative. The expression, "opposites attract" is the result of this phenomenon!

Tui Na has withstood the test of time. Where many western therapies come in and out of fashion Tui Nas roots lie deep because it follows the laws of nature. Those that become extinct cannot adapt to a changing environment. This is the power of Tui Na. The recognition that that the earth and our bodies are the same.

A more western point of view:

Tui Na is an ancient Chinese system combining massage acupressure and sometimes moxibustion based on the system of five elements its aim is to energize and restore balance to the associated organ and meridian. Tui Na also incorporates Chi Gong and Chi Nei Tsang.

What is particular to Tui Na is the wide variety of strokes used which produce mechanical stimulating to the soft tissues of the body , the effect of which is to strengthen the body's resistance and eliminate pathogenic factors - those which cause disease.

Chi Gong or energy work is a vital component to Tui Na. based on a system of postures exercise and meditations Chi Gong activates the parasympathetic circuit of the central nervous system. It stimulates the production of neurochemicals which cause the endocrine system to secrete hormones that enhance vitality and boost immunity.

Chi Nei Tsang - internal organ abdominal massage - has the navel at the heart! It stores absorbs and regenerates energy. Through gentle manipulation the organs begin to rejuvenate themselves. Deep tissue massage is applied to the organs to drive out toxins release obstructions and clear blood and energy stagnation. Chi nei Tsang helps to "wake up" the organs by tapping g in to their individual vibration.

The changing body is about growth and renewal. The goal of my work is to make space for the body to live comfortably inside its skin