Tui Na Massage: Everything You Need to Know

Thought of as the oldest form of bodywork, a Tui Na massage is an integral part of Chinese medicine, combining acupressure, reflexology, and a variety of other massage techniques. A Tui Na massage can be used to treat physical discomfort and tension, but also works on an emotional level to bring balance and harmony between the body and mind.

But what is a Tui Na massage, what does it involve, and how can it help you? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this ancient therapy.

What is a Tui Na massage?

A Tui Na massage is a form of therapeutic bodywork that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Using a combination of acupressure and reflexology, a Tui Na massage can promote physical healing by providing harmony in the yin and yang of the body.

Tui Na focuses on specific areas of the body, targeting energy blockages, muscular tension, and other issues that can cause physical pain or discomfort. The massage uses pressure points - the body’s meridians - to stimulate healing and alleviate pain.

Benefits of a Tui Na massage

So, what can this ancient practice offer when it comes to health and wellness? A Tui Na massage can provide many benefits, including:

Reduced pain

The primary benefit of a Tui Na massage is that it can alleviate physical tensions and tightness, which may be caused by stress or everyday activities like exercising, or sitting at a computer for long periods of time.

Improve circulation

Another benefit of a Tui Na massage is that it encourages improved circulation in the body, which can also help to reduce muscle pain and stiffness. Proper circulation is key for your overall health, as healthy blood flow ensures that your body's cells are nourished with oxygen and essential nutrients. Proper circulation also reflects when it comes to outer beauty; good circulation results in a healthy glow and radiant skin, making a Tui Na massage just as much a beauty treatment as it is a physical treatment.

Stress relief

While some Tui Na massages can be performed in a similar way to a deep tissue massage (with added pressure), some practitioners will also perform these massages using gentle strokes, making it a great way to reduce stress and anxiety in your day-to-day life. Because a Tui Na massage helps to relax the mind, it can also make it easier for you to fall asleep at night.

Natural antidepressant

A study from 2015 found that a regular Tui Na massage in patients with depression could actually help to treat their symptoms better than traditional treatments. While this subject does require more research, there's no denying that a great massage can do wonders for your emotional health, whether it be in helping you sleep, reducing anxiety symptoms, or simply reducing the impact of chronic stress on your body on a day-to-day basis.

What Is the Difference Between Tui Na and a Regular Massage?

The main difference between a Tui Na massage and a regular massage is that Tui Na works on a deeper level; the massage is not only meant to make you feel relaxed and reduce pain, but is also performed to stimulate the body's own healing process, and work to unblock your qi, which is a term used to describe your vital life force in Chinese medicine.

There are some differences in technique, too;  a Tui Na massage will typically involve more kneading, pressing, and rubbing than a regular massage, and the therapist will often use their arms or elbows to apply pressure to deeper areas of the body. The movements are often quite slow and gentle, but can become faster and firmer depending on the area being treated.

How to Find a Mobile Massage Therapist in Atlanta

When it comes to a great massage, what better than to enjoy one in the comfort of your own home? At Spa Theory, we provide a mobile massage in Atlanta in any private residence - whether it be your home or a hotel - so you can enjoy the benefits of massage therapy wherever you are. Our network of professionals are licensed, qualified, and experienced in various forms of massage therapy, so you'll be sure to find something that works for you.