4

TUI NA TECHNIQUES

 

This chapter describes the techniques used in Tui Na and the particular effects of each one. You will need to use these techniques in the whole-body routine described in chapter 5.

 

To familiarize yourself with the techniques, study the photographs and read the instructions in the following pages. You can then go on to practise the techniques either on yourself or on a partner, who should be seated comfortably in an upright chair or lying on a firm surface. Take turns to practise on each other, so that you know how it feels to receive Tui Na as well as to give it. Through practising these techniques with a partner, you will become sensitive to the finer nuances of Tui Na and to the feel of normal and dysfunctional tissues.

The ‘soft tissue’ techniques, which work on the muscles and underlying tissues, are presented first, on pages here. Techniques for joint manipulation follow on pages here. All these techniques stimulate the flow of qi and blood in different ways.

Before you start to practise Tui Na, consider whether your partner has any problems that contraindicate the treatment. If your partner has a condition that prevents you massaging directly on some of the qi-points, you can use distant points to achieve a good treatment.

WHEN NOT TO USE TUI NA

• Tui Na should not be applied directly to areas affected by skin cancer or the lymph node areas on those with lymphatic cancer.
• Do not use strong pressure or manipulationson anyone with brittle bones (osteoporosis), particularly the spine.
• Do not use Tui Na on the hip or knee area where an artificial joint is fitted.
• Avoid massaging directly on inflamed, bruised or broken skin, or over skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or shingles.
• During pregnancy, do not massage the lower back or abdomen or use qi-points SP 6 or LI 4.