Part One deals with massage of the muscles of the neck and shoulders. Tui Na in this area releases tension very effectively. Your partner should be seated in an upright chair with good middle back support.

Main qi-points

The diagram below shows the qi-points that can be massaged when Tui Na is applied to the neck and shoulders. These points are found on the following meridians: bladder (blue), small intestine (red) and gall bladder (green).

1 SQUEEZING AND KNEADING

Standing behind your partner, squeeze gently along the tops of the shoulders with the whole hand and then start heel of hand kneading. As the shoulders relax, feel for any tender qi-points or knotted tissues and thumb knead them thoroughly. Extend thumb kneading down both sides of the upper spine on the bladder meridian. Grasp the top of the shoulders and squeeze the muscles deeply.

These techniques unblock the energy channels from the head to the shoulders, releasing some of the layers of tension that so often accumulate across the shoulders.

2 CHINESE ROLLING

Standing behind your partner’s left shoulder, roll with your right hand along the muscles on top of the shoulder towards the base of the neck. Roll across this area for up to five minutes, concentrating on the gall bladder and small intestine meridians. Repeat on the right shoulder, using your left hand. Repeat this rolling often during the routine.

Rolling encourages the smooth flow of qi in the meridians, harmonizing the body's internal energy and creating a radiant feeling of well-being.

3 PRESSING AND KNEADING QI-POINTS

Repeat the squeezing and kneading of step 1, but now press and knead with the thumb on GB 21, SI 9–15 and BL 11–15. Knead each point at least a hundred times.

Pressure applied to these qi-points may cause some discomfort, but this is necessary to release tension.

4 KNEADING BY PLUCKING ON THE SHOULDER

Place your left thumb on your partner’s left GB 21 with the fingers relaxed. Using the heel of your right hand over the left thumb, knead by plucking at least a hundred times across GB 21, pushing towards the neck. Repeat on the right shoulder.

Kneading by plucking GB 21 balances the energy flow to the head, relaxing shoulder and neck muscles and easing headaches. This simple method of relaxing knotted tissue gives a blissfully light feeling.

5 SQUEEZING AND KNEADING

Using your thumb and first two fingers, squeeze and knead the muscles on either side of the neck vertebrae with a definite kneading action, while the other hand lightly supports the forehead. Work from the base of the neck up to the region just beneath the skull, lifting the hand between each position. Change hands frequently.

This technique stimulates the bladder and gall bladder meridians, sweeping away the tension that leads to headaches and relieving stiff and aching neck muscles.

6 KNEADING QI- POINTS WITH PRESSURE

With the thumb and middle finger on GB 20, knead firmly with the pressure aimed upwards. Squeeze and knead each point at least a hundred times, then change hands and repeat. Now use the same technique on BL 10.

GB 20 is one of the best qi-points for treating all headaches and reducing blood pressure. It also affects the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. BL 10 relaxes stiff necks and can help tired and sore eyes.

7 PERCUSSION ON THE SHOULDERS

Use the pummelling technique on the top of the shoulders and either side of the spine between the shoulder blades. Hacking has a similar effect.

Pummelling is intensely exhilarating, as it moves both qi energy and blood.