What is tuina?
Tuina (推拿), a type of massage which is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been practiced in China for over 2,000 years. While it is somewhat new to Western medicine, this holistic method of healing is a growing practice that addresses bodily patterns of disharmony by improving the Qi energy flow within the body. Qi (pronounced chee) is the vital energy that moves through us constantly, replenished through our daily practices. A fundamental component of TCM, Qi functions to rebalance the body while considering it as a whole: through every muscle and joint that might need attention. Rather than focusing on one muscle group like an RMT might, a Tuina practitioner will actively consider each of the different channels within the body in an attempt to unblock them and restore flow. Ultimately, the goal of a Tuina treatment is to rebalance the blockages within a body that are either physical or energetic (Qi). As it focuses on the entire body as a vessel for balance rather than a singular target area, Tuina can help to improve symptoms that you didn’t even know you had.
What does tuina treat?
Tuina can treat a variety of holistic symptoms within the body such as joint muscle pain, low energy, lethargy, PMS; additionally it can warm the body’s blood flow. It can also effectively benefit those with musculoskeletal disorders or chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. It is particularly useful as therapy for these symptoms:
neck pain
degenerative disc disease
frozen shoulder
back pain
headaches/migraines
tennis elbow
insomnia
muscular pain
stress
constipation
carpel tunnel syndrome
WHAT WILL MY APPOINTMENT LOOK LIKE?
While each appointment varies depending on the specific needs of the individual, a Tuina session will generally begin with a consultation with our practitioner. During this stage, you’ll discuss your main complaint, as well as any other holistic concerns. Then, the practitioner will find patterns among your bodily concerns, either physical or energetic, and they’ll explain what to expect based on their findings.
The next portion of the appointment will be the Tuina massage, which consists of a myriad of therapeutic hand motions such as gliding, sliding or rolling. Further, the massage might actively engage your entire body at once and you might be sitting, lying down, or a combination of both throughout the treatment. Because of its wide-ranging healing abilities, Tuina healing can look like many different things. If you’re lacking any sort of balance within your body, why not give Tuina a try?
BOOK TUINA IN DOWNTOWN TORONTO
Our Tuina practitioner, Sarah Michel, is a registered holistic practitioner who moved from Vancouver, BC to Toronto to further her education in Traditional Chinese Medicine. An expert in Tuina and foot massage treatments, Sarah is a passionate holistic practitioner who can offer you the best Tuina massage in Toronto!
