Many people view Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) tuina (推拿) as merely a form of massage, considering it a method of health maintenance. This perspective is incorrect; in fact, tuina is a genuine TCM therapeutic method that can target specific diseases.TCM tuina is not simply localized massage; it is a treatment method that stimulates the body’s meridians and acupuncture points. It requires skillful techniques and appropriate force, as well as an understanding of the structure and acupuncture points of various body parts to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
What is TCM Tuina?
TCM tuina is based on the theories of TCM organ and meridian systems, combined with Western anatomical and pathological diagnostics,using manual techniques on specific areas of the body to regulate physiological and pathological conditions, achieving therapeutic goals. Essentially, it is a physical therapy method.In terms of massage therapy, it can be divided into health maintenance massage, sports massage, and medical massage. Historically, tuina was referred to as massage or anmo (按摩), and it is an ancient Chinese health preservation technique for treating and preventing diseases. However, to achieve treatment tailored to individual patients and their conditions, the requirements for tuina practitioners are quite high. Mastery of tuina techniquesrequires not only knowledge of Western anatomy, blood vessels, and muscles but also a firm grasp of TCM meridian theory and the locations of various acupuncture points.What are the benefits of TCM Tuina?1. Unblock Meridians and Collaterals
Meridians refer to the network of channels in the body through which qi (气) and blood flow. If the flow of qi and blood is smooth, the body remains healthy; if the flow is obstructed, diseases arise.TCMtuina can help to ensure the smooth flow of meridians and balance yin and yang, thus maintaining a healthy state.2. Resolve Tissue AdhesionsLocal injuries can lead to inflammatory tissue adhesions, which can be treated through tuina. This condition typically involves issues with blood and lymph circulation at the affected site, along withthe presence of numerous pathological products, which can be gradually released through tuina.3. Correct MisalignmentsMisalignments due to intense exercise or accidental injuries are common; TCM can realign without causing harm to the body, and this therapeutic technique is tuina. It is often used for realigning limbs or the temporomandibular joint,and after realignment, tuina techniques can promote local qi and blood circulation, effectively aiding recovery.
▲ Image source: Internet, copyright belongs to the original creator4. Harmonize Qi and BloodDuring tuina, gentle force is emphasized, and the techniques are applied according to acupuncture points and meridians, effectively stimulating the entire meridian to help adjust the body.When the meridians are stimulated, the flow of qi and blood in the body is also promoted, which can improve the patient’s constitution.5. Prevent DiseasesRegular tuina can help prevent diseases, as its therapeutic effects are quite evident, promoting overall bodily functions and nourishing the organs, thus aiding in disease prevention.Differences Between TCM Tuina and General MassageIn daily life, diseases of the neck, shoulders, and lower back are common, and we can use tuina for health maintenance and treatment. However, it is essential to distinguish between general massage for health and TCM tuina therapy. Massage techniques are generally simpler and primarily serve to relieve symptoms and provide preventive care. In contrast, TCM tuina requires practitioners trained in tuina massage and rehabilitation therapy. Some techniques involve significant force, while others (such as the pulling technique) have strict requirements for force control and application methods.TCM tuina therapy not only alleviates symptoms more quickly but also targets specific symptoms and conditions, such as adjusting joints and relaxing muscles, leading to long-term relief. So when is it most suitable to use tuina to help patients alleviate pain?
TCM tuina excels in treating diseases of the spine and limbs, with typical conditions including cervical spondylosis, lumbar muscle strain, acute lumbar sprain, lumbar disc herniation, shoulder periarthritis, and ligament sprains, as well as gynecological dysmenorrhea, internal medicine issues like spleen and stomach disharmony, spleen qi deficiency, diarrhea, constipation, pediatric neurological disorders such as autism, tic disorders, and pediatric fever, cough, and food retention diarrhea.When you are troubled by these conditions, and some diseases do not respond well to medication, or if you are suffering from acute muscle, tendon, fascia, or joint injuries that cause severe pain and limited mobility, or chronic injuries that do not heal over time, you can consider trying TCM tuina therapy.The Wide Application of TCM Tuina TherapyThe Kanglaiyuan Pain Clinic’s Sports Rehabilitation Department has introduced TCM tuina therapy, which is a treatment method widely applicable to the elderly, youth, children, and women, with few side effects and a broad range of applications, serving as a general health maintenance treatment.Professional physicians use their hands on the patient’s body surface, injured areas, discomfort locations, specific acupoints, and painful spots, employing various techniques such as pushing, grasping, pressing, rubbing, kneading, tapping, and more, aiming to achieve the effects of unblocking meridians, promoting qi and blood flow, alleviating pain, dispelling pathogens, and harmonizing yin and yang.
Kanglaiyuan Pain Clinic is dedicated to bringing hope to pain patients, considering their needs,“We feel your pain” and our long-term goal is to eliminate your suffering!
Disclaimer: Some text and images in this article are sourced from the internet, copyright belongs to the original creators, edited and formatted for publication by the “Kanglaiyuan Medical” WeChat public account.
Kanglaiyuan’s Authoritative Medical Services
The Kanglaiyuan Pain Clinic is the flagship store of the Laiyuan Clinic in Taiwan, officially certified as an interventional treatment center by the Taiwan Pain Medicine Association. The clinic focuses onintegrated precision medicine and customized warm services as its core philosophy,focusing on holistic treatment and one-stop health management services for chronic pain and neuropathic conditions caused by joint degeneration and sports injuries.. Here, we have the most professional medical team, leveraging years of experience to help you overcome your ailments.
Chen Jianhua Chief Medical Officer of Kanglaiyuan Pain Clinic Founder of the Laiyuan Neurorepair Center in Taiwan Specialist in Neurosurgery and Pain Medicine PhD from National Taiwan University Institute of Medical Engineering Clinical training in neuroregulation and pain treatment at UCLAZhou Jingbin Director of the Sports Injury Department at the National Sports Administration Institute of Sports Medicine Member of the Medical Committee of the Asian Games Member of the Medical Committee of the Chinese Football Association Member of the Sports Medicine Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Vice Chairman of the Youth Committee Deputy Secretary-General of the Sports Medicine Branch of the Chinese Sports Science Society Long-term research at the University of Pittsburgh Orthopedics and the Krankenhaus Sports Medicine Center in GermanyFeng Lei Attending Physician at Kanglaiyuan Pain Clinic Attending Physician in the Pain Department at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Clinical Specialist at Peking University Health Science Center Mentor in ultrasound-guided interventional techniques at Beirang MedicalGe Ruidong PhD in Sports Rehabilitation, Master’s in Medicine Associate Chief Therapist Head of the Rehabilitation Medicine Department at the Japan-China Friendship Hospital Secretary of the Lean Treatment Expert Committee at the National Telemedicine Center Secretary of the Rehabilitation Treatment Branch
Xu Hao
Director of the Rehabilitation Treatment Room at the National Sports Administration Institute of Sports Medicine Chief Technician Member of the Sports Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Group of the Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association Visiting Scholar at the University of Southern California Visiting Scholar at Georgia State University Member of the Rehabilitation Guarantee Expert Group for the National Figure Skating Team and the National Freestyle Skiing Aerials Team Member of the National Team Physician Training Course Lecturer Group
Zhang Zhen
Medical Director, Chief Therapist
Former Head of the Physical Therapy Group at Peking University Rehabilitation Hospital
Certified Chief Rehabilitation Therapist by the National Health Commission
International Certification in New Zealand Dynamic Joint Mobilization
Treated nearly a thousand cases of orthopedic and neurological injury patients
Oldest patient aged 105 years
Specializes in comprehensive management of chronic joint pain using exercise therapy, manual therapy, exercise equipment, and physical therapy techniques for various sports injuries and post-orthopedic surgery rehabilitation.
They are top experts in the industry, engaged in pain medicine research and clinical diagnosis.If your body has been suffering from pain for years or you are beginning to face the threat of pain please follow「Kanglaiyuan Medical」 WeChat public account We will customize a professional health improvement plan for you to help you accurately and thoroughly eliminate pain.
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