Tuina (Chinese Massage)
Tuina is one of the five branches of Chinese External Medicine. It is a well-known treatment modality which has been gradually gaining favour internationally. It improves blood circulation, relieves tension and soreness of the body. It comprises of a wide range of technical manipulations conducted by a practitioner using the finger, hand, elbow, knee, and foot on specific body locations to achieve therapeutic outcomes. Tuina can also be performed via acupressure to stimulate specific acupoints on the body. Though often used to alleviate muscle pain, it is also effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, neuroendocrinal and neurological diseases.
Paediatric Tuina, or TCM paediatric massage, is predominantly performed on children between the ages of 6 months to 7 years old, usually because they face difficulties taking medication. It is a widely accepted, safe and non-invasive treatment method for children. Similar to the adult version of Tuina, paediatric Tuina involves a range of technical manipulations on muscles and soft tissue, and has a profound effect on children due to the sensitivity of their growing bodies. Paediatric Tuina is often applied on children with respiratory disorders, bed-wetting, night-crying, and gastrointestinal discomforts. It aims to boost immunity, treat and prevent diseases to ensure healthy growth and development of children.
Studies have shown that Tuina may benefit patients presenting with:
Paediatric Tuina, or TCM paediatric massage, is predominantly performed on children between the ages of 6 months to 7 years old, usually because they face difficulties taking medication. It is a widely accepted, safe and non-invasive treatment method for children. Similar to the adult version of Tuina, paediatric Tuina involves a range of technical manipulations on muscles and soft tissue, and has a profound effect on children due to the sensitivity of their growing bodies. Paediatric Tuina is often applied on children with respiratory disorders, bed-wetting, night-crying, and gastrointestinal discomforts. It aims to boost immunity, treat and prevent diseases to ensure healthy growth and development of children.
Studies have shown that Tuina may benefit patients presenting with:
- Poor appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Musculoskeletal tension & soreness
- Joint immobility
- Hypertension
This treatment is performed by a licenced Chinese medicine practitioner. For further interest, kindly complete the enquiry form to make your first appointment with our practitioners.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
- How to prepare for Tuina?
- A light meal two hours prior to Tuina is advised. Patients are reminded to wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing as Tuina may require stretching throughout the full range of motion and articulation of joints. Patients should refrain from vigorous exercise and stressful activities after Tuina. Rest and drinking plenty of water is strongly encouraged to obtain optimal results.
- What is the difference between massage and Tuina?
- Massage, or general massage is a non-specialised and non-therapeutic type of massage aimed to relieve the body. The massaging process is comfortable and relaxing, where often the body does not sore after the session. Tuina is specialised and customised to the condition of each patient. It applies firm massaging techniques, often using the fingers, hand, elbow, knee and foot across a specific body region or on various acupoints, creating pressure which helps regulate Qi flow of the body. Patient might experience body soreness after Tuina which dissipates in days.
- What is the difference between Tuina and ‘Tit Dar’?
- ‘Tit Dar’, or traditional bone-setting (TBS) is a conservative practice of bone and joint manipulation applied on fractures, dislocations, and sprains. It is a common treatment modality of injury management which does not involve acupoints and meridians. Tuina is a type of bodywork therapy whereby muscle or soft tissue manipulation on specific acupoints and meridians is performed.
- How does Tuina benefit children?
- Children are more responsive to Tuina treatment. Massaging acupoints regulate energy flow and relaxes the child, ultimately stimulating a healing response. Children with respiratory problems, bed-wetting, and gastrointestinal discomforts often benefit from Tuina. Moreover, it acts as a preventive measure by strengthening the immune system so that children are less susceptible to illnesses.
- Can Paediatric Tuina be done at home?
- There are several easy manipulation steps which can be performed at home while adhering to proper instructions. Kindly seek advice from your practitioner on the best ways to carry out this routine.
- Who is suitable for Tuina?
- Tuina is not suitable for all body types. A patient will be advised further by his/her practitioner to determine if this treatment is suitable.
- Is Tuina safe? What are the risks and side effects?
- Tuina is non-invasive and rather painless. However, patient might experience soreness on the manipulated site during or after the treatment which are normal after-effects of soft-tissue stimulation. Hence, Tuina is accounted as safe with minimal risks and side effects.
