Tuina, a Chinese massage therapy, may be used alongside many different methods of holistic medicine. Some of these methods used in conjunction with Tuina include Qi Gong, Tai chi, fire cupping, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism just to name a few.

Tuina includes different schools in which the aspects of the varying therapeutic principles are emphasized. The rolling method school, the Nei Gung method school, and the one finger pushing method school are all examples of the different schools encompassed under Tuina.

The Nei Gung method school makes use of massage methods which are meant to rebuild depleted energies. It teaches the use of exercises that regenerate energy through Nei Gong Qi. The practice of Nei Gong Qi is thought to help realign the meridians of the body.

Nei Gong, or neigong (known as ‘Zhen Fa’) as it is also written, involves a combination of different deep breathing and meditation techniques. Qi, or chi as it is sometimes referred to in western culture, is the Chinese representation of spirit. Nei Gong Qi is meant to align the spiritual meridians of the body through the use of deep breathing and meditation and is used in combination with massage.

The rolling method school of Tuina makes use of various soft tissue techniques. By rolling the muscles by hand the Tuina Therapist manipulates muscles into releasing tension and returning to their natural position. This is an excellent school when applied to those who are suffering from muscle sprains or joint injuries.

This type of school is called ‘Gun Fa’ and utilizes the techniques that take years to perfect.

The one finger pushing method school of Tuina (or ‘Yi Zhi Chan’) is typically used for the treatment of various internal diseases. It also emphasizes many techniques utilized in acupressure. This school teaches the manipulation of various pressure points on the body in order to restore proper muscle placement and function.

Practitioners of Tuina may vary on which of the aforementioned schools of massage they adhere. Many will use various combinations of the different schools dependent upon the needs of their clients. Whether it is Nei Gung and the one finger school or the rolling method as well as the previous two the massage practitioner will make sure that the clients’ needs are properly met. One important thing to ask a practitioner is what school of Tuina he or she will involve in the massage session. If it is not one with which you are comfortable then you can let them know so that they may adjust accordingly.    

 


The rolling method school of Tuina makes use of various soft tissue techniques. By rolling the muscles by hand the Tuina Therapist manipulates muscles into releasing tension and returning to their natural position. This is an excellent school when applied to those who are suffering from muscle sprains or joint injuries.

This type of school is called ‘Gun Fa’ and utilizes the techniques that take years to perfect.

The one finger pushing method school of Tuina (or ‘Yi Zhi Chan’) is typically used for the treatment of various internal diseases. It also emphasizes many techniques utilized in acupressure. This school teaches the manipulation of various pressure points on the body in order to restore proper muscle placement and function.

Practitioners of Tuina may vary on which of the aforementioned schools of massage they adhere. Many will use various combinations of the different schools dependent upon the needs of their clients. Whether it is Nei Gung and the one finger school or the rolling method as well as the previous two the massage practitioner will make sure that the clients’ needs are properly met. One important thing to ask a practitioner is what school of Tuina he or she will involve in the massage session. If it is not one with which you are comfortable then you can let them know so that they may adjust accordingly.   

 

 

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