Therapeutic massage, an ancient healing practice, has long been recognized for its ability to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and improve overall well-being. When combined with the principles of Chinese herbal medicine, this holistic approach offers a unique and powerful synergy. This article explores the extraordinary benefits of Chinese herbal massage, delving into how this combination can enhance stress reduction, pain management, circulation, immune function, and energy balance.
Understanding Chinese Massage: Tui Na
The term "Chinese massage" is often used colloquially in Western culture, but in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is more accurately known as Tui Na, which translates to "push-and-pull." According to Eastern medicine expert Daniel Hsu, DAOM, L.Ac., Tui Na is more accurately described as therapeutic Asian bodywork that involves twisting, pulling, turning, pushing, and kneading. It is not merely about relaxing muscles or relieving stress but is a comprehensive therapeutic modality.
Tui Na is one of the three main components of TCM, alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine. It is considered the oldest system of bodywork still practiced today. The underlying philosophy of Tui Na is that true health is achieved when one finds harmony and balance within oneself and one’s environment. The goal is to harmonize the body’s Yin and Yang by eliminating blockages and disturbances that manifest as illness, disease, and emotional issues.
Principles of Tui Na
Tui Na follows acupressure points, which are the same as acupuncture points. These points are targets along the body that are around clusters of nerve endings, mast cells, lymphatics, and capillaries, all capable of triggering biochemical and physiological changes in the body. In modern practice, these points are a metaphor for metabolic functions.
When these points are stimulated, whether through acupressure or acupuncture, two main things happen:
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- Endogenous Opiate Release: The body releases its own naturally occurring "feel-good" chemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine, and opiates.
- Down-Modulation of Sympathetic Upregulation: The body's fight-or-flight response is turned down, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Techniques Used in Tui Na
During a Tui Na session, practitioners use oscillating and pressure techniques that differ in force and speed. It can be administered as a stronger deep-tissue massage or a more gentle, energetic treatment. Tui Na employs various massage techniques, including acupressure, myofascial release, and reflexology. Sometimes, techniques common to osteopathy and chiropractic, such as stretching and joint mobilizations, are also used.
There are eight basic techniques used in Tui Na massage:
- Palpating (mo)
- Rejoining (jie)
- Opposing (duan)
- Lifting (ti)
- Pressing (an)
- Kneading (mo)
- Pushing (tui)
- Holding (na)
Other techniques include rolling, one-finger technique, and Nei gung (full-body manipulation).
Health Benefits of Tui Na
Tui Na offers numerous positive outcomes, some of which have been studied extensively.
Eases Pain
Several studies have investigated Tui Na's effect on pain, from the neck to the lower back. One study showed that patients with chronic neck pain improved greatly with regular treatments over a few weeks. Another study indicated that people had less back pain when they received Tui Na in conjunction with core exercises. Additionally, a study focused on carpal tunnel syndrome found that participants' successful recovery rate reached 81% when Tui Na was combined with acupuncture. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 150 patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) compared Tui Na treatment with conventional drug control (ibuprofen). The results showed that Tui Na could be a valuable treatment for CLBP.
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Faster Injury Recovery
Massage therapy is often used alongside physical therapy to aid in the recovery process. A study showed that when applied to skeletal muscle after injury, massage reduced inflammation, resulting in better recovery speed and performance.
Improves Balance
A study involving patients with Parkinson's disease demonstrated that after three months of regular Tui Na practice, their overall performance greatly improved-even more so than the groups in the study who practiced strength training and stretching.
Increases Circulation
Tui Na techniques stimulate the body to bring more blood to the treated area. When done correctly, blood pressure goes down as arteries expand. A small recent study showed that a specific technique-Yi Zhi Chan Tui Na-can indeed improve circulation in patients.
Mental Health Boost
Depression can sometimes be eased through massage therapy.
Relief from Disorders
Tui Na is particularly effective for conditions involving muscles, tendons, and joints, such as structural misalignment, orthopedic problems, and sports injuries. It can also be used to treat internal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), insomnia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), digestive, respiratory, and reproductive issues.
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Benefits Foot Issues from Diabetes
Tui Na massage may be beneficial for people with diabetes who have foot issues. A study found that Tui Na massage combined with a Chinese medicine foot bath was therapeutically beneficial for people with early-stage diabetic foot.
Promotes Healthy Lactation
Practitioners may recommend Tuina massage to encourage postpartum lactation. The results of an old study showed that Tuina massage on breasts increased the quantity of lactation compared to women who received only conventional treatment. Researchers believe Tuina massage could have a positive effect in this area, helping new mothers produce greater quantities of milk more quickly.
Managing Osteoarthritis
The therapeutic benefits of Tuina massage may aid osteoarthritis symptom management, improving muscular tension of the flexor and extensor muscles in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Manage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tuina massage may aid in relief from carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. People with carpal tunnel syndrome who received warm-needling acupuncture in addition to Tuina massage showed significantly more improvements than people who were treated using hormone block therapy and medication.
Manage Musculoskeletal Disorders
People report that Tuina massage may aid function and reduce pain affecting the joints, bones, and muscles.
The Role of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a major part of TCM and is often used in conjunction with Tui Na. Depending on the practitioner's diagnosis and recommendation, a combination of these two modalities, with additional TCM techniques, might be employed. However, both can be used independently.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Enhancing Therapeutic Massage
Chinese herbal medicine, practiced for thousands of years, offers a complementary approach to enhance the benefits of therapeutic massage. Herbal remedies, carefully selected by a knowledgeable practitioner, can augment the calming effects of massage and further promote relaxation. These herbs are given to patients to restore energy balance to the opposing forces of energy, known as Yin and Yang, that are said to run through invisible channels in the body.
Chinese herbal medicines are usually plant-based, but some preparations include minerals or animal products. Many people are drawn to learning about Chinese Herb Therapy through their desire to treat patients with holistic methods, which help them optimize their health without relying entirely on pharmacological medicines.
Certain Chinese herbs possess properties that help soothe the mind and reduce anxiety, while others improve blood circulation, strengthen the cardiovascular system, and support overall vascular health. Herbal formulas, tailored to an individual’s unique constitution and energy patterns, can be prescribed to support therapeutic massage’s effects further, tonifying deficiencies and regulating apparent excesses and promoting the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.
How Chinese Herbal Medicine Works
In TCM, a state of health reflects an underlying state of balance in the Qi and blood of the human body. Pain is usually caused by obstruction of Qi and consequently of blood circulation in the affected body region. Pathogenic factors such as blood stasis, Qi stagnation, phlegm, dampness, and others can be identified as causative factors in the blockage. Thus, the central therapeutic goal of Tui Na is to remove energetic blocks which lead to Qi stagnation.
The A-Shi point in TCM is the site on the body surface which reproduces the specific pain being treated when it is gently pressed. Its location indicates the precise place where Qi and blood are blocked. Manipulation at the A-Shi point is done with the intention of removing the energetic block there to promote the free movement of Qi and improve blood circulation in the region.
Common Chinese Herbs Used in Conjunction with Massage
- Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica): Known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is often used in herbal liniments or oils for massage therapy to relieve headaches, muscle pain, and joint discomfort.
- Du Huo (Angelica pubescens): Commonly used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, it is often included in herbal formulas or liniments for massage therapy targeting conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and sciatica.
- Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera japonica): Valued for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, it can be included in herbal liniments to address skin conditions or infections, promoting healing and soothing irritated skin.
- Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong): Valued for its ability to invigorate blood circulation and relieve pain, it is often used in massage therapy to address headaches, migraines, menstrual cramps, and muscle tension.
- Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis): Known for its blood-nourishing properties, it supports overall health and well-being.
- Jujube: Also known as red date, has mild sedative properties, making it an effective remedy for calming nerves.
Reflexology and Tui Na
Reflexology, particularly TCM foot reflexology, is another noninvasive complementary therapy that focuses on relieving stress by working with the feet. People trained in this technique believe that all the body systems are mirrored in the smaller areas of the hands, feet, ears, and face. The idea is that pressure points on the feet and hands correspond to organs and tissues that standard massage techniques cannot reach.
Foot reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet and hands that link with particular body parts. When the reflexologist stimulates these pressure points, the theory is that vital energy - called Qi in Chinese - flows through the individual’s body, reaching the corresponding area, bringing the individual back into balance so that the body can heal itself.
While there is little scientific evidence to explain how reflexology works, some theories suggest that stress blocks energy flow, leading to illness. By restoring vital energy flow, reflexology maintains balance and health. Another theory is that the human touch calms the nervous system, providing similar benefits to other forms of massage.
Safety and Precautions
Tui Na massage is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, it is not a gentle or relaxing massage, and some discomfort may be felt during or after a session. Slight bruising is possible.
It is not recommended for people who have fractures or are prone to fractures, vein inflammation, or any type of open wound. It’s also not recommended for people with chronic back issues, such as ankylosing spondylitis. If there are any health concerns, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor before adding Tui Na massage to a treatment plan.