Stress got you tense? Sinuses not cooperating? Come try a Tui Na on your Head and Face to “Clear your Mind” with your Acupuncture appointment.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na massage is one of the Four Foundational Therapies of Chinese Medicine alongside Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Qigong. It is one of the world’s oldest forms of body therapy as archaeological findings relating to Tui Na date back to 1800 BC. The term Tui Na came into use in approximately 1400 AD.
Tui Na is not “just massage” – it is an entire independent medical system that is based on principles of Chinese Medicine. A foundational aspect of what differentiates Tui Na from other forms of massage is the use of meridian theory and the way energy (Qi) flows in the body. In Tui Na, the focus will be on evaluating and treating the meridians and acupressure points via the use of specific manual techniques that help unblock meridians or energy blockages. Tui Na cannot be defined as just a form of ‘manual acupuncture’ as it focuses on sinew meridians which are different from the primary meridians used in acupuncture.
How can Tui Na on my Head, Neck and Face help to ‘Clear my Mind’?
The body, mind and spirit are considered a unity in Chinese Medicine and each has a strong influence on the other. Mental stress and health can have adverse effects on the body, and our physical health can also influence our mental state. For example, mental stress can often lead to tight neck and shoulders, which chronically can contribute to headaches.
There are eight meridians with acupressure points on the head, scalp and face. As shown in the diagram below, the ears, nose, and eyes are nourished by multiple meridians. Blockages in the qi flow of these meridians can impact the optimal functioning of some of these sensory organs. The main Yang meridian of the body, the Governing Vessel, goes right through the brain as well. It is easy to appreciate that a lot of energy is flowing throughout the meridians in the head (and not just our frequent thoughts).
In using Tui Na techniques the practitioner can feel where energy is getting stuck in the meridians and not flowing smoothly and help clear some of these issues by using different manual techniques of Tui Na. The physical result of this treatment is a relaxation of the tissues of the head, face and neck and an associated outcome of relaxation and clearing of the mind. Patients regularly request to have this treatment on subsequent appointments.
Can Tui Na be used in conjunction with Acupuncture?
Yes! Tui na and Acupuncture work really well together. If you would like to try Tui Na to “Clear your Mind”, please request it when you schedule your next Acupuncture appointment with me.
