A Tui Na massage is usually preformed lying or sitting in a chair and is usually preformed through loose clothing or through a sheet. Other techniques might need access to the skin such as applying herbal liniments and cupping.
Before the massage a full medical history will be taken including looking at the tongue and taking your pulse in the same way as in an acupuncture treatment. A full Chinese Medicine diagnosis will be made which helps the practitioner to focus on the cause of pain and illness and not just the presenting symptoms.
The techniques in Tui Na can vary considerably but can feel deeply warming, rhythmic and relaxing as we work through the different levels of a treatment from the superficial techniques to open to the channels and relax the muscles to stronger techniques and point stimulation. Passive movements and stretches can also be included in the Tui Na massage.
Other techniques can also be introduced as needed such as Moxibustion to warm and relax the muscle and channels. Cupping to clear toxins and stagnant Qi and stimulate blood flood and Gua Sha, which is a form of scraping therapy.