This Chinese modality was given its name roughly 2000 years ago, with written, related records dating back to nearly 5000 years ago, making it the oldest recorded form of bodywork. It was brought to the United States in 1975 by Share K. Lew. Within the Tuina system several different hand techniques, as well as a range of motion exercises, are utilized to help relieve blood stasis in the vessels and qi stagnation in the meridians (both of which are responsible for pain/dis-ease in Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM).
Some of the hand techniques are tonifying while others are sedating, Since Chinese Medicine does not recognize cause and effect as the West knows it, the goal of this work is to restore balance to the body utilizing techniques that are most appropriate to restore balance, which varies from person to person, day to day.
Typical Tuina sessions range from 15 to 60 minutes, though rarely is a Tuina session performed more than 30 minutes. The patient is asked to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing while receiving this form of bodywork. In certain circumstances (such as application of liniment), clothing in the region(s) of contact may need to be removed. Sessions are typically performed on the table.