with Matthew Richardson, RAc.

Tuina is good for anyone! It stimulates the bodies energies and blood to benefit the skin, muscles, tendons, joints and organs. ‘Tuina’ translates to “push – grasp” and is a traditional form of hands on body work with its roots in Chinese medicine. But, it is much more than just a simple massage for relaxation. Tuina is based on the same points and lines as acupuncture, with the same diagnostic methods. This means we use our hands to stimulate the appropriate acupuncture points and areas that will benefit each individual the most. No two treatments are the same as everyone comes into the clinic with their own unique life experiences. These experiences are stored in the body. We walk around with all that we have done during our lives inside of us. We define ourselves from our experience, and this experience in turn defines our body and how it functions. Tuina therapy considers the whole body, the whole individual and forms a treatment that captures your needs in the moment.

Tuina is performed by a trained acupuncturist. If you are coming for acupuncture, don’t worry you won’t miss out! Acupuncture and Tuina are often done together to give a complete internal/external, yin/yang treatment of the body. This is a great treatment, and you leave feeling well grounded with renewed energy.

One of the unique aspects of Tuina is the practice of Self-Tuina. This can be a complete set of techniques to treat yourself or just a few simple tips to get you through the day. There is nothing better than being able to treat yourself at the exact moment you feel your symptoms coming on!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Tuina for Infants and Small Children?

Tuina is particularly good for infants and small children as a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine since young children are much less likely to properly receive acupuncture. This is easily replaced by using our hands on the different acupuncture points on the child’s body. Infant Tuina is a well developed and practiced therapy with its own unique techniques and points and is often used to treat fever, constipation, teething pain and improve sleep. I have two small children myself and the Tuina techniques I have learned have saved us more then one unnecessary trip to the doctor’s office.

What can Tuina treat?

As an integral part of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Tuina is effective for any disease or stresses present in the body. It is particularly effective for the treatment of:

  • Pain and tension of muscles or joints
  • Common colds, Headaches or Migraines
  • Frozen shoulder and joint limitations
  • Digestive disorders such as constipation, nausea, bloating and IBS
  • Poor circulation , cold hands and feet
  • Asthma or breathing difficulties
  • Painful menstruation
  • Pediatrics – common ailments such as fever, teething pain, constipation, restlessness