How Does Tui-na Work?
Tuina is thought to help stimulate the flow of vital energy (called "chi") throughout your body. According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, health problems occur when the flow of chi is blocked at any point along a meridian (an invisible line that connects your organs with other parts of your body).
By removing these blockages, Tui-na is said to restore your body's balance of chi and, in turn, improve your health.
Uses for Tui-na
In alternative medicine, Tui-na is said to aid in the treatment of the following conditions:
Arthritis
Back Pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Chronic fatifue syndrome
Constipation
Menstrual cramps
Fibromyalgia
Headache, Migraine
Insomnia
Muscle spasms
Musculoskeletal problems
Sciatica
Help to recover after and during chemotherapy
etc.
In addition, Tui-na is said to alleviate pain, enhance energy, and reduce stress.
Benefits of Tui-n
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Although research on the health effects of undergoing Tui-na is fairly limited, there's some evidence that Tui-na may help treat certain health problems. Here's a look at some key findings from the available studies on the potential benefits of Tui-na:
1) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Tui-na shows promise in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to a study published in Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion in 2010.
For the study, 90 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome were split into three groups: one group underwent Tui-na, one group practiced tai chi, and one group received Fluoxetine (an antidepressant medication sometimes used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome).
After a month, members of the Tui-na group showed the greatest improvements in free radical metabolism.
The study's authors note that this effect may reduce fatigue and, in turn, help treat chronic fatigue syndrome.
2) Menstrual Cramps
A small study pub
lished in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2008 shows that a combination of acupuncture and Tui-na may help alleviate menstrual cramps. In tests on 60 women, researchers determined that Tui-na-plus-acupuncture was more effective than acupuncture alone for menstrual cramp relief.
3) Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2012 indicates that a combination of Tui-na and warm-needling (a form of acupuncture) may help treat carpal tunnel syndrome. In tests on 98 people with carpal tunnel syndrome, the study's authors found that those assigned to the combination therapy experienced greater improvements than members of a control group given medication.
4) Fibromyalgia
A combination of Tui-na and yoga may benefit people with fibromyalgia, suggests a small study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2007.
For eight weeks, 40
women with fibromyalgia took part in weekly sessions involving either yoga or a combination of yoga and Tui-na. In their analysis of findings on the 33 women who completed the study, researchers found that members of the yoga-plus-Tui-na group experienced greater improvements in pain.
5) Cervical Spondylosis
Tui-na may not be useful in the treatment of cervical spondylosis (a disorder caused by chronic wear on the cervical spine), according to a report published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing in 2008. In their analysis of seven previously published studies on the use of Tui-na for the treatment of symptoms associated with cervical spondylosis, the report's authors found that no evidence that Tui-na can help improve symptoms such as headache and vertigo.
Caveats
It's important for people with cancer and certain conditions (including heart diseaseand arthritis) to consult their physician prior to undergoing Tui-na and other forms of bodywork.
Using Tui-na for Health
Although it's too soon to recommend Tui-na as a treatment for any condition due to the limited research, it may offer benefits for some. If you're considering trying it, talk with your physician first. It's also important to note that using Tui-na in place of standard care for a condition or major illness may have serious consequences.
Acupuncture Nara Clinic
Dr. Jin-Kim, Senghee
2334 W. Valencia Dr.
Fullerton, CA 92833
(714)626-0003
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