Notes

Tui Na Massage Therapy: Is Tui Na the Right Choice for You?
In the province of Shaolin in the People's Republic of China, there is a tiny town in the mountains called Tui Na. There aren't many buildings in the town, and it appears more like an unpolished log-mining village. I've always discovered Tui Na to be very serene and tranquil. The reason for my friendly vibe was the fact that I was able to learn Tai Na from a master who resided there and practiced daily.

I learned about tui-na and tui na massage from a master named Wang Xian (who also practiced at his home). The library he had was full of books about the practice, and they were donated to me to allow me to peruse the selection of books. I also learned that there are many schools of thought concerning the study of tui-na. I found out that seven meridians connect, and that the body connects with these meridians.

After reading many of the books I read I found out that the seven meridians are named Chi, Qi, Blood, bones, teeth, joints, and Materia. In my studies I found out that Na practitioners use various massage techniques for each meridians. I also found out that traditional Chinese medical practices believe that there are around twenty-four important points throughout the body that are linked to one another and responsible for the body's organs and tissues. Each organ or tissue is believed to have a particular point. The twelve meridians are believed to run parallel to the chi in the body. If you are performing a tui Na massage it is possible for some practitioners to use the symbol of the twelve meridians.

Tui Na therapy was popularized in the West after the Chinese government and the United States government began promoting the therapy as a way to heal. The popularity increased with the advent of television programs that featured Chinese herbalists who promoted the practice as a different form of therapy. I viewed one such show featuring women getting the Tui Na massage following having a long day at work. The relief they felt and the positive feedback from staff at the massage salon was both intriguing to me.

A couple of years after that, I was invited to attend a highly-respected acupuncturist's Massage school. In the course of my visit I was taught by him how to give an Tui Na massage. He also explained that he would do the therapy on anyone who visited his shop. I was awestruck by the unassuming man who was totally natural and did not appear like the type of person who would practice Acupuncture. He explained that his students were taught to use their loose hands in order they could directly apply pressure to the acupoints, without being dependent on their fingers. He asked me to do one or two sessions with him before sharing my experience with other practitioners who would be employing the Tui Na system.

My experience with Tui Na was amazing. During one of my first treatments, I experienced as like my life had transformed. I felt more awake, energetic, and lighter. The treatment made me feel more energetic and my Chi was flowing freely throughout my body. I was still sensitive to my skin, however overall I enjoyed my Tui Na treatment.

Since then, I've come to know Tui Na and the basic concept that prompted its creation. The oldest concept of Tui Na is that the universe is comprised of energy which exists in three distinct forms: Jing, Qi and Shen. Jing is considered to be the most soft of all three. It is easy to manipulate by our minds, bodies and souls. Qi is the most powerful form and is believed by Tui Na practitioners to be the principal force that exists in the universe. Shen, also known as the dark energy, determines Jing, Qi, and Shen's relationships and is therefore the root of all evil.

Tui Na believes that any of these three energy sources can corrupt and destroy the relationship between them and will therefore bring about the downfall of our physical existence. A competent practitioner must keep the three forces of energy in check. This is where a qualified Tui Na massage therapist can help. Only these practitioners are capable of safely and effectively manipulate the three energies to alter lives. This is the reason why I suggest you look for an Tui Na practitioner who incorporates both Eastern and Western medicine into their practice. The practitioner you choose will be able to help you achieve the health and wellness you've always desired.
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