Tui na is a form of body treatment that uses the hands. It is based on martial art and Taoist principles and attempts to bring balance to the body. A Tui na practitioner will manipulate the areas between the joints known more commonly as the right gates to move energy along the meridians or channels. A combination of massage, traction and acupressure are used to treat musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal ailments.

Schools of Traditional Chinese Medicine teach Tui na as part of their courses. It is also taught to many students of martial arts so that they are able to manage and treat pain from injuries acquired during training.

The History of Tui na
Techniques that are similar to those used in modern Tui na were found as early as 1700 BC. Archeologists discovered inscriptions written on the bones of oracles that show early forms of Tui na being used to treat digestive conditions. A physician of the Han Dynasty Zhang Zhongjing also referred to Tui na in his book Jin Gui Yao Lue. This type of hands on treatment was initially referred to as "anwu". It later became known as "anmo" as the technique spread throughout Japan and Korea.

Massage techniques continued to develop and new techniques emerged. In around 1600 AD, the massage arts merged with Tui na, which at the time was known as a form of bone setting and manipulation. The different forms of Tui na that exist today emerged around this time.

Ailments and Illnesses Treated using Tui na
Tui na practitioners recommend the treatment for any abnormalities in the energy levels in the body. It works by breaking down scar tissue, relaxing muscles and unblocking the flow of energy throughout the body. This will show up as a variety of symptoms in clients that include:

• sore back
• sore/ aching muscles
• stiff neck
• frozen shoulder
• distension of shoulders
• low energy
• stress
• insomnia
• High blood pressure
• difficulty concentrating
• headaches, migraines and tension headaches

The Benefits of Tui na Treatments

1. Effectiveness - Tui na is extremely effective at achieving fast and profound results when compared to allopathic medicine that needs a much longer time before results are seen. Some clients who undergo Tui na treatment for hypertension (a common symptom of stress) can experience a notable drop in blood pressure right after treatment.
2. No Adverse Side Effects - Tui na uses no chemicals or foreign instruments into the body. It therefore has none of the complications associated with surgical or pharmaceutical treatments. Tui na is also believed to strengthen the immune system, boosting the body's natural defenses against illness.
3. Low Cost - Tui na is very inexpensive when compared to surgical or medicinal remedies. It is an excellent option for persons who are looking for a holistic approach to their health. Though not recommended in all cases, Tui na can reportedly replace the need for costly and invasive surgery. Many clients who have Tui na treatments say that it was recommended as a non surgical treatment option and that they had results similar to, or better than those promised through surgery or medication.

What to Expect during a Tui na session
A practitioner of Tui na will examine the client (who remains fully dressed with the exception of their shoes) on a floor mat or table. Options are offered to first time clients so that they are as comfortable as possible during treatment. This may change with later treatment depending on the type of technique required during treatment.

Specific problem areas will be checked and depending on the problems that are found, the practitioner will focus on a particular area of the body. These are normally areas where there is pain or tenderness near joints, muscles meridians and acupressure points. Some practitioners also incorporate the use of herbs to promote faster healing. A session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Additional treatments may be necessary depending on the severity of the problem. Clients who receive Tui na treatments report feeling relaxed and energized after treatment. Tui na is often combined with acupuncture to increase benefits. This is optional and only recommended in special instances by practitioners.

The effects of treatment can last for up to one week if the problem was not complete resolved with the initial treatment. Clients will usually continue treatments because of the relaxation benefits and general feelings of well being.

Tui na In Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are home to some of the best practitioners of all forms of Tui na. Practitioners are located on all of the main islands in a variety of settings. Informal Tui na treatment massages for relaxation take place in small mobile spas in major shopping areas, while the majority of medi spas or resort spas will offer full Tui na treatments for specific health issues.

The picturesque island paradise is the perfect setting for first time clients to try Tui na. The fresh air, rich with the scents of natural flora will revitalize and energize visitors while the breathtaking views of the ocean promote relaxation and healing in a one of a kind landscape.

Clients are able to have their Tui na treatments in private rooms with calming views of nature or out in the open air under cool private tents. Practitioners are fully certified in the art of Tui na and will be sure to put you at ease before a treatment.

There are numerous health benefits to a Tui na treatment. Whether it is to specifically address a health problem or simply to experience a new form of massage, visitors to Hawaii should add Tui na to their vacation itinerary. With everything Hawaii has to offer, trying Tui na will be a one of a kind therapy that will help clients to relieve the stresses of a busy life and the symptoms of an illness. Anyone can enjoy Tui na in the charming Hawaiian setting and will certainly recommend it to others.

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