Tui Na (推拿) Massage: Stress and Pain Relief in Singapore’s Busy Society

What is Tui Na (推拿)?

Tui Na (推拿), a core practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), derives its name from two Chinese actions: “tuī” meaning “to push” and “ná” meaning “to grasp.” This therapeutic form of massage is crafted to harmonise your body’s energies. In Singapore, the widespread acceptance and popularity of Tui Na have led many TCM clinics to offer it as a key service. Are you ready to explore the balance Tui Na can bring to your life? Book an appointment with a certified practitioner today and take the first step towards improved health and energy balance.

How Does Tui Na Work?

Tui Na is a type of Chinese massage that improves the flow of Qi (气), which is vital energy that flows through the body. This includes focusing on the body’s 12 major meridians (经络, jīng luò), crucial channels for the flow of Qi which connect different parts of the body and influence each other. Techniques such as kneading, pressing, and rolling are employed with the goal to clear blockages and balance the body’s energy.

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Tui Na Techniques

Tui Na, part of 中华医药, uses diverse manual techniques aimed at improving health. Familiarise yourself with these primary methods, essential for effective Tui Na therapy.

Pushing (推, tuī): Uses gentle glides along the body’s meridians to stimulate Qi flow and expel stagnant energy.
Pressing (按, àn): Applies steady downward pressure to relax tense muscles and calm the nerves.
Kneading (摩, mó): Mimics bread-kneading to soothe and loosen tight muscles, enhancing relaxation.
Rolling (滚法, gǔn fǎ): A dynamic back-and-forth motion that dispels cold and dampness from the muscles.
Stretching (拉法, lā fǎ): Gently moves limbs within their range to maintain flexibility and improve mood.
Holding (拿, ná): Steadies targeted areas with firm grips to alleviate acute and chronic discomfort.
Palpating (摸, mō): Uses fingers to explore soft tissues, detecting imbalances to guide focused treatments.
Rejoining (接, jiē): Employs firmer pressures along meridian paths to correct misalignments and enhance joint mobility.
Opposing (端, duān): Applies opposing forces to muscles to balance energy flow and relieve tension.
Lifting (提, tí): Lifts and rolls skin and muscles, particularly on limbs, to encourage better circulation and alleviate stagnation.
One-finger Pushing (一指蝉推法, yì zhǐ chán tuī fǎ): Targets deeper layers with focused pressure from a single finger to relieve discomfort.
Bone Setting (正骨 zhèng gǔ or 铁打 tiě dǎ): Gently realigns the body’s structure to improve posture and integrity.
Nei Gung (内功, nèi gōng): Therapeutic exercises that strengthen internal Qi, enhancing resilience and vitality.

These methods, rooted in a deep understanding of the body’s energy system, are intended to restore balance and well-being. When considering Tui Na, it’s vital to consult with qualified practitioners who can tailor these techniques to your individual needs.

Tuina Therapy Procedure

调理期间

Prior to your Tui Na treatment, it’s essential you undergo a pre-treatment consultation. Here’s what to expect:

Initial Assessment: A brief exchange with the practitioner to discuss your medical history and current health concerns. This ensures a thorough evaluation by a trained professional, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Patient Preparation Guidelines:

Wear Comfortable Clothing: Loose, comfortable attire is ideal as Tui Na often involves stretching and pressing. You may also be asked to remove clothing from the areas on which Tui Na will be carried out.
Full Disclosure: Let your doctor know if there are any areas that require special attention.
Relaxation: Take deep breaths and try to be in a calm state for maximum benefits.

Remember, this consultation ensures that the therapy is tailored to your specific needs.

调理前

Expect a therapeutic experience that’s tailored to your body’s needs.

Assessment: Your practitioner will begin with an assessment to identify areas of concern.
Manual manipulation: Expect various hand techniques to apply pressure and stretch your muscles and joints.
Acupressure: Targeted pressure is applied to specific points on the body to unblock Qi.
Therapist-patient communication: You’ll be encouraged to give feedback on the pressure to ensure comfort.

Understand that you may experience different sensations, including discomfort. It’s a normal part of the healing process. If anything feels too intense, immediately inform your therapist – they’re there to help.

调理后

Post-treatment care and advice:

Drink a glass of warm water: This helps with hydration and to support the body’s natural healing process.
Avoid cold showers: For at least an hour post-treatment, to keep muscles relaxed and maintain the benefits of the massage.

Expected outcomes and follow-up sessions:

Soreness: It’s normal to feel some muscle soreness for a few days.
Redness and swelling: Mild skin redness and swelling might occur but should subside soon.
Subsequent treatments: Depending on your condition, additional sessions may be advised for optimal results.

Tui Na Benefits

Here’s how Tui Na might be relevant to you:

Enhancing Immunity: Beyond relaxation, Tui Na may boost your immune system, helping your body defend against illnesses.
General Well-being: If stress is part of your everyday life, Tui Na’s manipulation of Qi and blood can help reduce tension and help you relax. Regular sessions may contribute to an overall sensation of well-being by maintaining the harmonious flow of energy and supporting overall health.
Aches and Pain: Experience relief from general aches, chronic pain, and conditions like arthritis (joint inflammation causing pain, stiffness, and swelling) and headaches through targeted pressure techniques, without relying on medication. Tui Na is also effective in relieving muscle stiffness and tension, such as in conditions like frozen shoulder (condition that limits shoulder movement due to pain and stiffness). Additionally, it helps relax muscles, release tight muscle knots, and alleviate muscle spasms.
Natural Healing Stimulation: Stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, encouraging recovery and repair, including rapid relief from acute sprains and strains.
Flexibility and Motion: Improves the range of motion and flexibility of the joints.
Sleep Improvement: Aids in resolving sleeping problems by promoting relaxation and well-being.

Conditions Tui Na Can Treat

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Conditions that affect muscles, bones, and joints, including muscle spasms and carpal tunnel syndrome (condition causing numbness and tingling in the hand and arm).
Neck Pain: Pain located in the neck area, which can be short-term or ongoing. Relieves neck pain and the accompanying tension, tightness, and irritation.
Back Pain: Pain in the lower or upper back, including intervertebral disc disease (condition where spinal discs degenerate, causing pain and discomfort) and low back pain that extends to the legs. It can relieve lower back pain, especially when treatment is paired with core exercises.
Joint Pain: Pain in the joints like knees, hips, and wrists, plus conditions like arthritis and frozen shoulder.
Torticollis: A condition where the head is tilted to one side, often causing pain.
Sciatica: Pain that travels from the lower back down to the legs along the sciatic nerve (largest nerve in the body, running from lower back to feet), often related to back pain.
Migraines: Severe headaches that happen repeatedly and can cause nausea.
Sprain: Damage to ligaments (tough, flexible tissues that connect bones to other bones at joints) caused by stretching them too much, including acute instances.
Strain: Overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons (strong cords that connect muscles to bones, helping in movement), including acute instances.
Osteoporosis: A disease that weakens bones, making them fragile. Helps alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis (joint disease causing pain and stiffness) and muscular tension.
Circulatory System Disorders: Conditions that affect blood flow, like high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats, as well as vascular compliance (the ability of blood vessels to expand and contract). Boosts blood circulation by stimulating the body’s energy flow.
Respiratory System Disorders: Problems with lungs and breathing, such as asthma (respiratory condition causing difficulty breathing due to narrowed airways) and chronic bronchitis (long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to cough and mucus production).
Digestive System Disorders: Issues in the digestive system, including problems with the gallbladder and stomach ulcers (painful sores in the lining of the stomach or gallbladder, causing pain and discomfort), and constipation (difficult bowel movements), and irritable bowel syndrome or IBS (a common disorder affecting the large intestine, leading to abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits).
Reproductive System Disorders: Problems with reproductive organs, like irregular periods, premenstrual syndrome or PMS (a condition causing various physical and emotional symptoms before menstruation), and sexual dysfunction. Used to encourage postpartum lactation.
Sleep Disorders: Conditions affecting sleep, such as fatigue and insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).
Psychological Disorders: Various mental health conditions, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. It has a therapeutic effect on depression.
Diabetic Foot (foot problems that people with diabetes might experience due to damaged nerves and poor blood circulation): Improves circulation, reduces pain, and decreases swelling by stimulating soft tissues and enhancing blood flow.
其他疾病
Joint Misalignment: Misalignment in joints causing discomfort and pain.
Post-stroke Symptoms: Issues such as muscle weakness and mobility problems following a stroke.
Vertigo: Episodes of dizziness or feeling like the surrounding environment is spinning that causes balance issues.
Heel Pain: Discomfort or pain located in the heel area of the foot.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, affecting overall health and energy levels.
其他疾病 Tuina massage is a viable option for people with cancer who want to manage symptoms related to the disease and its conventional treatment.

Remember, while Tui Na can be helpful, it’s not a cure-all solution. Each person’s situation is unique, and what works for one individual might not work for another. Always consult with a professional TCM practitioner to see if Tui Na could be beneficial for your particular health concerns.

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Why is Diagnosis Important For Tui Na?

Targeted Relief: Although effective, Tuina isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for all bone or tendon problems. By getting diagnosed, specific problem areas can be targeted to help alleviate your overall health issues.
Understanding Pain Sources: Being aware of the connections between your joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and reduce friction), fascia (connective tissue surrounding muscles, organs, and blood vessels), blood vessels, and nerves helps in accurately targeting the root cause of pain for effective treatment.
Professional Care Required: It’s essential that you visit a professional clinic. The practitioner will need to review the history of your injury, its nature, affected areas, how long you’ve had symptoms, as well as your limb and joint function and any swelling, before determining if Tuina is the right therapy for you.

Am I a Good Candidate For Tui Na?

Tui Na massage may be suitable for you if you:

Seek relief from muscular pain or tension, particularly in areas such as the back, neck, and shoulders.
Experience chronic conditions, such as headaches or digestive issues, where Tui Na could complement other treatments.
Look for alternatives to improve blood circulation and overall well-being.
Are not currently suffering from open wounds, skin infections, or burns.

What is Tui Na Foot Reflexology?

Foot reflexology is a type of massage that presses specific spots on your feet. These spots are linked to different parts of your body, like your heart and stomach. By pressing these points, the massage aims to help you feel less stressed, improve blood flow, and balance your body’s energy. It’s great for boosting overall health and helping your organs work better through a relaxing foot massage.

What is Paediatric Tui Na?

Paediatric Tui Na is designed for children from infancy through the preteen years. It helps improve balance, boost immunity, support growth, and tackle common childhood ailments. As a parent, you can feel confident about the safety and effectiveness of Paediatric Tui Na. It’s practised by trained professionals and tailored to the unique healing abilities of children, not only treating but also preventing health issues.

Unique Aspects for Children: Children’s meridian points are different from adults. In kids, the points are not specific spots but rather areas or lines. This means treatments are specially adapted to fit children’s unique needs.
Common Conditions Treated: Paediatric Tui Na is often used for digestive problems like indigestion and constipation, respiratory issues such as coughs and asthma, and other conditions including bedwetting, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and developmental issues. The therapy is customised to alleviate these symptoms and promote overall health and development.

Tui Na vs Acupuncture

推拿

针刺

Technique

Manual Manipulation

Needle Insertion

Tools Used

Hands, elbows, forearms

Thin needles

Primary Aim

Improve Qi flow through physical touch

Balance Qi by stimulating specific points

Sensation

Massaging pressure, may be vigorous

Minimal, needle insertion is typically gentle

Preparation Required

None, except loose clothing

None

Treatment Area

Full body or specific parts as needed

Targeted acupoints throughout the body

Tui Na Compared With Other Massage Therapies

When considering massage therapy, think about your needs: Are you seeking relaxation, pain relief, or balance in your body’s energies? Your answer will guide you towards the most suitable type.

Feature	推拿	Swedish Massage	Deep Tissue Massage	Shiatsu	Thai Massage	Sports Massage
Origin	Chinese	Swedish	Western	Japanese	Thai	Western
Technique	Acupressure and manipulation	Gentle, gliding strokes	Firm pressure and slow strokes	Applies pressure to specific points	Stretching, pressing, and folding	Combination of techniques including deep tissue, Swedish, and stretching
重点	Balancing energy (Qi)	Relaxation and circulation	Alleviating muscle tension	Energy flow and stress relief	Flexibility, relaxation, and energy flow	Injury prevention, rehabilitation, and enhancing athletic performance
治疗	Musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain	Mild pain, stress relief	Chronic muscle pain, injury rehab	Balance body’s energy, relieve stress	Stress relief, pain relief, holistic healing	Pre and post-event support, injury prevention and recovery, maintaining optimal condition
Pressure	Variable; from gentle to firm	Light to firm	Firm to very firm	Firm, focused pressure	Variable; from moderate to firm	Variable; can be gentle or deep, depending on the needs of the athlete

Tui Na Complementary Treatments

95 Imperial Herbal Diaphoretic Therapy (九五裹药疗法)

九五裹药调理95裹药调理 uses 95 to 130 Chinese herbs to detoxify the body naturally, enhancing transdermal absorption and biomagnetic effects without invasive methods. Particularly beneficial for various age groups and health concerns, it complements Tui Na’s hands-on approach by offering a non-pharmacological option to enhance wellbeing.

Osteopathy (正骨)

正骨, a hands-on therapy, manipulates and massages the body, aiming for alignment of bones, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues to promote health. Similar to Tui Na, osteopathy enhances your wellbeing through physical adjustments and is beneficial for those appreciating Tui Na’s holistic approach, focusing on pain relief and functional improvement.

Herbal King Moxibustion (药王灸)

药王灸药王灸调理 applies heat from burning herbal preparations near the skin to stimulate Qi and dispel cold, enhancing energy flow. As a specialised form of Tui Na, it targets specific acupoints to deepen therapeutic effects, making it an excellent adjunct therapy for those finding relief through Tui Na massages.

男性健康（男科调理)

Tui Na addresses men’s specific health concerns, including chronic pain, muscle recovery, and reproductive health. Regular Tui Na sessions help manage stress, improve circulation, and maintain overall well-being, making it a valuable component of preventive healthcare for men.

Tui Na Risks

When considering Tui Na therapy, it’s important to understand the risks for your safety. If it’s not done by a skilled therapist, Tui Na massage can cause:

Mild soreness or bruising: You might feel some discomfort or see some bruising after the session, especially in sensitive spots. Sometimes the pain might increase for a short time.
Existing condition flare-ups: Always tell your therapist about any health problems you have. Tui Na can make some conditions worse, particularly if not done correctly.

Always check with your doctor before starting Tui Na, especially if you have health problems or are taking medicine that could be affected by the massage. Your safety should always be a priority.

Tui Na Complications

While Tui Na is mostly safe, there are some risks, especially if you have certain health issues. Here are potential complications:

Infections: Avoid Tui Na if you have open wounds or skin infections, as it can make them worse or cause new infections.
Muscle and joint issues: Tui Na’s intense techniques can aggravate existing problems like herniated discs (when a spinal disc’s soft centre pushes through its outer casing, causing pain) or frozen shoulder, which can be very painful and limit movement.
Bruising and discomfort: Apart from bruising, you might feel sore for a couple of days after Tui Na. Dizziness and nausea can also occur after treatment.

Cost of Tui Na in Singapore

When considering Tui Na in Singapore, prices can vary widely depending on the clinic and the length of the massage session. Here’s a simple breakdown of average costs:

Duration	Average Cost (SGD)
30 minutes	SGD 50
60 minutes	SGD 88
90 minutes	SGD 125
120 minutes	SGD 158

Understanding these costs helps you prepare for your Tui Na experience without any unexpected surprises.

Are There Subsidies For Tui Na in Singapore?

Medisave: Eligibility criteria apply for the use of Medisave, and it doesn’t typically cover Tui Na treatments unless it is part of a doctor-prescribed integrated plan.
Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS): If you have a CHAS card, depending on the type – Blue, Orange, or for the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation – you may receive subsidies for Tui Na. The exact amount can vary, so it’s important to check your entitlements.
Insurance Coverage: Tui Na might be covered under some health insurance plans, but this is dependent on your policy terms. It’s often considered under wellness or complementary therapy benefits, so you’ll need to review your policy or speak to your insurance provider for details.

Why Choose Guo Tai For Tui Na?

Holistic Approach: Guo Tai TCM seamlessly blends traditional Chinese medicine with Western medical technology for a comprehensive healthcare experience.
Personalised Care: Each customer receives a care plan uniquely tailored to their individual health needs.
Natural and Non-Invasive: The focus is on natural, safe, and non-invasive healthcare solutions, avoiding drugs and surgery.
Health and Wellness: Emphasis on health and wellness conditioning as a primary strategy for disease prevention.
Regulated Practice: Adherence to professional standards under the regulation of Singapore’s Ministry of Health.

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Testimonials From Guo Tai's Satisfied Clients

At the time of writing, Guo Tai has an average Google review rating of 4.7 stars. Here’s what some of our customers have to say:

Tui Na Medical Efficiency

Tui Na’s therapeutic efficiency is supported by empirical evidence and ongoing research.

Researchers in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine observed 53 healthy individuals after Swedish massage therapy. They found a notable decrease in arginine-vasopressin, a hormone that regulates water balance and blood pressure.
Similarly, a multi-centre clinical study, published in science journal Medicine, explored Tui Na’s effectiveness for chronic lower back pain, involving over 200 patients across China, USA, and Singapore, indicating widespread interest in its potential health benefits.

What to Look for in a Tui Na Therapist

Understanding of Meridians and Acupressure Points: A skilled Tui Na therapist should have a deep understanding of the body’s meridians (energy pathways) and acupressure points. They should be able to identify relevant points for specific conditions and tailor the treatment accordingly.
Experience and Methods: Inquire about the therapist’s experience. How long have they been practicing Tui Na? Ask about the specific Tui Na methods they employ. Different techniques may be suitable for different issues (e.g., pain relief, relaxation, or stress reduction).
Cost and Budget: Understand the cost of Tui Na treatments. Some therapists may charge differently based on session duration or additional services. Clarify if the cost aligns with your budget and if any insurance coverage applies.
Ensure that the therapist is certified and trained in Tui Na massage: Look for qualifications from reputable institutions – for example, The Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a Diploma in Healthcare Tuina (Mandarin). This program covers fundamental TCM theory, meridian theory, basic human anatomy, and practical Tuina skills. It’s a good sign if a therapist has completed such a program.

Remember, Tui Na isn’t just a massage; it’s a therapeutic intervention that should only be performed by capable hands.

Tui Na Origins

Ancient Roots:

Tui Na originated in ancient China, around 2700 BC.
It was initially called “Anmo 按摩 ,” meaning “press and rub.”
Ancient texts like the “Huang Di Nei Jing 黄帝内经” describe massage techniques used for healing.

Imperial Recognition:

During the Sui (隋朝) and Tang dynasties (唐朝) (AD 581-906), Tui Na gained official recognition.
Dr. Sun Si Miao (孫思邈), who was dubbed China’s “King of Medicine”, introduced additional massage techniques.
The Ming dynasty (AD 1368-1644) saw further development and systematisation of Tui Na.

Modern Revival:

Despite challenges from Western medicine, Tui Na persisted.
In 1956, the first official Tui Na training course opened in Shanghai.
Today, Tui Na remains an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) alongside acupuncture and herbalism. 🌿

常见问题

1. Does Tui Na Hurt?

No, Tui Na can sometimes cause discomfort, but it’s usually not painful. It involves various manipulations to release tension and promote healing, often resulting in a sensation of pressure or soreness.

2. How Long is a Tui Na Massage Session?

A Tui Na massage session typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.

3. How Many Tui Na Sessions Will I Need?

The number of Tui Na sessions needed varies by individual. It depends on your condition and health goals.

4. What do I Wear to a Tui Na Session?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to a Tui Na session to allow easy access to areas that need treatment.

5. Can I Shower After Tui Na?

Yes, you can shower after Tui Na. It helps to remove any oils used and can be refreshing.

6. Can I Go For Tui Na if I’m Pregnant?

No, it is generally advised to avoid Tui Na during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to the intensity of the techniques used.

医学参考资料

Feng, Guiyu, et al. “Clinical Effectiveness of Tui Na for Insomnia Compared With Estazolam: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine, vol. 47, Dec. 2019, p. 102186, doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.020.

Lai, Bao-Yong, et al. “Pediatric Tui Na for Acute Diarrhea in Children Under 5 Years Old: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine, vol. 41, Dec. 2018, pp. 10–22, doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.08.011.

Wang, Meng, et al. “Effect of Tui Na on Upper Limb Spasticity After Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, vol. 6, no. 4, Mar. 2019, pp. 778–87, doi:10.1002/acn3.759.