Tui Na, often referred to as Chinese therapeutic massage, is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Much like the other TCM treatments, it can be used for both therapeutic and relaxation purposes. Tui Na combines the use of manual manipulation, acupressure, and other forms of bodywork to balance Qi (life force energy) and support the body’s natural healing process.
So, if you are considering a Tui Na session or are curious about optimising your experience, here’s a comprehensive guide to what to expect and how to prepare.
Before Your Tui Na Session
What To Expect:
- Initial Consultation
Prior to your session, most practitioners will have a brief consultation with you to understand your medical history, current health concerns, and goals for the treatment. By doing this, the practitioner can ensure that they will be able to provide you with a tailored experience and help address any of your needs and preferences.
- Personal Comfort
Usually, you’ll remain generally clothed during your Tui Na session but you might also be asked to wear a provided gown or cover depending on the practitioner’s preference. If you have any concerns about modesty or comfort, make sure to discuss this with your practitioner ahead of time.
- Atmosphere
Since you will be partially clothed during your sessions, most clinics will have private rooms to ensure your comfort and modesty. In addition, to make sure that you will be relaxed during your session, your room will have soft lighting and gentle music or nature sounds playing to keep you calm and peaceful during your session.
- Duration
A typical session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to at least 2 hours. The longevity of each session and how many sessions you would need would be based on your needs and the therapist’s recommendation.
Things To Do:
- Do Your Research
To ensure the safety and efficacy of your treatment, make sure that your therapist is trained and certified in Tui Na. Check if they have the necessary training that is based on industry standards such as that released by the World Health Organization (WHO). Likewise, you should also check if they are Ministry of Health (MOH) certified.
- Dietary Considerations
Dietary restrictions and considerations are mostly dependent on the advice of your therapist. That said, as a general rule, eat a light meal 1-2 hours before your session to ensure that you are neither too full nor too hungry during your session.
- Wear Loose Clothing
Whether you will be clothed or not during your session depends on your therapist. However, it would be good to be prepared and wear loose clothing so your practitioners will be able to manoeuvre and access various parts of your body easily.
- Be Punctual
Make sure you arrive a few minutes early so you’ll have time to relax. Likewise, it ensures that you get the full duration of your booked session.
During Your Tui Na Session
A Brief Rundown of What Happens:
- Set Your Intention: As you settle onto the massage table, your practitioner may guide you to focus on your breath and set a mental intention for the session. This can help you centre yourself to ensure a harmonious flow of Qi throughout the treatment.
- Observing Your Energy Flow: The practitioner may place their hands lightly on different parts of your body to sense the areas where there is blockage or tension of energy.
- The Massage Begins: The therapist will use various hand techniques to knead muscles and apply pressure to specific acupressure points. They will also use their elbows, knees, and feet for more profound techniques to open up their joints and release any tension.
- Target Specific Areas: While your therapist will give you a full body massage, they will also focus on specific areas of concern based on the initial consultation and your current energy flow.
- The Cooldown Starts: Towards the end of your session, the intensity of manipulations would decrease and it would transition to more calming techniques. This will allow the body to absorb the benefits of the session and help you gently come back to a restful state.
Tips to Optimise Your Session
- Communication is Key
Keep an open line of communication with your therapist throughout your session. If a technique feels too intense or uncomfortable, it’s essential to voice out your feelings so they can make the necessary adjustments.
- Breathing is Essential
To help you relax and to aid the process of energy flow and toxin release, always remember to take deep, mindful breaths. That said, if you are worried about keeping your breathing during intense manipulations and stretches, don’t worry, your therapist will help you breathe through it.
- Stay Present
Usually, whenever we get massages, we fall asleep or we let our mind wander. While this is common, to amplify the therapeutic effects of Tui Na, be present during your session. By focusing on the sensations and being aware of the energy shifts in your body, you engage more holistically in the healing process.
After Your Tui Na Session
Potential Side Effects:
While Tui Na is generally considered safe and beneficial, like with any other therapeutic treatment, there can be some side effects you need to take note of. That said, it is important to recognise that these “side effects” are part of the healing process.
That said, if you have any concerns, please consult with your practitioner or a medical professional.
- Soreness and Tenderness: Especially the part where the practitioner targeted, your body will feel sore and tender. Not to worry as these should subside within a couple of days.
- Fatigue: The release of tension and balancing of energy can leave you feeling tired immediately after the session. It’s your body’s way of signalling it’s processing the therapeutic changes.
- Emotional Release: You might feel a surge of emotions or heightened sensitivity after your session.
- Light-headedness: Standing up quickly after a session can cause a brief feeling of light-headedness. Always take your time getting up from the massage table.
After Session Care:
- Stay Hydrated
Keep yourself hydrated! Drinking lots of water can help flush out toxins released during the session. This can also assist in muscle recovery. So, make sure to drink more water than usual within the 24 hours after your treatment.
- Rest
If possible, allow your body some downtime. Avoid strenuous activities and give yourself a moment to relax and absorb the benefits of the session.
- Warm Bath
A warm bath with Epsom salts can alleviate any residual soreness and further the relaxation effects of the Tui Na session.
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
For at least 24 hours after your session, avoid any alcohol or caffeine as these can interfere with your body’s healing process. So, better stick to water or herbal teas as you recover.
- Gentle Movements
Your body will most likely be sore and tender. So, avoid any strenuous activities and avoid overexerting yourself. Also, engage in light activities like walking or gentle stretches to keep your body active without overexerting it.
- Schedule a Follow-up
Depending on your goals, multiple sessions might be beneficial. Talk to your therapist about any feedback or concerns and discuss when it might be best for your next session.
Final Thoughts
Tui Na, with its rich history and therapeutic techniques, offers profound benefits when approached with intention and preparation. By understanding what to expect and how to prepare, you can ensure that each session brings optimal well-being and balance to your body and mind.
Remember, like all therapies, the benefits of Tui Na compound with regular sessions. So, if you find it resonates with you, consider integrating it into your regular wellness routine. Whether you seek relief from pain, or stress, or simply a moment of relaxation, Tui Na can be a path to holistic health and harmony.
