Tui Na Massage

Tui Na (pronounced “twee nah”) is a form of Oriental bodywork that has been used in China for centuries. A combination of massage, acupressure and other forms of body manipulation, tuina works by applying pressure to acupoints, meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to remove blockages that prevent the free flow of qi. Removing these blockages restores the balance of qi in the body, leading to improved health and vitality.

Paediatric Tui Na massage or Xiao er tui na is used by acupuncturists to tap into the energetic system thereby simultaneously treating the symptoms of illness and restoring the body to balance.

Paediatric Tui Na massage is  most effective for children under the age of 5.  Just as a baby and toddler’s nervous system and circulatory system are not fully mature, neither is their energetic system.  Thus, special techniques have been developed to tap into their immature energetic system.

For children 6 and up I recommend using acupressure although paediatric Tui Na techniques can still be used up to age 12.

Gua Sha

Gua sha is actually an ancient Chinese practice for energy flow and blood circulation. The technique can be used on the whole body and is usually quite vigorous—using a flat tool, the skin is scraped until red.

But this new resurgence of the trend is a gentler form. Using a smaller version of the tool—made out of both ceramic or Jade—one applies a firm pressure over the affected area long strokes.

The eventual effect of the practice results in better blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and skin elasticity are all improved, whilst muscle tension through shoulders and back, or indeed anywhere pain exist is reduced.