Overview

History: Tui Na has been practiced in China for more that 3000 years and is mentioned in the classic Chinese Medicine texts. Tui Na is practiced in all hospitals in China and some TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioners specialize in Chinese massage and only treat patients with this great method.
Meaning: "Tui" means Push and "Na" means Grasp.
Aim of Tui Na: To balance Qi (energy/life force) in the meridians to help the body heal. It affects muscles, joints, tendons, and also blood and the internal organs. It releases emotions, helps to expel pathogens and is a form of preventative treatment.
Shiatsu: Around 1000 years ago, Tui Na was introduced to Japan where it was modified to become what is now known as Shiatsu.

Contraindications

Tui Na is not suitable for many conditions so it is important to make a diagnosis and conduct a consultation before performing Chineses massage on any patient. This may take a few minutes or longer.
People with brittle bones & osteoporosis should not be massaged or will be massaged very, very gently.
Tui Na should not be performed on Cancer patients, or those with serious heart diseases.
Artificial joints (Hip replacement, etc.) should not be massaged.

The patient should communicate with the practitioner at any time during the treatment especially if any manipulation is uncomfortable or very painful; but also to help the practitioner apply the right amount of pressure.
The patient may be seated or laying down on a massage table and should be in a position that is the most comfortable for him/her.
The treatment will go smoother with oil and less clothing, and the patient's dignity will remain intact at all times.
The patient's comfort comes first, therefore they will always decide how much clothing to wear.