Though relatively unknown in the west, in China it is regarded as one of the main branches of Chinese Medicine alongside Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Qi Gong therapy. Tui Na massage is often performed through clothing, using various lifting, stretching, stroking, pushing and grasping massage techniques. These are accompanied by acupressure and joint manipulation resulting in a relaxing and powerfully energising massage.

Treatment with Tui Na Massage is available, either on its own, or in combination with Acupuncture.

Whilst Tui Na is renowned for its effectiveness in the treatment of musculo-skeletal conditions, it is also effective for internal problems such as headaches and migraine, anxiety and panic attacks, digestive dysfunction, circulatory problems, hormonal imbalance, stress and related conditions amongst others. Tui Na is also an effective way to maintain health, reduce the chance of injury, enhance flexibility and manage stress.

This is a traditional Chinese healing method that scrapes the skin, using a smooth-edged tool to help release stagnation in the body and improve circulation. This scraping action can cause small, red, raised, rash like dots to appear under the skin. These are called petechiae and are not painful or a cause for concern but are actually a good indicator of where stagnation has been released and circulation increased in the area.

Gua sha can help relieve the following symptoms and issues:

• Headaches & migraines
• Neck & shoulder pain
• Frozen shoulder
• Back pain
• Jaw clenching
• Soft tissue injuries
• Scoliosis
• Spondylosis
• Tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Upper respiratory infections or difficulty (breathing)
• Colds
• Long covid

Cupping is often used alongside acupuncture or it can be a standalone treatment. It’s not painful, but you might feel a pulling sensation on the skin as the suction action draws the skin and superficial muscle layer upwards into the cup, releasing stagnation in the area. Afterwards you may have a ‘bruised’ appearance in the shape of the cups on the area treated, but this is no cause for concern as research has proven that no blood vessels are broken or muscles traumatised in any way during this process and that it is completely safe. Any redness is an indicated there has been an increase in circulation under the skin due to the action of the cups.

Benefits of cupping

• Encourages circulation
• Lifts, separates and hydrates the muscle tissues
• Clears inflammation, congestion and stagnation of the skin, muscles, bones, joints and organs
• Reduces pain and releases tension
• Rebuilds healthy tissue and helps the body to regenerate