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Li Family Tuina Energy Bodywork Massage
The Tuina Energy Bodywork Massage system consists of ten methods of individual massage techniques that can help maintain and improve good health.Bodywork Massage in China has been called by many different names such as, Anmo-Press/Rub, Tuila-Push/Pull and Tuina-Push/Grasp which is the most common term used to describe the use of massage in China at this present time. My teacher Master Chee Soo taught me ten methods of bodywork massage that was passed down from one generation to another. Quite recently I had the chance to study in a hospital for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing, China. I was amazed to see some of the Tuina massge techniques taught to me by my teacher still used today in China's hospitals. it made me realise that what Master Chee Soo had taught me was very special gift.
The Ten methods of Tuina Energy Bodywork Massage that is taught by the Li Family Internal Arts Association are:
1). Grasping. 2). Kneading. 3). Pinch/Pull. 4). Pushing. 5). Rolling. 6). Wiping/Scraping. 7). Circular. 8).Rubbing. 9). Pressing. 10). Tapping/Patting.
In China Tuina Bodywork Massage is a sub-component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is used alongside Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Medical Qigong therapeutic exercise to treat a wide range of innesses in China's hospitals. The Ten methods of Tuina Bodywork Massage that was taught to me can be used to treat many musculoskeletal ailments such as Heaadaches, Migraines, Back Pain, Sciatica, Joint Stiffness, Muscle Tension etc. But at its depth it works on the energy pathways called meridians and channels called (Jingluo) that run throughout the entire body. These energy pathways allows the vital energy of the body Qi to circulate freely around the whole body, when we get tired and stressed out from over-work or we suffer with some sort of injury or emotional shock or trauma. This can have a great effect on the circulation of the vital energy, causing it to either slow down or stagnate, causing a blockage. Which obviously if left to build up over a long period of time can then go onto affect your health. Causing low energy levels, weakening the immune system so that you cannot fight off any infections and hence, illness appears. Tuina energy bodywork massage helps to maintain the balance of Yin & Yang energies within your body by removing energy blockages by either dissolving or dispersing them using many different massage techniques that can a very deep penertrating effect within the body. Alongside the practice of Tuina energy bodywork massage it is important that you also practice Qigong/Daoyin breathing exercises to replenish your own energy levels. Making sure to cultivate, harness and circulate the vital energy around your owen body for your own good health.
Basic Tuina Massage For Headaches & Migraine
1). Have tour partner sit on a stool or chair, then place your own right hand behind the back of his or her head and give support. Then with your left hand place your palm between on the third eye area with your fingers pointing towards the top of your partners head. Slowly push your whole hand upwards towards and just beyond the crown of his or her head. If you wish you can also use just three fingers to achieve the same result. Once you have done this for about two minutes change hands and repeat it again.
The above massage method should be performed slowly and gently with light contact, not heavy or forceful. Here you are dispersing the blocked or stagnant energy by working on the Urinary Bladder and Governor meridians.
2). As in number one above, use your right hand to support your partners head. Then starting from the corner of his or her eye or eyebrow, gently push in a straight line to above and just beyond the ear. Here, you can also use a few different massage techniques like the Sword Fongers method, the Little Finger Edge of the Palm method or the Thump Edge of the Palm method.
The above massage methods work on the Triple Heater and Small Intesting meridians, again the pressure should be light and smooth not heavy or fast. repeat on both sides of the head.
3). In this the third massage method, this time you support the front of your partners head with your right hand. Then with your left hands index finger and thumb you gently grasp the hollows either side of the base of your partners skull. You then gently squeeze and knead down either side of your partners neck on either side of his or her spine to the top of the shoulders. Then repeat again using the other hand.
Here, you are gently working on the Gall Bladder meridian acupuncture point 20 known as Fengchi or Winds Pool.
4). Staying at the back of your partners head, Simple use the left hands Sword Fingers to gently press and rotate just below the base of your partner's skull, where the skull and neck meet. Then gently move down the length of your partners spine using a rotary massage action to the top of his or her shoulders. if you wish you can also use the Little Finger Edge of the Palm to achieve the same result.
This massage method works on the Governor meridian energy point 16 known as Fengfu or Winds Palace.
What is shown and mentioned above is just small example of what the Traditional Chinese Medicine system of Tuina Energy Bodywork Massage as to offer those interested in learning it. Tuina can be performed through the clothing as a First Aid method for giving instant pain relief. It is still a hand on healing system in todays world as it was centuries ago.
