Tuina (medical massage)

Photo©: Andreas Kalg

Tuina is a form of independent Chinese massage (Tuina literally means: "push and pull") that is meant to provoke the circulation of energy and remove the clamping in the meridians. It stimulates the functions of the organs. The acupuncture points are stimulated with the hands (fingers) instead of needles and different massage techniques are applied to slacken and relax muscles and tendons. A strong stimulation can also undo tissue adhesions and mobilize deposits of toxins in the fat and connective tissues underlying the skin. This corresponds to a detoxification. After a Tuina massage one must drink a large quantity of warm water to eliminate the toxins rapidly.