Tuina is the therapeutic massage in China. It is highly technical and requires a deep understanding of anatomy and the principles of Chinese medicine, which is why it takes several years of study to master. It is considered the traditional massage, but there are many other forms of Chinese massage that are more focused on comfort and relaxation. However, these massages work less deeply on the body’s energies.

The Tuina massage is performed in a private and enclosed treatment room on a professional massage table. The session begins with the back, where the therapist identifies tension areas by kneading the back and neck, then gradually releases knots through deep massage techniques. This is followed by the stimulation of energy points to restore circulation in the meridians. The final part of the massage focuses on the legs, feet, and finally the head and arms.

By eliminating knots and muscle tension, energy is released, providing ultimate and long-lasting well-being. Tuina massage is highly effective in treating everyday ailments related to stress, which, in Chinese medicine, are seen as consequences of energy imbalances: headaches, back pain, fatigue, stress, insomnia, and more. It naturally boosts the body and strengthens the immune system, helping it better cope with external aggressions.

Tuina is clearly an energizing massage. The technique can be surprising at first, as the movements are powerful and deeply targeted, especially on the body’s most tense areas. Ultimately, it allows for complete relaxation while revitalizing the body in the days following the session. This massage acts like a “reset,” a restart for the body. The next day, you may feel as if your body is starting fresh.

The contraindications are similar to those of most body massages and treatments. Tuina massage should not be performed on individuals with a pacemaker, heart disease, infectious diseases, osteoporosis, or open wounds.  

Almost everyone can benefit from Tuina massage. At some point, we all experience fatigue, exhaustion, or the feeling of being completely drained. In Chinese medicine, prevention is better than cure.
Tuina is ideal for people who work long hours, especially those who spend a lot of time sitting and hunched over a computer. It is also beneficial for individuals experiencing stress or recurrent pain that does not require medication or surgery. Lastly, athletes who put significant strain on their bodies, such as runners training for a half-marathon or marathon, can greatly benefit from this massage.

Right after the massage, a deep sense of relaxation and well-being sets in and can last for several days. The day after the massage, you may experience some soreness, which is a sign that your muscles were tense, deep tensions were released, and lactic acid was eliminated—similar to the sensation after an intense workout.
It is important to stay well-hydrated to help flush out toxins and remove the lactic acid released from the muscles. The renewed energy and well-being will last for several days. 

Chinese doctors recommend a massage every 20 days for optimal results. If you have a specific issue to address, it is best to start with three closely spaced sessions (one per week) before gradually spacing them out. Improvements are often quick, but it is important to remember that the older the ailments in your body, the more time it takes to fully release them.