Traditional Chinese Massage

Wikipedia.org states that, “two types of traditional Chinese massage exist - Tui na which focuses on pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle and Zhi Ya which focuses on pinching and pressing at acupressure points.

Both are based on principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine.”According to, http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/massage/Chinese_Massage, Chinese Massage encompasses five related and overlapping treatment components: Amno, press and rub – Massage for rejuvenation and health maintenance, Tuina, push and grasp – Sophisticated medical massage used to treat injuries, joint and muscle problems and internal disorders, Infant Tuina – Chinese treatment for babies and young children. This differs to standard treatment, Dian Xue, point press – Use of simple pressure techniques similar to Acupressure. Wai Qi Liao Fa, curing with external qi (energy) – Healing with direct transmission by qigong masters after many years of rigorous training and discipline.

Central to all components exists the idea that massage affects the physical body with the Qi body (network of energy) and the mental body (emotions, thoughts and spiritual senses). Chinese Massage primarily focuses on acupoints (Acupuncture) where Qi gathers and can be easily manipulated. Massage techniques are understood to activate and regulate Qi and blood as well as to promote relaxation which eases spasms, increases flexibility and straightens the joints.
Since pain is considered a lack of free flow of Qi and blood, Chinese Massage treatment creates movement and is therefore seen as a powerful treatment for pain relief.