Chinese Therapies - Week 3 A
Week 3A - Chinese Therapies - Tua Na Methods
CMTH111 Week 3A: Tui Na Methods 01
Overview
**Focus Areas:
Review of Lung, Pericardium & Heart channels
Theory of Four examinations in channel theory
Cyclical flow of qi in 12 primary meridians
Tui Na physiology related to Tui Na therapeutic actions
Tui Na Techniques**
Tui Na Techniques
Six Branches:
Kneading (Rou Fa)
Pushing (Tui Fa)
Grasping (Na Fa)
Additional branches not specified.
Review of Channels
Lung, Heart & Pericardium Channels
Visual Reference: Figure 1 - The Three Arm Yin Channels.
Theory of Channel Examination
Four Examinations include:
Inspection: Observing the patient visually.
Listening & Smelling: Using auditory and olfactory senses.
Enquiry: Asking questions to understand the patient's condition.
Palpation: Physically examining parts of the body.
Application of Four Examinations
Incorporation of inspection & palpation of channels in practical sessions.
Enquiry, listening & smelling are important diagnostic tools, detailed in CMPR111.
Channel Palpation in Practice
Methods include:
Touching, Stroking, Pressing.
Reference: Maciocia (2006).
**Considerations for Palpation: **
Pressure - light vs deep.
Texture, moisture, signs & symptoms, temperature, tenderness in channel palpation.
Caution in Palpation
Awareness of when palpation may be inappropriate or necessitate extreme caution.
Importance of communication with the patient regarding pressure during palpation.
Cyclical Flow of Qi Through Channels
Qi Flow Sequence:
Starts at Lung channel
Progresses through all 12 main channels
Ends at Liver Channel
Flow Direction:
Hand Yin: Chest to Hand
Hand Yang: Hand to Head
Foot Yang: Head to Foot
Foot Yin: Foot to Chest
Uninterrupted Flow of Qi
Maintained through all main meridians.
Includes elements associated with the flow of Qi.
Tui Na Physiology
Application:
Typically applied to skin, fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments (soft tissues).
Goals include:
Reducing muscle and soft tissue tension.
Improving vascular and lymphatic circulation.
Regulating the nervous system.
Importance of encouraging regular Qi flow throughout the channels. Reference: Casanelia & Stelfox (2010).
Evidence for Therapeutic Outcomes of Tui Na
Challenges in Research:
Limited funding.
Difficulty in measuring objective outcomes.
Observational Evidence suggests:
Reduced anxiety and improved perceived quality of life for cancer patients.
Decrease in anxiety and depression in women sexually abused.
Enhanced function and self-image, reduced anxiety.
Increased lymphatic drainage and tissue oxygenation.
Improved respiratory function in asthmatics.
Reduction in pain and stiffness in chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis).
Stages of Tui Na Treatment
Stages of Treatment include:
Adaptive/Warm-up: Techniques to ease into treatment.
Analgesic/Treatment: Stronger techniques to break up stagnation, promote circulation.
Dissipative/Recover: Techniques to clear lingering issues, relax the body.
Overview of Techniques by Category
Adaptive Techniques:
Kneading, Pushing, Gentle Techniques.
Analgesic Techniques:
Stronger techniques like pressing and grasping.
Dissipative Techniques:
Wiping, shaking, gentle rolling.
Six Branches and 24 Tui Na Techniques
Six Branches:
Swaying Methods
Rubbing Methods
Pressing Methods
Vibrating Methods
Percussion Methods
Mobilisation
24 Techniques Overview:
Techniques include:
Swaying, Kneading (Rou Fa), Rolling (Gun Fa), One Finger Meditation, Rubbing, Scrubbing, Pushing (Tui Fa).
Pressing Techniques (An Fa, Ya Fa, Dian Fa), Grasping, Flicking, Holding, and Suppressing Techniques.
Vibrating Techniques (Shaking, Vibrating) and Percussion Techniques (Chopping, Patting, Hammer).
Detailed Specific Techniques
Kneading (Rou Fa)
Description:
Versatile and flexible; can be applied anywhere on the body
Application:
Utilizes thumb, fingers, palm, forearm, or elbow.
Functionality:
Generates warmth, moves muscles deeply, stimulates points, invigorates and regulates Qi and Blood flow.
Reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, and expels wind and cold.
Strengthens Stomach & Spleen, harmonizes Middle Jiao, calms the Mind.
Technique Specifics:
Gentle pressure and circular motions for 1-3 minutes with the potential for increased pressure.
Pushing (Tui Fa)
Description:
Simple technique; often the start of routines.
Application:
Usually along a meridian, can be applied over clothing, sheet, or skin with lubricant.
Functionality:
Opens channels, moves Qi and blood, relaxes muscles, and aids respiration.
Technique Specifics:
Start with palm on base of neck, push towards spine, maintaining a gentle rocking motion.
Grasping (Na Fa)
Description:
Versatile and widely used analgesic technique.
Application:
Effective on head, neck, shoulders, abdomen, and limbs.
Functionality:
Breaks up stagnation, promotes circulation, and relieves pain.
Technique Specifics:
Begin by grasping and lifting the target area before relaxing; communicate with the patient continuously.
Practical Application
Tutorial and Practical Sessions
Practical Demonstration Objectives:
Techniques demonstrated by lecturer on students.
Anatomical structures identified during practice.
Musculoskeletal palpation of the arm, focusing on specified channels.
Students practice related techniques, incorporate palpation, and document areas of deficiency or excess.
References
Casanelia, L., & Stelfox, D. (2010). Foundations of Massage (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
Deadman, P., Al-Khafaji, M., & Baker, K. (2007). A manual of acupuncture (2nd ed.). Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
Maciocia, G. (2006). The channels of acupuncture: Clinical use of secondary channels and eight extraordinary vessels. Churchill Livingstone.
Pritchard, S. (2015). Tui na: A manual of Chinese massage therapy. Jessica Kingsley.
Qiao, Y. (2008). Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis Study Guide. Eastland Press, Inc.