Chinese Tuina (massage) and Taijiquan have in common

What do Chinese Tuina (massage) and Taijiquan have in common? They have their origins rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, and both utilize similar techniques for improving health, fitness and longevity. This chapter is an introduction to Tuina, a comparison of some of the techniques employed within both disciplines, and an explanation of the health benefits arising from these remarkable skills. Click here to learn Pneumatocele in TCM.

From my early days of training with Master Liming Yue, I still recall the powerful and energetic feelings I enjoyed after each Taijiquan class. I felt more energized, calm, relaxed and happy, even if it was hard work. These benefits came from simple, effective exercises, created hundreds of years ago in China. Throughout a decade of training in Taijiquan, my interest in Chinese culture, especially the health and medical aspects, deepened. It was during this period that I heard about something called Taiji massage from Master Liming Yue and other Taijiquan masters. Correctly called Tuina, my first Taiji massage was amazing, great movements of Qi energy flowed up and down my spine, throughout my back, and I felt calm and more relaxed. These sensations I recognized as similar to those that I had experienced during my Taijiquan practice. This discovery encouraged me to train in Chinese Tuina massage, and to eventual qualification as a Tuina master practitioner. Click here to learn Chronic Bronchitis in TCM.