08/09/2024
Insomnia nad Chinses medicine aka TUINA
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both, leading to impaired daytime functioning. It can manifest as restless sleep, frequent waking during the night, and trouble returning to sleep once awake. Insomnia affects a person's overall health and quality of life, contributing to fatigue, mood disturbances, and decreased productivity. It's a condition that can be transient or chronic, with various underlying causes ranging from lifestyle factors to psychological stress.
How does TCM view Insomnia?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), insomnia is viewed as a symptom of an underlying imbalance within the body's energy system. Contrasting with the Western medical approach that often focuses on psychological and environmental factors, TCM sees insomnia as a manifestation of disharmony in Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, Yang, and organ systems. TCM practitioners aim to identify and correct these imbalances through holistic treatments, addressing the root causes of insomnia.
What is Tuina?
Tuina is a comprehensive system of bodywork or massage that involves the massage of the body’s soft tissues to balance the flow of energy, or “qi,” within the body. The term “Tui Na” literally translates to “push” and “lift and squeeze,” which accurately describes some of the many techniques employed during a Tuina session. This therapy combines various massage techniques, acupressure, and stretching movements to promote physical and energetic balance in the body.
Stress Reduction:
Tuina’s gentle and rhythmic techniques can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being. It can be a valuable tool in managing stress-related conditions like insomnia and depression.
Improved Circulation:
The manipulation of soft tissues and acupressure points in Tuina promotes better blood circulation and lymphatic flow. This can enhance the body’s ability to deliver nutrients and oxygen to cells while removing waste products.
How is Tuina Different From Regular Massage?
Because Tuina is based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the approach is actually quite different from that of a massage therapist. While Tuina takes into account the importance of muscles, fascia, joints and bones, it is also centered around tending to the different meridians, organ systems, Qi and Blood that are foundational to TCM. Tuina practitioners intend to assess the qi of their client using their hands and diagnostic tools, and affect the flow and distribution of that qi during the session.
Conclusion
Whether you’re interested in acupuncture but still feeling hesitant about needles, seeking relief from chronic pain, or simply in need of a way to relax and unwind, Tuina (massage without needles) may be the TCM therapy for you.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=447839, identifier CRD42023447839.
