Spa Therapies Of China
Tui Na:
Archaeological digs reveal that tui na may have existed for over 3,000 years. Oracle bones carved with ancient inscriptions tell of a female shaman named Bi who healed people with massage manipulations. Tui na remains a significant form of massage in medical institutions today as it is used to treat specific illnesses of an internal nature and musculoskeletal ailments. It is believed to be the forefather of major bodywork techniques from shiatsu to traditional Thai massage.
If qi is not moving freely in the bosy, it is regarded as stagnating, and the practitioner will use several techniques to restore the smooth flow of or dissipate stagnant qi. Each technique has its own therapeutic effect on the body, and may be used repeatedly with a great deal of pressure, and for a few minutes up to half an hour each time. Eight fundamental techniques exist: tui (pushing), na (grasping), an (pressing), mo (rubbing), gun (rolling), qian (pulling), da (beating) and dou (shaking). Techniques are practised with one or two hands, and even with the arms, elbows and feet. Tui na maybe applied on the whole body, although sensitive areas such as the face and neck may require gentler treatment.
Tui na is generally applied through clothes and with a concentrated amount of strength. It is common in China to wrap the area being massaged with an extra piece of cloth. Massage aids, such as rollers, and massage mediums, such as herbal preparations, are also used. Massage mediums can come in the form of ointments, oils or powders, and maybe therapeutic even when used on their own. For instance, toasted sesame oil is commonly used on the abdomen and back, as it is slightly warming and beneficial in treating spleen qi deficiency that causes diarrhoea, tiredness and lack of appetite.
This recipe is recommended for treating the common cold and dispersing ‘cold’ from the abdominal region.
Ginger And Spring Onion Tincture:
Ingredients: 1 oz / 30g fresh ginger; 1oz / 30g spring onion bulbs; 1 cup white alcohol (vodka or white rum)
Soak the ginger and spring onion bulbs in the alcohol for 2 weeks, then strain and store the tincture. Apply on to the skin when needed. If you’re in a hurry, simmer the spring onion and ginger in water for 15 minutes before applying the tincture on to the skin.
