Tuina and shiatsu books

Books and videos about Tuina and Shiatsu

Here you will find books and videos explaining the basics and application of Tuina and Shiatsu.

What exactly is the Tui Na Massage?

Tui Na Massage: By definition, Tui Na (also called Tui Na or Tuina massage) is a form of bodywork based on the basic principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Tui Na practitioner massages along the meridians that are located throughout the body and massages these energy points using stretches, pressure points and joint rotations to balance the body’s life energy (Qi).

The name of this form of massage therapy derives from the two terms that describe the measures in the treatment: tui means “to press” and na means “to grasp or to press”. Tui Na is regarded as a combination of Japanese Shiatsu and acupressure massage.

6 questions about the benefits of Tui Na:

How does Tuina work?

The technique of Tui Na massages is comparable to Western massage modalities.
Tui Na massage sessions usually last thirty minutes to one hour and usually take place on a massage table. Tui Na is not only relaxing, but also invigorating. Some of the techniques and strokes used in Tui Na are similar to Western massage, such as gliding, kneading, swinging, pulling, rubbing and rolling.

But how does Tui Na massage differ from Western massage?

Since Tuina is based on Chinese medicine, it also differs significantly from Western massage therapy. In contrast to Western massage techniques, Tui Na goes beyond the muscles, bones and joints and works with the body at a deeper, energetic level. Tui Na practitioners try to feel the client’s energy with their hands and influence the flow of Qi (energy flow) and the distribution of energy during the session. Tui Na massage is often combined with other TCM therapies such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies, moxibustion and cupping.

Tui Na is traditionally a dressed massage technique to other TCM therapies.

Like Thai massage and Shiatsu, Tui Na is traditionally practiced on fully clothed clients. You should wear loose, comfortable clothing to ensure that the practitioner can move your joints throughout the range of motion. In a Tui Na massage, massage oils are only used on the neck, hands and feet.

Create balance with the Tui Na massage?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, patients are treated holistically, with an emphasis on physical, mental and spiritual balance. Tui Na is designed to restore physiological and emotional balance by releasing Qi energy, which has led to imbalance due to tension, bad habits and poor health.

Tui Na is good for chronic neck pain. Studies show that Tui Na massage has brought relief to people with chronic neck pain. Study participants who received a Tui Na massage for neck pain experienced significant relief from their pain and discomfort.

Training for Tui Na therapists

Most massage therapy schools in the USA do not include any training in Tui Na massage except for a short introduction. We have only a few TCM schools that offer Tuina courses. If you are interested in training in Tui Na Massage or looking for a certified Tui Na practitioner, please contact us.

Tui Na is medical?

Tui Na is a standard treatment in TCM hospitals and clinics throughout China and is still used today in modern TCM hospitals. It can either be used to promote general well-being (through the use of qi) to treat certain conditions such as back pain. The Tui Na massage, combined with Chinese medicinal herbs and acupuncture, is an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine.

Simple exercises can also be performed by patients themselves. The same applies to Qigong. Ideal for therapists who use the Tuina therapy are e.g. the Tuina Atlas by Jürgen Schroll and the video about Pediatric Tuina by Rossi.

Focus on books on children’s Tuina

Here you will also find books about Shiatsu techniques in German “Fingerdruck” with origin from Japan.

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique and is used on the energy pathways of the body called meridians. Shiatsu has a calming and energy-promoting effect. Shiatsu books by authors such as Karin Kalbantner-Wernicke, instructor for Shiatsu at the Acecki Institute, works with the Samurai Shiatsu, which can be used by children as well as babies and seniors. Kalbantner’s book about Samurai Shiatsu can be found in this section.