Canine/Feline Tui-Na

摘要

Tui-na, Chinese medical massage, is one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with the others being acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese food therapy, and vital energy exercises (Tai Chi & Qi Gong). All branches of TCM view the body as an integrated whole (holistic medicine), and the theories of Yin and Yang, five element, and meridian/channel all embrace this basic concept. In translation, "Tui" means push and "Na" means grasp or lift. Tui-na, through massage manipulations that stimulate acupressure points or surface regions of the body, seeks to restore physiological balance in the body via restoring flow to the channels and collaterals, promote blood circulation, and regulate Yin and Yang. By restoring balance to the body, it supports the body's natural functions to combat excess or deficient conditions as needed. Through balancing the body, Tui-na can also be used as preventative medicine, keeping Qi and Blood moving freely, strengthening tendons, ligaments and muscle, and promoting normal function and eliminating fatigue.