In the United States and most of the Western world, Chinese Medicine means acupuncture.  However, in China several different modalities are considered equal to acupuncture in their medicinal value, and often Chinese doctors will become specialists in these fields in addition to acupuncture.  One of these treatment methods is called Tuina massage.

Tuina is an ancient art, originating around 2700 BCE.  Today Tuina has evolved to be a highly effective form of treatment for transforming structural imbalances as well as moving energy, or Qi, in quite the same way acupuncture does.  Indeed Tuina can treat a wide range of disorders, from migraine headaches, frozen shoulder, sports injuries, car accidents and digestive discomfort.  There is even a form of pediatric Tuina which can help to ease respiratory complications, colic, and nervous system diseases in infants and children.

Many Tuina practitioners will combine acupuncture treatments and Tuina massage for best results.  A patient can expect their Tuina practitioner to perform orthopedic testing to determine structural causes of discomfort, assisted stretching, acupressure, light and deep massage techniques, and even foot reflexology.

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