Tui na
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Tui na (Template:IPAc-cmn; Template:Zh) is a form of alternative medicine similar to shiatsu.<ref name="ee150">Template:Cite book</ref> As a branch of traditional Chinese medicine, it is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, fire cupping, Chinese herbalism, tai chi or other Chinese internal martial arts, and qigong.<ref name = meridians>Template:Cite web</ref>
Background
Tui na is a hands-on body treatment that uses Chinese Daoist principles in an effort to bring the eight principles of traditional Chinese medicine into balance. The practitioner may brush, knead, roll, press, and rub the areas between each of the joints, known as the eight gates, to attempt to open the body's defensive qi (wei qi) and get the energy moving in the meridians and the muscles.<ref name="meridians" /> Techniques may be gentle or quite firm. The name comes from two of the actions: tui means "to push" and na means "to lift and squeeze." Other strokes include shaking and tapotement.<ref name="Claire">Template:Cite book</ref> The practitioner can then use a range of motion, traction, and the stimulation of acupressure points. These techniques are claimed to aid in the treatment of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many non-musculoskeletal conditions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
As with many other traditional Chinese medical practices, different schools vary in their approach to the discipline. In traditional Korean medicine it is known as chu na (Template:Lang), and it is related also to Japanese massage or anma and its derivatives shiatsu and sekkotsu.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> In the West, tui na is taught as a part of the curriculum at some acupuncture schools.<ref name="Claire" />
Efficacy
A collaborative study between researchers in China and Germany concluded that the use of Tui na techniques can be a safe, low-cost method to reduce back and neck pain.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
See also
References
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