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Self-tuina massage

推拿

A listing is not a recommendation.

Origin: China · Tradition: A self-care form of Chinese manual therapy · Manual therapy & points

What it is

The home-practice range of a Chinese manual method that uses pressing, kneading, pushing, and similar techniques to organise meridians and muscles. The shoulders, abdomen, and feet are common areas.

A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)

Use oil or cream, and do not injure the skin.
Avoid the abdomen just after a meal; work gently in a clockwise direction.
Do not work strongly on your own on an area with severe pain, numbness, or swelling.

Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice

Stiff shoulders
Constipation or digestion
Tiredness
Low back pain
Headache

Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)

C: Preliminary, small, or lower-quality studies, or mixed results. These notes should not be over-read

There is research on massage by a practitioner, but high-quality evidence specific to self-tuina is limited.

Sources

Safety notes

There are conditions in which strong abdominal massage should be avoided (for example an acute abdomen).

If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.

Situations in which this is better avoided

A suspected acute abdomen
A suspected blood clot
A tumour site, an infection, or right after an injury