Therapy massage in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM message) is also called tui na, an qiao, zhe zhi , finger pressure therapy, etc. The foundation of TCM massage is based on TCM's Zang Fu theory, theory of meridian channels, Wei Qi Ying Xue theory, and contemporary medicine's nervous system, circulatory system, digestive system, metabolism theory, and movement theory and principles. TCM massage is carried out by means of a set of manipulations imposing beneficial stimulation upon the body and acting on channels, points, nerves, tissue and organs. It can bring about various body changes from exterior to interior, from one part to another, and enable various organs to achieve functionally balanced state, and finally treat and eliminate various diseases.
The therapeutic functions of TCM massage can be summarized as follows:
Nervous system
Different TCM massage manipulations have different actions on the nervous system. Generally speaking, the TCM massage can achieve two actions on the nervous system: (a) Excitation; and (b) Inhibition. Through the two actions, TCM massage can treat various nervous system's diseases.
Digestive system
The digestive system is dominated by the vegetative nerves. The TCM massage can improve the function of vegetative nerves, and thus treat the digestive system's diseases.
Circulatory system
TCM massage can promote the blood circulation, lower the circulatory resistance, and reduce the cardiac load. TCM massage also can adjust the blood distribution and improve body's metabolism. Thus, the TCM massage can be used to treat various circulatory system's diseases.
Motor system
TCM massage can correct deformity and malposition, promote decollement, facilitate the healing of injury, eliminate fatigue, and strengthen the body.
Immune system
TCM massage can improve a person's immune function, prevent the person from contracting other diseases, and facilitate the treatment and recovery process of existing diseases.
Dermatology
TCM massage can facilitate the secretion of sebaceous glands, soften and moisten the skin, enrich the skin brightness, and reduce the wrinkle. TCM massage also can decrease the subcutaneous fat, promote the metabolism, and achieve the weight reduction function.
*Bob Xu, CMD, MS, is Director, Center for Holistic & Herbal Therapy. Tel: 815-260-3334. Email: bxu@www.AmericanChinese MedicineAssociation.org URL: http://www.AmericanChineseMedicne.org