The Practice of Tui Na: Principles, Diagnostics and Working with the Sinew Channels

Tui Na is one of the 'Four Pillars' of Chinese medicine (alongside Acupuncture, herbal medicine and Qi Gong) and is a form of bodywork that includes acupressure, massage techniques, assisted stretching, and joint mobilisations or adjustments that are all based on the key medical principles and diagnostics of the Classics of Chinese medicine. This book is an accessible clinical handbook of Tui Na principles and practice.

Tui Na can be used as much more than a musculoskeletal therapy, but in order to use it to its full potential as a medical intervention, it is essential to understand its uses on the Sinew channel system as opposed to the other channel systems commonly used within acupuncture. Tui Na requires an understanding of the principles and pathways of the Sinew channels as a standalone system of the body, as well as its relationship to the other channel and organ systems, and this book provides an accessible introduction to these channels before moving onto Tui Na practice. There are Sections on Diagnosis and Assessment, Techniques and Treatments with hand and joint manipulation techniques covered in detail, along with instruction on developing a Tui Na prescription and protocols for the treatment of common conditions.

This book can be used by beginners studying on a hands-on practical course in Tui Na, in addition to qualified Chinese medicine and Tui Na practitioners.

Rob Aspell is a practitioner and teacher of Chinese medicine, including Tui Na. He is Director and Senior Lecturer at the Xian Tian College of Chinese Medicine, and teaches Chinese medicine in the UK and internationally throughout Europe.