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🌿 Traditional Chinese Medicine Techniques: What They Are & How They Support Your Body
- bryttnin
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
At Tula, we’re excited to offer a range of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) bodywork techniques through our student practitioner. These time-honoured therapies work with the body’s natural systems — whether you think of it as moving Qi (vital energy) or simply improving circulation, reducing tension, and easing pain. Here’s a simple guide to the techniques we offer, what they do, and how they might support your well-being.
💡 Why TCM Bodywork?
These techniques have been used for thousands of years to support both physical and energetic health. While rooted in the rich philosophy of TCM, their benefits are deeply relevant to modern concerns - from managing pain and stress to improving mobility and circulation. Whether you view it as balancing Qi or simply promoting relaxation and recovery, these therapies offer a natural, holistic way to care for your body and mind.
✋ Tui Na Massage
A therapeutic form of Chinese massage that uses rhythmic pressure, acupressure points, stretching, and joint mobilization to release tension and restore balance. In TCM, Tui Na works to move Qi (energy) and blood through the body's meridians (energy pathways), clearing blockages and promoting harmony between systems. From a Western perspective, it helps improve circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, ease stress, and relieve chronic pain. Many people find it especially helpful for headaches, joint tension, and postural imbalances.
🌀 Cupping Therapy
Cupping involves placing suction cups on the skin to lift and decompress underlying tissues. This technique encourages the movement of Qi and blood, clears out areas of stagnation, and helps the body expel external factors like cold, damp, or heat that might contribute to discomfort or imbalance. Physiologically, cupping increases localized blood flow, loosens tight muscles, and supports the body's natural detox processes. It’s commonly used for muscle tension, stress relief, and respiratory support. The circular marks left behind are a temporary sign of improved circulation in the treated area.
🌿 Gua Sha
A scraping technique performed with a smooth-edged tool, typically made of jade, stone, or ceramic. In TCM, Gua Sha stimulates the flow of Qi and blood, helps clear heat and reduce stagnation, and activates the body’s innate healing response. From a Western viewpoint, it improves microcirculation, reduces inflammation, relieves muscle tension, and can be effective for tight shoulders, headaches, and upper back discomfort. Many also enjoy its cosmetic applications for facial rejuvenation and lymphatic support.
Note: Cupping and Gua Sha may cause temporary discolouration of the skin, often appearing as red or purple marks where suction or scraping was applied. These marks are not bruises but a natural response to increased circulation and the movement of stagnant blood and fluids in the area. They typically fade within a few days to a week and are a normal, expected part of the healing process in these therapies.
Come see Huilan for a treatment at special student rates! As a certified Tui Na massage practitioner and TCM student, Huilan offers bodywork sessions blending traditional techniques like Tui Na, Cupping, and Gua Sha to support your well-being. Once she completes her licensing exams this summer, her treatment menu will expand to include acupuncture services and become eligible for insurance billing. It’s a wonderful time to experience these therapies and support a passionate practitioner on her journey!
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