Did you know? Traditional Chinese Massage Therapy Can Treat Diseases
Traditional Chinese massage therapy, also known as Tuina, is well-known to many people. Many are interested in the benefits of massage therapy, but you may not be aware that there are also contraindications for massage therapy. Let me take you to understand the contraindications of traditional Chinese massage therapy.
Benefits of Traditional Chinese Massage Therapy, Contraindications, and Precautions
What are the contraindications of Traditional Chinese Massage Therapy?
Proper Massage Strength
The technique of Tuina massage emphasizes persistence, strength, uniformity, and gentleness. It requires a certain amount of strength, otherwise it will not achieve the desired health and therapeutic effects. Excessive force can easily injure muscles, ligaments, joints, and other tissues. The force should be such that the patient feels slight soreness that is bearable.
Not Suitable After Eating or Drinking
Receiving massage therapy after a full meal can affect digestion. Massage therapy while hungry can cause dizziness due to low blood sugar. Massage therapy after consuming alcohol can accelerate the spread of alcohol throughout the body and even pose a risk of alcohol poisoning.
Not Suitable for Patients with Diseases
Massage therapy should be avoided in cases of acute injuries such as internal organ contusions, early bone fractures, or skin ruptures. Women should also avoid massage therapy during menstruation, especially in the lower abdomen and lumbar region, as it may increase menstrual flow. Massage therapy can exacerbate diseases such as heart disease, liver disease, malignant tumors, and acute perforation diseases such as stomach and duodenal ulcers. It can also cause more bleeding in patients with bleeding disorders such as traumatic bleeding and rectal bleeding.
Strict Operation for Patients with Illnesses
In addition to contraindications, some diseases require strict operation during massage therapy:
Patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes may experience a sudden onset of symptoms if the massage therapy is too intense or improper, so caution should be exercised.
Elderly and weak individuals with delicate skin, as well as infants, may suffer joint and soft tissue injuries if the massage therapy is not done properly, so these groups should use massage therapy with caution.
Patients with neck pain, bone fractures, and other conditions should also use massage therapy with caution until a definitive diagnosis is made. It is best to show X-rays to the massage therapist to determine the appropriate massage technique based on the confirmed diagnosis.
Benefits of Traditional Chinese Massage Therapy, Contraindications, and Precautions
Main Benefits and Effects of Massage Therapy
Promotes Blood Circulation, Relieves Pain, and Clears Meridians
It is often said that pain is caused by blockage. When our qi and blood circulation is not smooth and the meridians are obstructed, localized swelling or pain can occur in the body. Massage therapy can promote the normal circulation of qi and blood, improve blood circulation in the body, clear meridians, and alleviate pain. If it is a traumatology disease caused by external injuries, the anatomical position can be corrected through orthopedic manipulation.
Adjusts Function and Harmonizes Yin and Yang
The acupoints on the body surface are connected to our internal organs. Therefore, by stimulating the acupoints on the body surface, it is possible to regulate the functions of the organs and maintain the balance of yin and yang. If we stimulate the areas on the feet corresponding to the organs or the reflex areas of various glands, we can improve the functions of the corresponding organs and the secretion of glands. Our five internal organs have corresponding acupoints on our feet. Therefore, by stimulating the pituitary reflex zone on the feet, the pituitary's function can be enhanced, keeping us healthy. It can also regulate the secretion imbalance during menopause.
Eliminates Fatigue and Relieves Stress
More and more young people are in a sub-healthy state, feeling tired and lacking energy. This group can also receive massage therapy. By stimulating certain acupoints on the body, it can eliminate physical and mental fatigue. For those who experience eye strain or visual fatigue due to excessive eye use, they can perform self-care massage to improve eye fatigue and increase work efficiency.
Health Preservation and Disease Prevention
As some traditional Chinese medicine practitioners often say, "A strong body can resist external evils," and "where there is evil, there must be a deficiency in qi." Regular massage therapy can enhance the body's resistance to diseases. It can treat immune deficiencies and allergic diseases. Even for healthy individuals, massage therapy can have health preservation and disease prevention effects.
