Combining acupuncture and Tui na in practice

CHAPTER 16 Combining acupuncture and Tui na in practice


The majority of people who are currently studying Tui na are either already acupuncturists or are studying acupuncture and Tui na at the same time. These students frequently ask me how to approach the combination of these two therapies in practice. I work with this combination a great deal and find it practical, satisfying and clinically highly effective.


While writing this book I had the pleasure to meet the very experienced Dr Yang from Beijing who has over 60 years of experience working with this combination. Now in his late 80s and still a keen and dedicated practitioner of both disciplines, Dr Yang told me that in his experience, the combination of the two therapies was more effective than using either one in isolation, and treating patients with both acupuncture and Tui na produces better and faster results. I am inclined to agree. His method is always to give his patients acupuncture first and retain the needles for 15–20 minutes and then to remove the needles and apply 15–20 minutes of Tui na.


Dr Yang’s method represents one very straightforward and effective way of working. I have met other practitioners who prefer to apply Tui na first and to give acupuncture treatment after this. I use both of these methods depending on the circumstances. For example, if a patient is very nervous of needles then I am more likely to give them some Tui na first. After 15 minutes of Tui na they will be more relaxed and able to accept and receive acupuncture treatment. So simply applying one therapy after another is one option. A few more suggestions for how to combine the two follow.



Applying Tui na while the needles are retained


This is the method that I use most frequently. There are several options:



• Needle the local area and apply Tui na distally. For example, if you are treating a patient with lower backache, first of all needle the points that you want to stimulate in the local lower back area and retain them. While the needles are in place you can work with Tui na along the Bladder channel sinew in the leg, stimulating distal points, dredging the channel and releasing areas of congestion and stagnation.


• Needle distally and apply Tui na locally. For example, this is very useful when patients have digestive and gynecological problems. Needle the chosen points according to your patient’s disharmony, minus any abdominal points. While the needles are retained, work with Tui na on your patient’s abdomen. This is a very powerful way of working if the patient’s problem is manifesting in the Lower or Middle Jiao. I have found this method particularly effective for poor digestion, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual problems and fertility issues.


• For patients who are nervous, stressed or suffering with insomnia, headaches, sinus problems or common colds, needle your chosen points leaving out any head or face points and simply try applying the Tui na area foundation routine for the face while the needles are retained. Patients generally love this.

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Jun 22, 2016 | Posted by in MANUAL THERAPIST | Comments Off on Combining acupuncture and Tui na in practice

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