Flowers bloom, the air feels fresh, and everything wakes up after a long winter. But did you know that your body also goes through changes in spring? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches us that just like nature, our bodies must adjust to the seasons. One way to help your body stay balanced in spring is through Tuina (pronounced "twee-nah") medical massage.

Tuina medical massage is a time-honored healing practice that combines acupressure, deep tissue techniques, and rhythmic movements to release tension and restore balance. By using skilled hand techniques, Tuina helps energy, known as Qi (pronounced "chee"), flow smoothly through the body, easing stress, reducing pain, and promoting overall well-being. It has been used for thousands of years to treat pain, improve circulation, and support overall wellness. In addition, Dr Rosemarie is a skilled Physical Therapist Assistant with clinical hands and intuitive skills of many years that helps to improve her Tuina medical massage outcomes. 

Why is getting Tuina especially helpful in spring? Let's find out!

Spring and Your Body: Why You Need Balance

According to TCM, spring is connected to the Liver and Gallbladder organs. These organs play a big role in detoxifying the body, storing energy, and regulating emotions. During winter, we tend to eat heavier foods, move less, and stay indoors more. As spring arrives, our bodies need to "wake up" and get rid of any stagnation from winter. If the Liver is not balanced, people may feel:

• Tired and sluggish
• Stiff joints and muscle pain
• Mood swings or frustration
• Headaches and allergies

Tuina medical massage helps the Liver and Gallbladder work better by improving the flow of Qi and blood, which supports the body's natural detox process. If you've been spending long hours at a desk, stuck in traffic, or dealing with daily stress, your body might feel sluggish and tense. Tuina helps release built-up tension, ease muscle stiffness, and restore balance, making it a perfect way to refresh and re-energize this spring.

Benefits of Tuina Massage in Spring

Boosts Circulation and Energy Flow

• Tuina uses techniques like pressing, kneading, and rolling to improve blood circulation.
• When your blood flows better, you feel more energized and less tired.
• Studies show that Tuina helps with blood circulation, reducing fatigue and improving muscle function (Zhang et al., 2020, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine).

Reduces Allergies and Sinus Congestion

• Spring brings flowers and pollen, which can cause allergies.
• Tuina helps clear sinus blockages and strengthens the immune system.
• Research suggests that Tuina massage, especially when combined with acupressure, helps reduce nasal inflammation and congestion (Wang et al., 2019, Chinese Medicine Journal).

Eases Muscle Tension and Joint Pain

• Cold winter weather can make muscles and joints stiff.
• Tuina relaxes tight muscles, reduces pain, and increases flexibility.
• A study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2018) found that Tuina is effective in reducing neck and shoulder pain in patients with muscle stiffness.

Supports Detoxification

• The Liver is like the body’s natural filter, and Tuina helps it work better by improving lymphatic drainage.
• When the body gets rid of toxins efficiently, digestion improves, and skin looks healthier.
• TCM research highlights Tuina’s ability to stimulate the body’s detox processes (Li et al., 2021, Integrative Medicine Reports).

Balances Mood and Reduces Stress

• In TCM, spring is linked to the emotion of anger. If the Liver is out of balance, people may feel more irritable or anxious.
• Tuina helps calm the nervous system, reducing stress and improving mood.
• A clinical trial published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science (2020) found that Tuina can significantly reduce stress-related symptoms and improve sleep quality.

Who Can Benefit from Tuina in Spring?

Tuina is great for people of all ages! Whether you’re a child with allergies, an adult with stress, or a senior with joint pain, Tuina can help. It is a gentle but powerful way to support the body’s natural healing ability.

What to Expect During a Tuina Session?

Our Tuina sessions are usually 60 minutes or 90 minutes of bliss and worth every minute of it. The practitioner will use different hand techniques, including acupressure to balance the body's energy. People feel deeply relaxed afterward and leave rejuvenated. Don't take our words for it… Just check our reviews. 

Final Thoughts: Spring Cleaning for Your Body

Just like you freshen up your home in spring—opening the windows, decluttering, and letting in fresh air—your body needs a little spring cleaning too! Tuina medical massage helps shake off the stiffness of winter, refresh your energy, and get you feeling your best for the new season. Tuina medical massage is a natural, effective way to help your body transition into spring with more energy, less stress, and better health. 

Don't take our words for it, check our reviews

“I have been working with Rosemarie for years now, and I am so grateful to have her on my wellness care team! Wether it’s acupuncture, Acussage or a Tuina massage, Rosemarie is a skilled, intuitive, and generous practitioner, offering not only her vast skill set, but so much love and wisdom as well. I recommend her services with so much enthusiasm!” -Brianna T

Visit A Balanced You Acupuncture & Wellness Center to experience Tuina’s full benefits for yourself. Your body will thank you for it!

References:

• Zhang, H. et al. (2020). "Effects of Tuina Massage on Circulatory Health," Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Wang, J. et al. (2019). "Acupressure and Tuina in Treating Allergic Rhinitis," Chinese Medicine Journal.
• Li, X. et al. (2021). "The Role of Tuina in Detoxification Processes," Integrative Medicine Reports.
• Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science (2020). "Tuina for Stress Reduction and Sleep Improvement.