Massaging away the traditional way

INSTRUCTION: Master Wang Mingbo (top, and with Rose Oliver, above) show class participants Tuina techniques. [Photo by Wu Ni / Shanghai Star]

David sustained a leg injury playing football. He went to see a doctor but taking pills did not cure his problem.

"I think TCM contains knowledge about overall health and the reason why you have pain," he says. His mother practices Taichi, adding to his confidence in TCM.

Fernandes hurt his neck about three years ago while practicing Taekwando. He had tried many different treatments, including acupuncture. "This is helpful but my problem is serious. I need to do more," he says.

The controlled use of moving pressure is the secret behind Tuina, which only the most experienced veteran practitioner can master.

While patients with serious injuries should receive private treatment from Tuina masters, Wang shares some simple techniques that can help people suffering from stiff joints or lethargy.

After each meal, stand and knock on the outside of both your upper legs so as to expel the humidity inside the body that may cause pain and illness.? You can use the percussion technique down the outside of the leg, as well as massaging the outside of the leg by sliding the hand firmly downwards.

These two techniques actually stimulate and detoxify the gallbladder meridian, which will aid digestion and help in losing weight. Another technique is toning the liver meridian using the same hand techniques above, but this time down the inside of the leg, along the upper thigh.

To find the gallbladder and the liver meridians, follow the inner and outer trouser seams.

IF YOU GO

To find the latest schedule of TCM treatment workshops, you can contact: The Drishti Vinyasa Yoga Shala, Hong Qiao Studio, Room 1210, Tianshan Mansion, 30 Tianshan Road, near Hami Road, Changning district.