As a means of treating sports injuries, it is unsurpassed. To this long list can be added chronic problems such as headaches, migraines, constipation, IBS, insomnia, tension and restless mind. Brilliantly effective as it is, however, Tuina is not a miracle cure-all. It does not treat all migraines effectively. Some require a combination of acupuncture and Tuina.
Knee problems are likewise less responsive to the hands on treatment than to acupuncture.
Both work in the same way to create qi balance and both achieve their effects holistically by treating the whole person to help the individual parts function more effectively. The lack of negative side effects or any kind of damaging impact on our seriously threatened environment, makes Tuina as relevant today as it ever has been during its very long history. Although Tuina can sometimes cure even long-standing chronic pain in one session of treatment, Chinese therapists always assume a need for several treatments in quick succession. This involves the use of techniques which aid muscle fascia release and stimulate capillary blood flow and lymph drainage. Initially, those techniques that spread the force over a wide area are used.