Introducing Tui Na: A New Addition to IDA Acupuncture

I’m delighted to share that I’ve recently qualified with a Diploma in Tui Na (pronounced twee-nah), a traditional Chinese medical massage that has been practised for over 2,000 years. Tui Na is one of the five core branches of Chinese medicine, alongside acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and Qi Gong.

What Is Tui Na?

Tui Na means “push and grasp” in Chinese. It uses a variety of manual techniques—such as kneading, pressing, rolling, and stretching—to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood in the body’s channels. Treatments can be tailored to be either gentle or vigorous, depending on what the body needs.

While Tui Na is often associated with treating musculoskeletal pain and tension, its applications go far beyond that. It can also be helpful for chronic health issues such as fibromyalgia, digestive discomfort, menstrual irregularities, fatigue, sleep issues, and emotional tension. Like acupuncture, its aim is to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing processes.

How I’ll Be Using It

Tui Na blends naturally with acupuncture, and I’ll be incorporating it into treatments when it can offer additional support. For example, I may use Tui Na techniques:

• To release muscular tension before or after acupuncture

• On the abdomen to support digestion or menstrual health

• To calm the nervous system in treatments for stress or emotional wellbeing

• To stimulate or soothe particular acupuncture channels

This hands-on approach allows me to work in a more tactile, intuitive way, which can deepen the effectiveness of treatment—especially when movement, touch, or Qi regulation is needed.

At this stage, I won’t be offering Tui Na as a standalone therapy, but rather as part of a fully integrated session with acupuncture when clinically appropriate.

If you’re curious about how Tui Na might benefit you, I’d be happy to talk it through with you during your next appointment or during a free twenty minute phone consultation.

Stay Cool Naturally This Summer

While many of us enjoy the sunshine, periods of hot weather can sometimes leave us feeling tired, restless, irritable, or struggling to sleep. If the heat is getting a little too much, these simple acupressure points and self-care tips may help you stay comfortable during warmer weather.

Three Cooling Points

• LI-11 (Quchi) - The Cooling Point

  • Located at the outer end of the elbow crease when the elbow is bent.

  • Apply firm, comfortable pressure for about 1 minute on each arm.

  • May help with: 
    Feeling overheated
    Headaches
    Flushed skin
    Irritability

• PC-8 (Laogong) - The Calming Point

  • Located in the centre of the palm where the tip of the middle finger touches when making a loose fist.

  • Massage for 30–60 seconds on each hand.

  • May help with:  
    Restlessness
    Feeling hot and bothered
    Difficulty relaxing            

• KD-1 (Yongquan) - The Grounding Point

  • Located on the sole of the foot, about one-third of the way down from the toes.

  • Massage for 1–2 minutes on each foot.

  • May help with: 
    Headaches

    Dizziness

    Difficult sleeping in hot weather

A Simple Summer Routine

1. Press LI-11 on both arms for 1 minute.

2. Massage PC-8 on both palms for 30–60 seconds.

3. Massage KD-1 on both feet for 1–2 minutes.

4. Finish with a cool cloth on the back of the neck or a cool hand and wrist soak.
   

Use these points and cooling techniques whenever you feel overheated or uncomfortable during hot weather. The aim is to feel refreshed, not chilled.

Three Ways to Cool Down Naturally

• Cool the Back of Your Neck

  • Place a cool, damp cloth or bandana over the base of the back of your neck. 

  • This can feel particularly refreshing after being outdoors or spending time in the heat.

• Cool Your Hands and Wrists

  • Soak your hands and wrists in cool water for a few minutes or run cool water over them. 

  • This is a quick and effective way to help your body feel cooler.

• Try a Cool Foot Bath

  • Soak your feet in cool water for 5–10 minutes. 

  • This can help draw heat down from the head and body while promoting relaxation.

Summer Wellbeing Tips

• Drink water regularly throughout the day.

• Enjoy seasonal foods with a high water content, such as cucumber, melon, berries, and leafy greens.

• Take breaks in the shade during the hottest part of the day.

• Listen to your body and rest when needed.

A Note of Caution

If you experience severe dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or symptoms of heat stroke, seek urgent medical attention. If hot weather leaves you feeling exhausted, struggling to sleep, or suffering from headaches, acupuncture may help support your body's natural balance throughout the summer months.

Discover the Benefits of Acupuncture

Hello, I’m Isabelle, an acupuncturist in Basingstoke, Hampshire. With nearly 30 years of nursing experience, my areas of interest include women’s health, emotional well-being, musculoskeletal issues, and digestive health. I combine acupuncture with Reiki to offer a holistic and compassionate approach to care.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture, an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), helps regulate the flow of Qi (energy) through channels in the body to support overall harmony and well-being. Disruptions in this flow can lead to pain or illness. Using fine, sterile needles, acupuncture helps restore balance, reduce stress, and support the body’s natural healing processes. It is also known to improve circulation and encourage the release of endorphins, enhancing overall well-being.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your first session includes a detailed discussion about your health history and goals to tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs. During the session, thin needles are gently inserted into specific points on your body while you relax in a calm environment. Most people find the process deeply relaxing and restorative, with minimal discomfort.

In subsequent treatments, I will regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure the plan continues to meet your evolving goals. These follow-up sessions are designed to build upon previous treatments, deepening the healing process and addressing any new concerns. Acupuncture is a cumulative therapy, where consistent sessions often lead to more profound and lasting benefits.

Book Your Appointment Today

Whether you are seeking support for specific health concerns or simply wish to improve your overall well-being, acupuncture offers a safe and effective path to balance and vitality. If you have any questions or would like to book a session, I’d be happy to hear from you.

Phone: 07394 905 904

Email: hello@idaacupuncture.co.uk