Literature Analysis of Tuina in Regulating Subhealth Status in Recent 10 Years

The literatures of the recent ten years about tuina(massage) therapy in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) for regulating and treating the subhealth status were searched and analyzed to understand the current thought and methods for the regulation and treatment of subhealth status by tuina. The results showed that tuina had a better regulatory effect for subhealth status. In the selection of the position for tuina application, tuina was predominantly applied to the whole body, guided by the holistic viewpoint and meridian theory of Chinese medicine, especially on the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian of the back and on the area the patient felt uncomfortable. In terms of tuina techniques, the routine relaxing technique, tendon-regulating technique and acupoint-pressing technique were used in predominance. In terms of the therapeutic time and course, although the reports were different in various literatures, it was believed in most reports that 50 min and 2-4 sessions per week were appropriate. The therapeutic aim could be achieved by 15-20 sessions. Without pain from the needles and suffering in taking drugs, tuina has a better psychological regulatory effect, therefore it has a better prospect for popular application. But, the basic study on the explanation of its functional mechanism by modern medical theory and means needs to be intensified.