When loads press on the shoulders
Perhaps you know the feeling: your neck is stiff from sitting for long periods in the cockpit or office, your lower back pulls after lifting heavy suitcases and your head feels "full". In our everyday lives in Winterthur and Zurich, stress often builds up physically - as hardening in the muscles and fasciae.
The Tui Na massage at FLY TCM is the answer to this. It is not a classic wellness massage to "fall asleep", but a dynamic, medical therapy. I work on physically grasping and dissolving your blockages so that you can move freely again.
What is Tui Na? (More than just massage)
Tui Na (pronounced "Tui-Na") is one of the five pillars of traditional Chinese medicine. The name describes the technique: "Tui" (pushing) and "Na" (grasping). It is a very old form of manual therapy that originated long before Western physiotherapy or osteopathy.
In contrast to a classic oil massage, I often work rhythmically, quickly and deeply with Tui Na. I not only stimulate the muscles, but also the meridians (energy pathways) and acupuncture points. You could say that Tui Na is "acupuncture with your hands".
The method in detail: mobilization & acupressure
A Tui Na treatment at FLY TCM in Winterthur is versatile. I use different hand techniques to reach different layers of your body:
- Press & knead: To loosen stuck fascia and hard muscle strands.
- Rolling & rubbing: To generate heat and massively stimulate blood circulation.
- Mobilization: Gentle stretches and joint movements to restore the range of motion (e.g. of the shoulder).
- Acupressure: Targeted pressure on points to override pain signals in the nervous system ("gate control theory").
Areas of application: When does Tui Na help?
Tui Na is particularly effective for musculoskeletal complaints, but also works internally through meridian work. My focus in practice is on
1. back, neck & shoulder ("pilot's neck")
The number one treatment in my practice: chronic tension in the neck and shoulder area, lumbago or sciatica. Tui Na brings movement to stiff muscles.
2. joint complaints & sports injuries
Whether tennis elbow, knee problems or hip complaints - Tui Na promotes lymph flow and tissue regeneration. Ideal for athletes in the rehabilitation phase.
3. headaches & migraines
Headaches are often caused by tension that pulls up from the neck. By releasing these "trigger points", I can often relieve the headache immediately.
4. stress & inner restlessness
Yes, that too. I can calm the nervous system through rhythmic, steady techniques. When the "armor" of muscle tension falls away, the mind can also relax.
Who is this therapy suitable for?
Tui Na is ideal for people who want to feel results. It is perfect for:
- Needle skeptics: Those who do not want acupuncture will find an effective, purely manual alternative here.
- Desk workers & crews: For anyone who sits a lot or lifts heavy loads.
- Athletes: For relaxation before a competition or for regeneration afterwards.
Note for children: I use a very gentle form of Tui Na for children, for example to treat digestive problems or sleep disorders, completely without needles.
Security & limits
I work vigorously, but always respectfully. I do not use Tui Na on freshly broken bones, open wounds, acute inflammation, venous thrombosis or in certain phases of pregnancy (in the abdominal/pelvic area). Please inform me in advance of any existing illnesses.
Procedure, clothing & costs in Winterthur
A special feature of Tui Na is that it can often be performed over thin clothing (e.g. T-shirt) or a cloth. This makes the treatment very uncomplicated. I start with a brief diagnosis to find the blocked meridians, followed by manual therapy.
The costs are based on tariff 590 and are billed via the supplementary insurance for complementary medicine (EMR recognized). Please clarify your cover with your insurance company.
At a glance: Tui Na Massage
- ⏱ Duration: first appointment approx. 75-90 min. / follow-up approx. 60 min.
- 💪 The feeling: invigorating, loosening, warming, "pleasantly painful" (Wohlweh).
- 👕 Clothing: Comfortable clothing (e.g. sportswear) recommended.
- 📍 Therapist: Niklas Lütgen (FLY TCM Winterthur).
- 🎯 Perfect for: Tense backs, athletes & anyone who doesn't like needles.
Do you want to shed some ballast?
Make an appointment for Tui NaFrequently asked questions
Does Tui Na hurt?
Tui Na is not a pure “stroking massage”. As we want to relieve tension, it may well pull or press at certain points. I often call this “well-being pain” – a pain that makes you realize: “Something good is happening, it needs to come out.” However, I always adjust the intensity exactly to how you feel. You are always in control.
What do I need to wear for treatment?
It is best to come in comfortable, thin clothing (e.g. sweatpants, leggings, T-shirt). Traditional Tui Na is often practiced through a cloth directly on the clothes. Sometimes I also work directly on the skin (with a little oil/balm), but we discuss this on the spot.
Can I combine Tui Na with acupuncture?
Yes, this is actually an excellent combination! I often use Tui Na to first loosen the body and get the energy flowing, and then apply a few targeted needles to deepen the effect. They complement each other perfectly.
How often should I come?
For acute tension (e.g. “lumbago”), 2-3 sessions at short intervals can work wonders. Regular “maintenance” (e.g. every 4 weeks) is advisable to permanently correct chronic poor posture (e.g. due to years of office work).
Does the health insurance company pay for the massage?
If you have supplementary insurance for complementary medicine, yes. The Tui Na massage is a recognized method of TCM. I bill via the 590 tariff (EMR). Basic insurance does not cover these costs. To be on the safe side, please check with your insurance company.
