Course Syllabus: TUINA 1
Credits/Hours: 3/45
Prerequisites: None
Instructor: Randy K. Otaka
Day/Time: Mondays, 7:30-9:30
Required Texts: None
Recommended Texts:
On Tuina:
“Chinese Bodywork: A Complete Manual of Chinese Therapeutic Massage” edited by Sun Chengnan, 1993, Pacific View Press
On Lines:
“Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists” by Thomas W. Myers, 2001, Churchill Livingston
On Points:
“The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief” by Clair Davies, NCTMB, 2004, New Harbinger Publications
“Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch” by Donna Finando, LAc, LMT, and Steven Finando, PhD, LAc, 2005, Healing Arts Press
Purpose: This course acquaints students with the major techniques of Tuina, a Chinese bodywork tradition. Emphasis is placed upon proper body mechanics, both to protect the practitioner from undue "wear and tear," and to develop greater efficacy in Tuina techniques. First, we will cover some of the basic techniques of Tuina. Then, we will incorporate those techniques into a full body routine, to acquaint students with using those techniques within a context. Finally, we will "trouble shoot" and focus on particular parts of the body, and their more common musculoskeletal problems.
As we acquaint ourselves with the techniques of Tuina, we will also try to learn some basic ways of viewing the body. We will attempt to look at the body both in terms of generalized “lines” (the Chinese “muscle-sinew meridians”, as well as the lines of the “Anatomy Trains” model) and “points” (the Trigger Point model). This will help us to analyze and treat musculoskeletal problems in patients with greater specificity and effectiveness.
Objectives:
The main objective of this course is to learn how to properly perform Tuina bodywork. This objective may be broken down into several key issues. Some of these are more “measurable” than others, and are so indicated by an italicized statement:
1) Attitude
2) Proper body mechanics (stance, relaxation, slow pacing, silk reeling, six harmonies)
3) Performance of specific Tuina techniques: When prompted with the name of a technique and an appropriate part of the body, the student is able to correctly perform the techniques effectively. Effective performance is measured by a rubric assessing correct body mechanics, strength of technique, and gentleness of execution.
4) Palpation of tissue
5) Incorporation of Tuina into a full routine: When prompted with a part of the body, the student is able to execute a pre-formed routine addressing that part of the body, with techniques executed in the correct order. Effective performance is measured by a rubric addressing order of techniques, execution of individual techniques, and pacing/transitions.
6) Addressing specific musculoskeletal problems: When prompted with a specific musculoskeletal problem, the student is able to 1) identify affected channels, lines, and points via palpation and other means; 2) perform appropriate techniques to address the problem safely and effectively. Effective performance is measured by a rubric addressing assessment, safe execution, and effective execution.
Familiarity with “muscle-sinew meridians” and “Anatomy Trains lines”: When prompted with a picture of a muscle-sinew meridian or Anatomy Trains line, the student will correctly identify (via writing) the muscle-sinew meridian or Anatomy Trains line. Also: When prompted with a case study describing a disorder involving a specific muscle-sinew meridian or Anatomy Trains line, the student will correctly identify (via writing) the appropriate muscle-sinew meridian or Anatomy Trains line.
8) Familiarity with muscles and associated pain referral patterns: When prompted with a description of a pain referral pattern and/or associated symptoms, the student is able to write down a list of suspected affected muscles/muscle groups.
Resources:
This course will have a blog, where I will post all videos, classnotes, etc. The address is:
tuinasummer2012.blogspot.com.
One of the advantages of a blog (which I have not taken full advantage of) is that it is interactive. You may comment on any posting to the blog, perhaps voicing questions/problems, or your own unique insights, to the rest of the class. I would encourage you to do this. It will only enrich the learning experience for the class.
“Homework”
Homework assignments will be in two forms. First, some assignments will be Skills Practice. We will introduce exercises or techniques in class, and encourage you to practice these independently at home. I understand that it is difficult for many students to find a partner to practice some of these techniques on, but I encourage you to do so whenever you can. Nothing replaces actual practice of these techniques! The second sort of assignment involves taking practice quizzes online (possible, but none have been designed as of yet).
Course Outline:
1) Monday, May 6th
Introduction to Tuina: History, What distinguishes Tuina from other types of bodywork, Yin and Yang in bodywork, Proper attitude in bodywork, Contraindications for bodywork, Principles of Bodywork, Proper Body Mechanics, Proper Pace, Tools
Superficial Techniques: Rubbing, Round Rubbing, Pressing (with Palms), Pushing (with Palms)
Lines: The Taiyang Muscle-sinew meridian; the Anatomy Trains Superficial Back Line
2) Monday, May 13th
A Review of Attitude and Body Mechanics
Deeper Techniques: Pressing (with other tools: fists, knuckles, fingertips, elbows, etc.), Pushing (with other tools); also Vibration
Lines: The Yangming Muscle-sinew meridian; the Anatomy Trains Superficial Front Line
3) Monday, May 20th
Being Soft and Loose and Vigorous
Techniques that "Get things Moving": Kneading, Rolling, etc.
Lines: the Shaoyang Muscle-sinew meridian; the Anatomy Trains Lateral Line
Monday, May 27th
HOLIDAY: NO CLASS
5) Monday, June 3rd
Grasping and Cross-Fiber Techniques
Lines: the Three Leg Yin Muscle-sinew meridians; the Anatomy Trains Deep Front Line
5) Monday, June 10th
Percussive Techniques
Lines: the Anatomy Trains Spiral Line and the Functional Line
6) Monday, June 17th
Manipulation Techniques (Rectifying, Pulling)
Lines: the Arm Muscle-sinew meridians; the Anatomy Trains Arm Lines
7) Monday, June 20th
Principles of Creating a Routine
About Palpation
Patient Prone, Working on the Back
Muscles of the Back
8) Monday, June 27th
Patient Supine, Working on the Feet and Legs
Muscles of the Front of the Legs
9) Monday, July 8th
Patient Supine, Working on the Abdomen
Muscles of the Abdomen
10) Monday, July 15th
Patient Supine, Working on the Arms and Hands
Muscles of the Arms and Hands
11) Monday, July 22nd
Patient Supine, Working on the Neck and Head
Muscles of the Neck and Head
12) Monday, July 29th
Seated Work
Focus: Problems of Neck, Shoulder, Arms
13) Monday, August 5th
Focus: Problems of Lower Back, Hips, Knees, Feet
14) Monday, August 12th
Final
Grades are determined by the following criteria:
50% Classwork, 50% Final
