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Tui Na is a deep tissue massage from China that does more than just release tension. Tania Ahsan went to Sue Carberry for a session that left her reeling.

Prediction Mag. Jan. 2005.

On the day of my session with Sue Carberry, I merrily told all and sundry that I was going for a tuna massage. It is indicative of the special place that is the PREDICTION office that no-one batted an eyelid and all assumed that I was going to go have a large fish rubbed up and down my back. Tui Na is actually pronounced 'twee-nah' and has nothing to do with fish but plenty to do those wonderful, opposable thumbs us humans are so proud of. A deep tissue massage, originating in China, traditional Tui Na uses eight different massage techniques and is a fairly stringent way to deal with physical and structural imbalance issues. Being a part of traditional Chinese medicine, it uses the 'Five Directions of Diagnosis' that are: asking, looking, feeling, listening and smelling. Since there is an emphasis on physicality in Tui Na, the first three diagnosis methods are used more than the last two - which are reserved for internal imbalances.

However, Sue's practice is described as integrative bodywork' and so she uses aromatherapy and Reiki to give a completely holistic massage, The energy heating work fits well with the Tui Na therapy so that her clients get a complete session that can help with not just physical ailments but also emotional and spiritual issues. She is also psychic so you get a sense that you are going for more than just a body treatment therapy. The session begins with a nice long chat in which Sue ascertains not just your physical issues but also anything that seems to be a theme in your life. Her gently probing questions did not betray how much more painfully she'd be probing later!

After the requisite medical questions, she asked me to lie face down on a big comfortable massage table. You remain fully clothed during Tui Na. Sue began with energetic probing using her thumbs to massage acupressure points all along my body. She asked me to tell her if it was too deep for me and she would ease the pressure. Having more lads than girly girls as mates, I decided to butch it out (being rewarded with a 'wow, you have a high pain threshold' by Sue). My right leg and left shoulder were particularly tender points and the insistent manipulation and prodding by Sue made me clench my jaw in pain. This certainly isn't a prissy little Swedish massage and it is far more about getting your body to respond by moving the lymph around rather than lying back for a relaxing massage.

Having said that, when I flipped over to the front and Sue began working on my neck, it felt very relaxing. There is a certain level of trust you have to have in your therapist in order for this treatment to work. For example, you need to completely relax your limbs and let the practitioner move them at will, far more difficult than it sounds, especially for a control freak like me. Sue assured me this was normal and that it gets easier as you build a rapport with your therapist. Sue's calm and compassionate demeanour encourages trust in her.

After the massage came a glorious bout of Reiki energy healing. This seemed to concentrate on my stomach area and I felt as though hot hands were resting gently on my belly, which was why it was shocking to briefly open my eyes and see that Sue's hands were a good couple of feet above my stomach and not touching me at all. Sue is very discreet about clients (some of whom are well-known celebrities) and she is equally discreet when telling you about any energy imbalances she has picked up. Since I've been told by past life regressionists and by more than one shaman that I have certain issues with my stomach region, I was impressed when she also picked up on the same problem and explained it to me. Suffice to say, felt much better after the energy healing.

The day after the healing was a revelation. My sister who was staying with me at the time commented on how chirpy and happy I seemed in the morning when I'm usually intensely grumpy until I get my first caffeine fix. I did feel terribly optimistic, despite the slightly bruised feeling between my shoulder blades. There was a discernable difference in the way I felt in my body and how I held myself. After just one session, it was clear to see that there had been measurable benefits to the treatment.

For more information about Integrated Bodywork or any other treatments Sue Carberry offer, call 07946 389 763, email sue@wirrarocha.com or website www.integratedbodywork.co.uk.

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