About Urban TuiNa
David James has been a passionate and skilled Qualified TuiNa Practitioner for 14 years, since 2024. His journey began when he first experienced the incredible healing power of TuiNa as a client himself, before being trained in both the theory and practice of this ancient Chinese therapeutic massage by one of the UK's leading TuiNa experts, Errol Lynch. Driven by a desire to help others heal and empower themselves, David established Urban TuiNa in 2011. Through his practice, he aims to support a diverse range of clients across all ages and circumstances, aiding in the repair of muscular and physical injuries. For David, his clients are of utmost importance, and his goal is to enable them to reach their full potential and thrive in their daily lives by harnessing the restorative benefits of TuiNa.
What Is TuiNa?
TuiNa, or Tui-Na is a form of Chinese massage that can help the body heal itself naturally. TuiNa is pronounced as twee-nah and dates to around 2300BC. The word TuiNa is translated as ‘Tui’ meaning push and ‘Na’ meaning grasp. Push and grasp form the foundation of a TuiNa practitioner’s hand techniques.
“TuiNa is an ancestral system of manual treatment that incorporates neuromuscular treatment with meridian therapeutic application. I cam recommend David B James from personal experience as an effective practitioner of this healing modality.” Dr Govindha McRostie?
Why Have a TuiNa Massage?
TuiNa focuses on manipulating and repairing areas of the body that are causing a person to experience pain or discomfort. TuiNa uses distinctive push and grasp hand techniques, osteopathic joint movements, stretches and deep tissue strokes as well as oscillating and pressure techniques to treat and heal specific areas of the body.
TuiNa is based on the theory that qi (chi), which is the body’s vital life force of energy, can became unbalanced and create blockages within the body itself. These blockages and imbalances can lead to pain, discomfort or even illness. TuiNa massage helps to rebalance and harmonize the body, release tension and improve the distribution of nutrients and other essential substances needed by the body to heal itself.
TuiNa massage can help to repair injured muscles more quickly, increase movement of muscles and joints and improve the distribution of oxygen and other vital materials needed by the body . TuiNa massage can be used to treat a range of conditions including: back pain, sciatic pain, migraines, headaches, muscle pain, cramps and strains, swollen joints, frozen shoulders, RSI related injuries, insomnia and much more. TuiNa massage is also an effective form of general massage.
Sometimes clients are pleasantly pleased at how quickly their body issues start to improve.
If you have a condition not listed and would like to find out if TuiNa massage would be suitable, please get in touch.
“I first met David when I had damaged a muscle in my calf. I was in pain and a ‘western doctor’ prescribed analgesia and rest. After three days and no sign of improvement David was introduced to me. He was on his holiday but took time to come and give me a treatment. What can i say…? He started on my hip, nowhere near the muscle damage, rubbing and twisting and worked his way to the damaged area. His knowledge of the human structure is exemplary, and he knew the exact spots to hit. The massage was done through a towel so no skin on skin contact until the end when some lotion was applied. Before the treatment I was unable to walk with my foot flat on the floor. 20 minutes later, although hobbling a little I was walking. Another session two days later I went from hobbling to walking fine with little or no pain. Ever since that day I met David, he visits our island on his holidays and comes and gives my wife and I TuiNa treatments. He has the most magical and relaxing hands, excellent warmth and a calming manner. David, thanks for everything. A true and kind heated Gentlemen if ever there was one.” Steve, Director of Operations, Bardsey.
If you would like to read more testimonials go to ‘WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY ABOUT TUINA?’
What does Urban TuiNa Offer You?
Urban TuiNa offers you a fully clothed TuiNa massage treatment, of either 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Your treatment can be carried out in a variety of settings; for example; on a massage bed at my clinic, sitting on a stool maybe at a local market or event, or on a chair/stall in a work setting. TuiNa treatments can also be carried out in the comfort of your own home.
“I have been receiving TuiNa from David regularly for well over a year now and what a difference it had made! He has a knack of knowing, even without me telling him, where my body is protesting about something. For me that has been my shoulders and back and he has been able to free it from pain in a way that years of physiotherapy did touch. But he also picks up on tightness and ‘blockage’ in other areas of the body that I would not even mention and which can be more subtle and fundamental. He combines the vigorous but gentle warming massage of TuiNa, when needed with very strong manipulations to free up and align the body. I am a big guy and yet he is able to stretch me and pull me around with ease, strength and precision! Most importantly he combines physical work with an incredible sensitivity to the flow of energy within and around me, such that every sessions ends with a sense of being bathed in peace and light. I am sure this healing energy that he transmits is as much a part of the process as the physical treatments he gives. Thank you David!!”
What Is A TuiNa Treatment Like?
TuiNa is a fully clothed massage treatment. A sheet is placed over your clothing. The purpose of this sheet is to protect your clothing, protect my hands and generate a layer of heat, which aids your treatment. I would recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing when having a TuiNa treatment so that if necessary I can move all joints through their full range of movements.
During an urban tuina treatment.
You may experience a range of different types of pressure being applied to muscles and joints. I may also use manipulation techniques to realign and restore correct function to muscles and joints. TuiNa treatments are bespoke and tailored to your body’s individual needs. There may be times, in consultation with you when it may be appropriate to use a massage oil or cream applied directly to your skin. Throughout your treatment please feel free to ask questions .
At your first TuiNa session,
I will have a discussion with you about the history of your issue or issues and any other related conditions. This will help me to devise a tailored treatment plan to address the issues you have raised. You are also welcome to bring someone with when having a treatment.
“When I was due to have my regular session with David, my eight year old insisted on coming with me. She had hurt her knee in the school playground and wanted David to fix it for her. I wasn’t sure if this would be be okay. However, David was great. He supported my daughter Mimi to get onto the massage bed, he put the sheet over her, and very gently massaged her knee. She fell asleep, and when she awoke, just said “look I can jump now!” David is flexible, and will work with his clients to ensure the TuiNa session works for them.” Doris N, Wapping.
Is TuiNa For Me?
Every TuiNa massage is unique, bespoke and tailored for that individual person. Treatments are suitable for people of all ages. As well as treating specific injuries, TuiNa massage is also effective general massage. If you have a specific injury or condition and want to find out if TuiNa would be suitable, please get in touch.
“I’d never heard of TuiNa , and then I met David. His knowledge of anatomy, his intuitive relationship to my body, is always spot instantly to David’s treatment, and the effects often lasts for days. His touch is healing, his listening is healing, my ageing body now needs and loves TuiNa. I would recommend David James to everybody.” Jeni Barnett, Broadcaster, East Sussex.
My clients have told me , that the most powerful way to experience TuiNa, is through physically experiencing it. To facilitate this, I offer a free 10 minute ‘TuiNa taster’ service ( Wapping Clinic) , where I will carry out a short treatment on your shoulder/ upper back area. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to talk and ask me about TuiNa, you can ask questions face to face, discuss suitability, explore what is possible, whilst experiencing the healing qualities of TuiNa massage first hand.
“I’d never heard of TuiNa until meeting David. (Funnily enough we live less than a mile from each other in London, but it took going to a remote island Ynys Enlli in North Wales for us to meet!) It’s quite unlike any other ‘massage’ or muscle- tension-relieving therapy I’ve ever experienced. It’s as if it works naturally with the body’s energy, allowing tension and unconsciously held distortions to simply dissolve away. I am always amazed to discover tightness I didn’t even realise was there! David is skilled, professional and 100% respectful. TuiNa is received fully clothed (although soft clothes help1) and through the layering of a beautifully light and simple white sheet.” Mary
If you would like to read more testimonials go to ‘WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY ABOUT TUINA?’
About David B. James
2024 is my fourteenth year of being a Qualified TuiNa Practitioner, and I am very proud of that. I first discovered the amazing healing qualities of TuiNa as a client, before I successfully trained to become a TuiNa Practitioner. My training involved learning both theory and practice from one of the UK’s leading TuiNa Practitioners, Errol Lynch.
In 2011 I created Urban TuiNa . Being a TuiNa practitioner gives me the opportunity to make a difference. I aim to support and empower people from across a broad spectrum of ages and circumstances, to heal and repair muscular and physical injuries. My clients are very special to me, and, I want them to be able to be the best they can be, throughout their daily lives