Tui Na (pronounced Twee-nar) massage is a centuries old technique which is still used today in China. I was invited to try it by therapist Eirenice Gore-Booth and accepted, as I had never heard of it before.

Eirenice describes it as "a deep tissue massage that stimulates the body's natural healing energy and qi (pronounced chee) by activating the qi in acupoints as used in acupuncture and shiatsu".

Tui na massage, which you can have while fully clothed, was introduced into this country about ten years ago.

Eirenice is a tall, elegant woman who seems very gentle... until the massage starts. It is very vigorous and very deep and at times, I wanted to leap from the bed, it was so painful. When it was over, however, my whole body was tingling and I felt great.

Results depend on a number of factors such as how much qi the body has, how old the injury is and the age of the client, as well as the 'X' factor in complementary health - how each individual responds to a particular therapy.

Eirenice is a tai chi instructor and it was through the tai chi network that she was led to tui na. She completed her training last December.

"We need to keep moving as we get older," she says. "Tai chi and tui na work hand in hand. In Chinese medicine, the doctor will use acupuncture, tui na and a prescription of tai chi moves as well as conventional medicine, so it was a natural progression for me."

"I had dreadful whiplash from a car crash four years ago," she says. "I'd had manipulative therapy for two years and was getting nowhere." Eirenice found tui na extremely helpful. "I've had enormous benefits. I'm absolutely hooked on it. I simply won't have any other kind of massage now," she says.

Eirenice believes tui na is set to take off in this country. "There's an enormous amount of interest in traditional Chinese medicine," she says. "Places are opening up all over the country. Two Chinese doctors have set up shop in Newcastle."

Tui na in not a massage for relaxation or pampering and it is definitely not for the faint-hearted but it is stimulating and, when you walk away, you really feel as if you've been massaged. While I found the massage painful, I must admit to a lot more movement in the area I had problems with and even now, a couple of days later, I am still feeling the benefits. If I can muster the courage, I'd certainly go again.

A session lasts just over an hour and costs around £30. You can contact Eirenice Gore-Booth on (01325) 730386.

Allison Agius runs The Natural Healing Centre and Agency in Darlington.

See www.allisonagius.co.uk or www.thenaturalhealingcentre.com