Tuina is a comprehensive system of therapeutic massage and passive/active joint restoration. Is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians as its basic therapeutic orientation. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques Tuina seeks to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body the naturally heal itself.

Tuina dates back to the Shang Dynasty of China, 1700 B.C. Oracle bones show that tuina massage was used to treat children's diseases and digestive complaints in adults. By 600 Tuina was included in the Imperial Medical College as a separate department. Tuina flourished throughout China until the Qing Dynasty where it was suppressed along with other Chinese cultural arts. Following the Communist revolution, Tuina was restored along with other traditional medical arts and was included in the creation of the current system of Traditional Medicine Colleges. Currently, Tuina is taught as a separate but equal field of study in the major traditional Chinese medical colleges. Tuina doctors receive the same demanding training as acupuncturists and herbalists and enjoy the same level of professional respect.

Tuina methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of Qi, and manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships (bone-setting). External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.

Tuina has a variety of different systems that emphasize particular aspects of these therapeutic principles. The main schools in China include the rolling method school which emphasizes soft tissue techniques and specializes in joint injuries and muscle sprains, the one finger pushing method school which emphasizes techniques for acupressure and the treatment of internal diseases, and Nei Gong method school which emphasizes the use of Nei Gong Qi energy generation exercises and specific massage methods for revitalizing depleted energy systems, and the bone setting method school which emphasizes manipulation methods to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships and specializes in joint injuries and nerve pain.

The major focus of application is upon specific pain sites, acupressure points, energy meridians, and muscles and joints. Advanced Tuina practitioners may also use Chinese herbs to facilitate quicker healing.

Tuina is now being popularized in this country as a powerful therapeutic extension of traditional western massage methods. Tuina’s simplicity and focus on specific problems, rather than a more generalized treatment, make it both an excellent alternative and/or extension of the Swedish-style massage. By utilizing treatments of shorter duration, it can be used in a variety of settings, including home, office, clinic or hospital. It is well suited for both the professional massage therapist or the active, health conscious individual.

Tuina is well suited for the treatment of specific musculoskeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems. Effective treatment protocols have been tested in a practical setting. Tuina is not especially useful for those seeking a mild, sedating and relaxing massage since it tends to be more task focused than other types of bodywork. Contraindications include conditions involving fractures, phlebitis, infectious conditions, open wounds, and lesions.

Tuina Methods

Tui - To Push
1. Tui of the Thumbs - Applied along the more “bony” areas of the body.
2. Tui of the Fingertips - Applied along the more “fleshy” areas of the body.
3. Tui of the Half Knuckles - Applied to the “hollow” areas of the body. In example: back of the knee, inner elbow, lower back, etc.

Na - To Pull
1. Na of the Fingertips - Applied along specific meridian structures everywhere on the body.
2. Na of the Half Knuckles - Applied to the meridian structures of the back and legs.

An - Rapid & Rythmical Pressing
1. An of the Thumbs - Applied to the Head, Chest, Breast, Back and Legs to specific meridian structures everywhere.

Tao - Strong Pinching Pressure
1. Tao of the Thumb & Index Finger - Applied to specific Acupuncture Points everywhere on the body.
2. Tao of the Singular Finger - Sometimes Called the “Finger Dig” method. A very strong stimulatory technique applied to specific Acupuncture Points everywhere on the body.

Nie - Kneading
1. Nie of the Fingers - Applied to the Lower Back and Abdominal area mostly. Also sometimes used along key tendon structures everywhere.
2. Nie of the Full Palms - Applied to the Back, Chest, Abdomen and Legs.

Nien - Nipping
1. Nien of the Thumb & Index Finger - Applied to Specific Tendon Structures everywhere on the body.
2. Nien of the Half Knuckles - Applied to specific Acupuncture Points everywhere on the body.

Moa - Rubbing
1. Moa of the Palms - Applied to disburse Bruising, everywhere on the body.
2. Moa of the Fingers - Applied to disburse Bruising, everywhere on the body.

Pai - Tapping
1. Pai of the Cupped Palms - Applied to the back and legs.
2. Pai of the Edged Palms - Applied to the back and shoulders.
3. Pai of the Joined Fingers - Applied to the back.