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Technique Selection By Function

Tonify Qi / Calm Shen

An (press), Mo (rubbing), Rou (kneading), Zhen (vibration)

 

Disperse stagnation

Tui (push), Na (grasp), Rou (knead), Dian (point press), Ji

 

Warm and relax muscles

Gun (rolling), Mo (rubbing), Pai (tapping), Cuo (friction)

 

Clear Wind / Cold

Gun (rolling), Mo (rubbing), Pai (tapping), Tui (pushing)

 

Move joints

Yao (shaking), Dou (oscillation), Na (grasp), Ji (knocking)

 

Reduce swelling

Rou + Zhen + Gun over area to stimulate circulation

 

Neck and shoulder stiffness (Wind-Cold Bi)

Tui, Gun, Rou over GB and SI channels. Na and Dian on Jian Jing (GB21), SI11, and BL10

 

Low back pain

Gun, An, Rou, Yao along BL channel (BL23–BL40). Cuo over lumbar area to warm and circulate Qi

 

Abdominal bloating / Spleen Qi deficiency

Mo and Rou on abdomen (CV12, ST25). An on SP15, ST36, and CV6

 

Insomnia / Shen disturbance

An, Mo, and Zhen on PC6, HT7, Anmian (Extra), GV20

Tui Na promotes:

  • Relaxation

  • Circulation

  • Immune regulation

  • Emotional balance

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TCM Mechanism

In TCM, regular Tui Na helps prevent disease by ensuring smooth Qi and Blood flow and maintaining Zang-Fu harmony.

Prevention and Wellness

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While not as primary as acupuncture/herbs, Tui Na can support treatment of:

  • Digestive issues: bloating, poor appetite, abdominal pain

  • Respiratory problems: chronic cough, asthma

  • Gynaecological conditions: menstrual pain, irregular menses

  • Headaches, dizziness, insomnia

  • Stress, anxiety, emotional imbalance

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TCM Mechanism

Techniques focus on abdominal, back, and head areas, regulating organ function through meridian and point stimulation.

Internal Disorders (内科病)

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Used to:

  • Improve range of motion.

  • Accelerate tissue healing.

  • Release fascial restrictions.

  • Rehabilitate soft tissue trauma

Sports Medicine and Injury Recovery

Tui Na is highly effective for:

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  • Neck and shoulder pain (e.g. cervical spondylosis)

  • Lower back pain, sciatica

  • Joint stiffness (frozen shoulder, knee pain)

  • Muscle strains and sprains

  • Tendinitis, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow

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TCM Mechanism

Moves Qi and Blood, disperses Wind-Cold-Damp, unblocks channels

Musculoskeletal Conditions
(外伤/筋骨病)

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Gentle, specialized Tui Na techniques used in children (no needles), effective for:

  • Digestive issues: colic, diarrhea, constipation

  • Cough, asthma, allergies.

  • Sleep problems, hyperactivity.

  • Enuresis (bedwetting)

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TCM Mechanism

Regulates Spleen and Lung Qi, strengthens Wei Qi, harmonizes Yin-Yang

Pediatric Conditions (小儿推拿)

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Tuina

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What is Tuina?
(Chinese Medical Massage)

Tui Na (推拿) is a form of Chinese medical massage therapy and one of the five main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alongside acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and Qi Gong. The term “Tui Na” means “push and grasp,” referring to the manual techniques used. It is based on TCM principles—particularly Qi flow through the meridians—and uses specific hand manipulations to treat both external musculoskeletal conditions and internal disorders by stimulating acupuncture points, meridians, and reflex zones. Tui Na is a manual therapy that combines:

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  • Massage techniques

  • Acupressure

  • Joint mobilization

  • Meridian stimulation

  • Corrective manipulation (orthopedic techniques)

 

It is not just massage for relaxation—Tui Na is a clinical treatment used to correct Qi and Blood imbalances, open meridians, disperse pathogenic factors, and regulate internal organ function.

Key Techniques Used in Tuina

Tui (推)

Push

Promotes Qi flow, relaxes tissues

One- or two-handed linear pushing using palm or thumb

Moves Qi and Blood, opens meridians

 

Na (拿)

Grasp / pinch

Releases tendons, stimulates deeper tissues

Lifting and kneading the soft tissues (like grasping muscle belly)

Releases sinew, promotes circulation

 

An (按)

Press (deep pressure)

Tonifies and regulates Qi, used on points

Steady downward pressure with fingers, palm, or thumb on acupoints

Tonifies, sedates, harmonizes organ function

 

Mo (摩)

Circular rubbing

Warms and harmonizes, used on abdomen or chest

Gentle, circular movement with the palm or fingers

Warms channels, harmonizes Qi, calms Shen

 

Pai (拍)

Patting / tapping

Stimulates nerves, invigorates channels

Gentle striking with hollow palm or fist

Stimulates surface Qi, awakens channels, relieves tension

 

Rou (揉)

Kneading

Softens muscles, relieves tension

 

Deep, rhythmic kneading of muscles using palm, fingers, or thumbs

 

Disperses stagnation, relaxes muscles

 

Gun (滚)

Rolling

Warms meridians, relaxes large muscle groups

Rhythmic rolling using the back of the loose fist over large muscle areas

Warms and relaxes, treats musculoskeletal pain

 

Zhen (振)

Vibrating

Stimulates points or muscles, disperses stagnation

High frequency shaking or vibrating of the tissues or limbs

Stimulates nerves, moves Qi, dispels stagnation

 

Dian (点)

Point pressing (acupressure)

Stimulates specific acupuncture points

Precise, vertical pressure on acupuncture points with fingertip or thumb

Stimulates specific points, releases knots

 

Yao (摇)

Rocking / shaking

Mobilizes joints, releases fascia

Shaking of limbs or joints (passive movement)

Mobilizes joints, releases fascia

 

Ji (击)

Knocking / Hammering 

Rhythmic tapping with loose fist or edge of hand

Releases tight muscles, clears stagnation

 

Dou (抖)

Oscillation / Swinging 

Gentle, rhythmic shaking of limbs or trunk

Promotes fluid movement and nerve relaxation

 

Cuo (搓)

Rubbing / Friction

Rubbing between the palms or on the body’s surface

Warms area, promotes circulation

 

Tan Bo (弹拨)

Plucking / Flicking 

Plucking tendons or muscles with fingers

Releases tension, used in tendon injuries

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