Tui Na is the name of the massage technique in Chinese medicine. The translation of Tui Na is pushing grasping. This traditional form of massage has been dated back to the Shang Dynasty, where it was used to help heal people. The principles of Tui Na are very similar to acupuncture for the treatment of patients. Instead of using needles to manipulate the meridians, the practitioner uses his hands and body. Both acupuncture and Tui Na relies on the meridian theory that associates energy pathways in the body to each organ. When the energy, or Qi, is not flowing properly though the body, illness occurs. Tui Na allows the practitioner to use various methods of manipulating the patient’s body to breakdown stagnations, promote circulation of Qi and blood, and dispel pathogens. Techniques such as grasping, pushing, and percussion can be done with both hands to help heal the patient. Other techniques such as kneading, rolling, and pinching can be done with one hand.

Tui Na is aimed to help the person heal from their illnesses. It has very good results for people who have musculoskeletal issues from improper body postures and injury. Another cause of illness that is treated effectively is problems with over-stressed and damaged muscles. These problems can occur from repetitive motions, or the long work days which are both very common in our society today. The traditional treatment during Tui Na can be very painful for the patient. Most people envision the word massage as a soft, subtle rubbing with the hands to relax the body. Tui Na can be more aggressive, with the goal of healing the patient in mind. Acupressure during Tui Na along an injured channel can be painful; however, it will promote blood and Qi flow to heal the injury.