Tui na is an important branch of Chinese Medicine widely used in China. It incorporates a range of hard or soft massage techniques using the principles of Chinese medicine theory. Archeological studies have dated it back to around 2700BC, which makes it the oldest form of massage. It has been called the ‘grandmother of all forms of massage and body work that exist today, from Shiatsu to osteopathy.’ (Pritchard, 2010)
Tui na is often combined with acupuncture, cupping & guasha, and can be provided as an alternative to acupuncture for people afraid of needles. It incorporates a range of dynamic and soft techniques dependant on the type of treatment the practitioner sees fit. This may be dynamic and moving (like sports massage), or soft and gentle (like reiki).
Tui na departments in China often treat a range of complaints especially musculoskeletal, as well as complaints that are treated by acupuncture.