Licentiate Diploma in Tui Na Massage leading to LicTuiNa

• 3 years full-time from scratch
• 5 months - 2years part-time postgraduate

Accreditation of the Tui Na Massage Course

Tui na is the most recent branch of Chinese medicine to gain popularity in the UK. At LCTA we are working hard to establish a professional body, using the experience and professional standards we have embodied in the other two disciplines of Oriental medicine. As soon as this body becomes formally constituted, it too will work towards a full system of accreditation. In the meantime, the standards and accountability that are the hallmark of LCTA extend to tui na as well.

The Tui Na course can be studied in a variety of modes and is made up of four main modules. Those with an existing TCM qualification, can study the first two modules independently (Basic Tui Na and Certificate in Tui Na). In combination with the first two modules, studying the final two modules leads to a Licentiate Diploma in Tui Na (LicTuiNa).

In addition to the core subjects, these subjects are studied by students following the three-year, full-time Tui Na Diploma course (LicTuiNa). Postgraduate students are exempt from the core subjects and from Point Location.

1. Introduction to the history and energetics of tui na

2. Practical techniques

• Introduction and extensive practice to a level of clinical competence of the 20 basic techniques of tui na massage and their clinical application, and review of areas of the body to which they are applied
• The following techniques are covered:
• Methods of tonification and sedation
• Compound manipulation, blending two basic techniques together
• Passive movements
• Pulling Qi and projecting Qi
• Special techniques that involve two hands performing different techniques simultaneously
• Area routines: their curative and preventative role Neurological tests to identify structural problems and nerve involvement

3. Point location skills

• The energetics of qi in relation to channels and pathways
• Location of points, their actions and usages, and frequent opportunity throughout the courses to practise locating points on other students with guided feedback
• Study of point combinations and principles for formulating a flexible and appropriate treatment plan and for assessing treatment results
• Introduction to the skills of moxibustion, cupping, palpation and massage, and opportunities to practise these and develop skilled techniques

4. Development of qi through Qi Gong

• Development of strength, flexibility, correct posture and breathing in preparation for long-term practice of tui na and avoidance of strain
• Practise of exercises to develop internal qi is incorporated into classes and students are expected to continue this practice daily as part of their commitment to the course. Initially students learn through the medium of Shaolin Qi Gong and the Six Sounds of Qi Gong, eventually moving on to further qi gong variations
• Familiarisation with qi gong exercises that can be practised by the student and taught to patients for their specific therapeutic effects and to form an integral part of the treatment plan

5 Clinical treatment

• Study of the clinical application of tui na with relation to specific disease categories such as headaches, digestive disorders and abdominal pain, insomnia, lower back pain and sciatica, gynaecological disorders, common colds and coughs, and anxiety and depression
• On top of the extensive practical and clinical components of the core modules that include assistance in the clinic from an early stage, a large proportion of all the tui na modules consist of clinical experience where student practitioners treat patients under the supervision of the College's senior clinicians
• Clinical sessions include reflective feedback discussions with the clinical supervisor to review difficult and interesting cases, to highlight practitioner development and patient management issues and to address students' queries
• Clinical practice is supervised by several different senior clinicians, each with their own individual approach to qi. In this way, students gain confidence with the rich variety and breadth of practice styles and may begin to form some preferences of their own