What is Tui Na?

Tui Na is a type of Oriental bodywork which has been used in China for more than 2,000 years. Literally meaning pushing and grasping, tui na is based on the same principles of Chinese medicine as acupuncture. Tui na practitioners work on the meridians of Qi, and even on specific points, to harmonise the balance of Qi in the body, allowing the body to heal itself naturally.

Tui Na methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, acupressure techniques which directly affect the flow of Qi, and manipulation techniques to realign the muscles and ligaments. As such, the experience of Tui Na could be described as a cross between physiotherapy, shiatsu and acupressure. Practitioners develop a special awareness of the Qi, which they work with directly on the patient's body, and usually through clothes.