Massage Therapy Glossary

Tuina (Tui Na pronounced ‘t-weigh na’) Massage uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of qi (chi), the body’s life energy through meridians as its basic therapeutic orientation.  Records show massage has been practised in China for thousands of years.  The term “tui na” first appeared in the Ming Dynasty text of the Pediatric Tui Na Classic in 1601. Tui Na’s massage, stretching, acupressure, and over 365 different hand manipulations of the muscles and tendons, directly affect the flow of qi, thus, affecting the relationships of the muscles and ligaments (called bone-setting).  External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves, may also be used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.  Tui Na incorporates techniques that are similar to Western and Asian massage, as well as chiropractic, osteopathic, and western physical therapy. Tui Na literally translates to “push pull,” with tui meaning to push and na meaning to lift and squeeze.  Refined over the centuries, tui na facilitates healing by regulating the circulation of blood and qi, which controls body function and enhances resistance to disease, while seeking to allow the body to naturally heal itself. See also Acupressure.

Is there a therapy not here that you would like to see included? To contribute a term, its history and a definition to massage.ca glossary click here.

Therapists: find out about listing here >>

Back to Massage Therapy Glossary