Tui Na (pronounced twee-nah) is one of the oldest and most comprehensive forms of therapeutic bodywork in the world. Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, Tui Na is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—alongside acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Qi Gong. Its name means “push and grasp,” describing the rhythmic, hands-on techniques used to restore balance, relieve pain, and promote overall wellness.
A Brief History
The origins of Tui Na can be traced back to ancient China, with written references appearing in the Huang Di Nei Jing(The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine), compiled around 200 BCE. Early physicians observed that by manipulating the body’s soft tissues and meridian pathways, they could influence the flow of Qi (vital energy), relieve pain, and promote internal balance.
Over the centuries, Tui Na developed in alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine as a foundational therapeutic practice. It was used not only in healing clinics and hospitals but also in monasteries, martial arts schools, and family lineages—passed down as both a medical art and a practical healing method for everyday life.
Tui Na and the Martial Arts Tradition
Tui Na holds a unique place in the history of Chinese martial arts. In traditional martial training, injuries such as bruises, sprains, dislocations, and muscle strains were inevitable. Martial artists relied on Tui Na to treat trauma, promote recovery, and maintain the smooth flow of Qi and blood after training or combat.
Within martial lineages, this branch of medicine was known as Die Da (跌打), or “fall and hit medicine.” Skilled practitioners combined Tui Na massage, acupuncture, and herbal remedies—including external liniments, poultices, and internal formulas—to treat injuries and prevent long-term stagnation or weakness.
Tui Na was used to realign joints, relax muscles, and move Qi and blood through the meridians.
Acupuncture was applied to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and promote faster tissue repair.
Herbal medicine, both internal and topical, supported the healing of bones, tendons, and ligaments while reducing inflammation.
This integration of therapies allowed martial artists to recover more quickly from injury, sustain rigorous physical training, and cultivate internal balance. Many martial arts masters were also trained healers, understanding that true strength came from maintaining harmony within the body as well as mastering skill and discipline.
Over time, these martial healing traditions became an essential part of TCM trauma therapy—an early example of sports medicine rooted in holistic principles.
How Tui Na Works
Tui Na therapy focuses on restoring the smooth flow of Qi and blood through the body’s meridian system. Practitioners use a combination of hand techniques—such as pressing, kneading, rolling, stretching, and percussion—to relieve blockages and tension.
A key feature of Tui Na is acupressure, the manual stimulation of acupuncture points using the fingers, thumbs, or palms. This activates the body’s natural healing response, harmonizes internal organ function, and promotes relaxation. Depending on the individual’s needs, the practitioner may also incorporate gentle joint mobilization or traction to improve alignment and flexibility.
Therapeutic Benefits
Tui Na provides a wide range of therapeutic benefits for both musculoskeletal and internal conditions. Common benefits include:
Pain Relief: Alleviates neck, shoulder, back, and joint discomfort
Injury Recovery: Promotes healing after sprains, strains, and overuse injuries
Stress Reduction: Calms the nervous system and supports emotional balance
Enhanced Circulation: Improves blood and lymphatic flow for faster recovery
Digestive Support: Aids healthy digestion and relieves abdominal tension
Improved Mobility: Restores flexibility and range of motion in stiff muscles and joints
Because it addresses both the physical and energetic aspects of the body, Tui Na not only relieves pain and tension but also restores internal balance and vitality.
What to Expect During a Tui Na Session
A Tui Na session begins with a brief consultation to determine the patient’s needs and areas of concern. Treatments are performed over light clothing or a sheet using various manual techniques along the muscles, joints, and meridians.
Patients often experience sensations of warmth, tingling, or gentle release as stagnation clears and energy begins to flow freely. After treatment, it’s common to feel deeply relaxed, lighter, and more balanced throughout the body.
A Time-Tested Healing Art
From ancient medicine and martial traditions to modern clinical practice, Tui Na remains a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its ability to relieve pain, enhance recovery, and restore harmony has made it a trusted therapy for thousands of years.
Whether used on its own or alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine, Tui Na offers a natural, holistic approach to healing—one that unites strength, balance, and well-being in both body and mind.