Tui Na, which translates as "push-grasp" in Chinese, refers to the modality of Chinese medical bodywork. Tui Na employs a series of hand techniques to removeblockages along the body’s meridians. Acupressure, or the stimulation of acupuncture points without needles, is one part of Tui Na. Practitioners often use herbal liniments, plasters, or compresses to aid in the healing process. When correctly applied, the techniques of Tui Na are effective at treating a wide variety of ailments, including orthopedic problems, sports injuries, muscular tension, and internal disease. While Tui Na may be used alone, it is often incorporated with other modalities of Chinese medicine.
Tui Na is an integral part of Chinese Medicine and is part of the curriculum in TCM schools. Traditionally, tui na was taught by martial arts masters to their students for the treatment of injuries due to training. As with many other traditional Chinese medical practices, there are several different schools with greater or lesser differences in their approach to the discipline.
