Tuina literally means "Pushing and Grasping" and refers to the therapeutic Massage branch of traditional Chinese Medicine. The term did not appear until the Ming Dynasty:1368-1644, where it first featured as part of a paediatric tuina book. prior to this period the art was known as "Anmo", pressing and Rubbing.
The earliest references to Massage therapy are given the China'xs most famous medical text, The Huang Di Nei Jing, which cites Massage for the treatment of channel obstruction, muscle weakness, pain and atony.
In recent years there has been a tendancy to distinguish Tuina as a TCM based medical massage deeply rooted in The concepts of Yin / Yang, channel theory and Organ function, and Anmo defined as Massage.
Today Tuina employs various techniques including gliding, kneading, kneading, rocking, shaking, vibration, traction, mobilisation to name a few, with techniques such as "Guen Fa" or rolling technique being unique to Tuina. Bone-setting is also used in China but not required here in New Zealand.
All techniques are chosen according to diagnosic tools of TCM also used by Acupuncturists or Herbalists or Qi Gong Practicioners.