The Story behind Tuina Massage
Tuina, also known as Tui Na, is a form of traditional Chinese massage with a history dating back thousands of years. The term “Tuina” translates to “push” and “grasp” in Chinese, reflecting the technique’s emphasis on various manipulations and manual therapies.
Tuina’s origins can be traced to ancient China, where it was an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Early records suggest that Tuina was practiced as early as the Shang Dynasty (17th to 11th centuries BCE). Throughout Chinese history, Tuina evolved and became a comprehensive system of therapeutic massage, incorporating principles from acupuncture, herbal medicine, and martial arts.
During the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, Tuina gained formal recognition, and specialized schools were established. Over time, Tuina spread beyond China and is now practiced worldwide as a therapeutic massage modality, known for its holistic approach to promoting balance and healing in the body.
Tuina massage is not a category at the World Championship in Massage, but it is done and given within the category Freestyle Massage (Eastern inspired)
- Text by Jeppe Tengbjerg
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