The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Tui Na (Traditional Chinese Therapeutic Massage)

Traditional Chinese manual therapy using kneading, pressing and rolling techniques along meridians to restore qi and blood flow.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp department. Book Appointment →

What is Tui Na (Traditional Chinese Therapeutic Massage)?

Tui na (literally push-grasp) is a centuries-old manual therapy modality of traditional Chinese medicine, recognized alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine. Practitioners apply pressure, kneading, rolling, pressing, vibrating, percussing and joint manipulation techniques to acupoints, meridians and musculoskeletal structures.

It aims to restore the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood through meridians, release muscular tension, reduce pain, improve range of motion and balance the relationship between yin and yang. Modern interpretations describe its mechanisms in terms of myofascial release, neuromuscular reflex modulation, gate-control analgesia and improved local circulation.

Common indications include neck and back pain, frozen shoulder, sciatica, muscle strains, headache, insomnia, digestive complaints, infantile tui na for pediatric problems and stress-related symptoms. Sessions last 30-60 minutes and combine assessment of pulse, tongue and meridian state. Contraindications include open wounds, fractures, deep vein thrombosis, severe osteoporosis, malignancies at site, pregnancy at certain points and bleeding disorders.

Symptoms

Neck and shoulder stiffness
Lower back pain
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Sciatica
Tension headache
Insomnia and stress-related fatigue
Digestive symptoms (bloating, constipation)
Sports injuries and muscle strain
Pediatric digestive or sleep issues (infantile tui na)
Reduced range of motion

Risk Factors

Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use
Severe osteoporosis
Acute fractures
Open wounds or skin infections
Malignancies at treatment site
Deep vein thrombosis
Pregnancy at specific points
Severe cardiovascular disease
Acute inflammation
Recent surgery

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Severe pain unresponsive to several sessions
  • Numbness or weakness suggesting nerve compression
  • Acute injury before tui na use
  • Worsening of symptoms after sessions
  • Pregnancy considering tui na
  • Existing severe medical conditions
  • Pediatric serious symptoms requiring evaluation
  • Suspected adverse effect or bruising

Treatment Methods

01
Initial diagnosis based on TCM principles (pulse, tongue)
02
Selection of meridians and acupoints
03
Combination of rolling, kneading, pressing and stretching
04
Joint mobilization techniques
05
Integration with acupuncture and herbal therapy
06
Patient education on posture and stretching
07
Avoidance of contraindicated areas
08
Monitoring for bruising or pain after sessions
09
Combined approach with conventional physical therapy
10
Long-term lifestyle and self-care recommendations

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Acupuncture

Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp

Acupuncture, in which fine needles are applied to specific points, is a method of demonstrated efficacy in chronic pain, migraine, and nausea.

Cupping Therapy (Hijama)

Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp

Dry and wet cupping is used within the framework of traditional medicine for muscular pain, myofascial pain, and certain metabolic complaints.

Ozone Therapy

Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp

Medical ozone is used within the field of traditional medicine for wound healing, chronic infections, and certain metabolic conditions.

Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine)

Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp

Phytotherapy refers to the evidence-based use of standardized herbal products; drug interactions must be considered.

Mesotherapy

Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp

Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive method used in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, cellulite, hair loss, and localized fat.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp

PRP is an autologous biological treatment used for joint disease, sports injuries, hair loss and wound healing.

Neural Therapy

Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp

Neural therapy aims to restore autonomic nervous system balance through procaine injections at nerve ganglia and scar tissue.

Balneotherapy (Spa Therapy)

Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp

Balneotherapy uses thermal water, mud, and steam therapeutically to relieve musculoskeletal complaints.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.