There are some differences between Tuina and massage in certain aspects, as follows:

• Origin and Development
  • Tuina: It is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a long history. Based on TCM theories, such as the theory of meridians and collaterals, and the theory of qi, blood and body fluids, etc., its rudiment can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Through continuous summarization and development by successive generations of TCM practitioners, it has formed a complete theoretical system and rich manipulative techniques. It is a TCM therapy with profound cultural heritage.
  • Massage: It originated from folk health care and wound treatment methods, and its development process is quite diverse, influenced by the cultures and traditions of different regions. In the West, massage also has a long history. There are records of massage in ancient Greece and Rome. Its theories and techniques have integrated modern medical knowledge such as anatomy and physiology during the development process.
• Theoretical Basis
  • Tuina: Based on TCM theories, it emphasizes the regulation of qi and blood circulation by stimulating the meridians and acupoints of the human body, so as to achieve the goals of strengthening the healthy qi and eliminating pathogenic factors, balancing yin and yang, and harmonizing the internal organs. It believes that the human body is an organic whole, and the occurrence of diseases is related to the obstruction of qi and blood, the blockage of meridians and collaterals, and the dysfunction of internal organs. Tuina acts on the corresponding meridians and acupoints through specific manipulative techniques to improve the overall condition of the body.
  • Massage: It is more based on the knowledge of anatomy and physiology in modern medicine. It focuses on the direct effect on the body structures such as muscles, bones and joints. It promotes the health of the body by relaxing muscles, improving blood circulation, and relieving pain, with an emphasis on the relief of local symptoms and the relaxation of the body.
• Characteristics of Manipulative Techniques
  • Tuina: The manipulative techniques are rich and diverse, including a variety of basic techniques such as pushing, grasping, pressing, rubbing, kneading, pinching, point-pressing, and patting, as well as compound techniques formed by combining these basic techniques. Tuina techniques pay attention to the penetration and conduction of force, requiring “deep penetration”, that is, the force of the techniques can penetrate through the surface tissues and reach the deep meridians and internal organs. When operating, there is often a certain pattern and sequence, and appropriate techniques and combinations of techniques are selected according to different diseases and parts.
  • Massage: The techniques are relatively gentle and delicate, mainly including techniques such as kneading, pinching, rolling, and rubbing, focusing on the relaxation and soothing of muscles. The intensity of the massage is usually adjusted according to the client’s tolerance to achieve a comfortable and relaxing effect. In the application of techniques, it emphasizes more on the direct effect on local muscles, with the main purposes of relieving muscle tension and improving local blood circulation.
• Scope of Treatment
  • Tuina: It can not only be used to relieve common conditions such as muscle strain and joint pain, but also to treat some diseases in internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, etc., such as cold, insomnia, irregular menstruation, and infantile dyspepsia. By regulating the qi and blood of the human body and the functions of internal organs, it has a good therapeutic effect on some functional diseases and chronic diseases.
  • Massage: It mainly focuses on relieving physical fatigue, muscle tension and pain, and is often used in the fields of health care and rehabilitation, such as the recovery of muscles after exercise, the relief of physical fatigue, and the improvement of muscle pain caused by cervical spondylosis and lumbar spondylosis. In the early stage of some acute injuries, massage can also play a certain role in reducing swelling and relieving pain, but its application scope in treating complex diseases is relatively narrower compared with Tuina.
• Professional Requirements
  • Tuina: Tuina practitioners need to have a solid foundation of TCM theoretical knowledge, including meridian science, acupoint science, basic TCM theory, etc., and at the same time, they need to master the operation skills and application principles of various Tuina techniques proficiently. Since Tuina involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, it has high requirements for the professional qualities of practitioners. Usually, they need to go through systematic professional study and training and obtain the corresponding qualification certificates before they can engage in Tuina work.
  • Massage: Massage practitioners also need to master certain knowledge of anatomy, physiology and massage techniques. However, relatively speaking, the requirements for TCM theoretical knowledge are not as strict as those for Tuina. Massage focuses more on skill training, and they master various massage techniques through learning and practice to provide comfortable and effective massage services. In some places, massage practitioners may only need short-term training to take up their posts, but in regular medical institutions or high-end massage places, massage therapists are also required to have certain professional qualifications.