Tuina is one of the four main branches of traditional Chinese medicine, along with acupuncture, qi gong, and Chinese herbal medicine. Tuina is believed to be the oldest system of bodywork in history.

Tuina is similar to acupuncture in terms of the diagnostic system. Tuina targets specific acupuncture points and meridians based on the diagnosis and underlying issue. Practitioners use Hands, forearms and fingers to apply specific pressure, vibration or movement to stimulate the Qi, fascia and meridians. Tuina massage could be used in combination with acupuncture or as a single modality on its own.